The cybersecurity world grapples with the aftershocks of a turbulent year. From headline-grabbing data breaches involving giants like AT&T and Ticketmaster to widespread IT outages that crippled businesses, it’s clear the challenges of the past year will shape what’s to come. Technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning continue to advance rapidly and provide immense potential for improving security, but they also bring new risks that organizations must navigate. As highlighted in the Forbes article “Six Cybersecurity Trends Heating Up in 2025,” several key developments are poised to shape the landscape. Here are six trends to watch:
Historically, consolidating cybersecurity tools with a single vendor was preferred to reduce complexity and misconfigurations. Utilizing a single source was assumed to strengthen an organization’s security posture. However, due to high-profile incidents, such as the CrowdStrike breach, businesses are reconsidering relying on one vendor. The potential risk for single points of failure is persuading organizations to adopt a more diversified approach. Expect to see businesses building heterogeneous security stacks—mixing and matching tools from various providers. This not only reduces dependency on one vendor but also encourages healthy competition and innovation in the cybersecurity industry.
Gone are the days when traditional perimeter-based security was sufficient. Zero-trust security has emerged as a critical defense strategy in an era of hybrid work and sophisticated cyber threats. Zero trust assumes that no user or device can be trusted by default. Instead, it continuously verifies credentials and monitors network activity to prevent unauthorized access. As remote work continues to expand—expected to account for nearly a quarter of the U.S. workforce by 2025—adopting zero-trust principles is crucial.
For years, AI and ML were touted as the ultimate game-changers in cybersecurity but often overhyped. That may finally change in 2025. AI tools are maturing and being more thoughtfully integrated into security systems, from automating routine tasks to providing real-time analysis of threats. However, AI is not a cure-all. Organizations that take the time to understand where AI excels—and where it doesn’t—will gain a significant edge in the evolving threat landscape.
Human error still remains one of the weakest links in cybersecurity, even with all the advancements in technology. A Stanford study found that nearly 9 out of 10 breaches stem from simple mistakes, underscoring the need for more solutions that combat users’ bad habits. Behavioral analytics and AI-driven tools are beginning to fill this gap. For example, AI copilots can help employees spot phishing attempts by analyzing email content for red flags, while security systems can monitor for unusual activity that might signal insider threats. By focusing on empowering employees with smarter tools, organizations can mitigate the risks associated with human error.
The rise of passwordless authentication methods, like passkeys and biometric logins, has gained momentum, and their adoption will likely continue to grow in 2025. However, it’s important to remember that traditional passwords remain deeply embedded in most systems because passwords are still the default or fallback option for countless platforms. Organizations will need to maintain strong password policies for the foreseeable future, ensuring robust protection for legacy systems and user accounts.
Unsurprisingly, attacks on critical infrastructure increased by 30% compared to the previous year. This upward trend has made it clear that the regulatory environment needs to catch up with the market. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is set to release its final rule under the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act (CIRCIA) in late 2025. In anticipation of these requirements, organizations are beginning to adopt new tools and processes to ensure compliance. These efforts will enhance resilience and help protect vital systems against the increasingly sophisticated tactics of bad actors.
While 2025 will undoubtedly bring new challenges, it will also offer organizations the opportunity to innovate and strengthen defenses. The ability to adapt, adopt cutting-edge solutions, and prioritize proactive strategies will separate resilient organizations from those left vulnerable.
Get ATO protection with zero false positives and no added friction to the user experience.