BeyondTrust forecasts cybersecurity shifts by 2025

BeyondTrust has released its cybersecurity predictions for 2025, forecasting a shift in security strategies as identity risks and quantum threats emerge prominently.

Authored by Morey J. Haber, Chief Security Officer; Christopher Hills, Chief Security Strategist; James Maude, Field Chief Technology Officer; and Mike Machado, Chief Information Security Officer, the predictions highlight threats and advancements poised to reshape security approaches.

The report's first prediction suggests that the "Artificial Inflation" of Artificial Intelligence (AI2) will diminish by 2025, with AI usage reverting to practical applications for automation and security enhancement. "The focus will shift toward practical AI applications that enhance security without overwhelming organisations with marketing noise," BeyondTrust experts noted.

The second prediction warns of quantum computing's potential to undermine current cryptographic defences, specifically impacting large enterprises in sectors such as finance. The transition to post-quantum encryption, guided by NIST's recent standards, demands urgent planning to safeguard sensitive information from emerging vulnerabilities.

Identity paths are expected to become pivotal security battlegrounds, according to the third prediction. Attackers may exploit complex trust relationships and hidden entitlements to obtain privileged access, necessitating organisations to reassess their identity and access protocols to mitigate these risks.

A rise in reverse identity theft is predicted in the fourth point, where breach data, combined with additional personal details, could lead to the creation of fake digital identities. This will pose challenges in maintaining identity security by complicating efforts to identify legitimate personas.

The fifth prediction anticipates the obsolescence of systems as Microsoft withdraws support for Windows 10 in late 2025. Many systems, unable to upgrade to Windows 11, may become vulnerable, prompting organisations to envisage hardware updates or alternative systems.

Citing the growing complexities of AI and quantum threats, the sixth prediction forecasts adjustments in cyber insurance policies. Insurers are likely to update terms, introducing exclusions similar to those addressing acts of war, compelling businesses to adopt robust practices to secure coverage.

BeyondTrust's predictions also touch on longer-term trends, such as a potential decline in malware's prominence as a threat vector as attackers target identity and access vulnerabilities instead.

Satellite connectivity, predicted to advance significantly, will likely disrupt traditional 5G and broadband networks, opening new avenues for cyber attacks.

Morey Haber, Chief Security Officer at BeyondTrust, said: "Looking ahead helps us anticipate where cyber threat actors will undoubtedly go, and preparing for what's ahead makes all the difference in risk management effectiveness. At BeyondTrust, we aim to deliver the best security solutions to address these future attack vectors and help our customers stay ahead of emerging threats."