Source URL: https://cloud.google.com/blog/topics/threat-intelligence/emerging-threats-cybersecurity-forecast-2025/
Source: Cloud Blog
Title: Emerging Threats: Cybersecurity Forecast 2025
Feedly Summary: Every November, we start sharing forward-looking insights on threats and other cybersecurity topics to help organizations and defenders prepare for the year ahead. The Cybersecurity Forecast 2025 report, available today, plays a big role in helping us accomplish this mission.
This year’s report draws on insights directly from Google Cloud’s security leaders, as well as dozens of analysts, researchers, responders, reverse engineers, and other experts on the frontlines of the latest and largest attacks.
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Key Threat Findings
Built on trends we are already seeing today, the Cybersecurity Forecast 2025 report provides a realistic outlook of what organizations can expect to face in the coming year. The report covers a lot of topics across all of cybersecurity, with a focus on various threats such as:
Attacker Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): Threat actors will increasingly use AI for sophisticated phishing, vishing, and social engineering attacks. They will also leverage deepfakes for identity theft, fraud, and bypassing security measures.
AI for Information Operations (IO): IO actors will use AI to scale content creation, produce more persuasive content, and enhance inauthentic personas.
The Big Four: Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea will remain active, engaging in espionage operations, cyber crime, and information operations aligned with their geopolitical interests.
Ransomware and Multifaceted Extortion: Ransomware and multifaceted extortion will continue to be the most disruptive form of cyber crime, impacting various sectors and countries.
Infostealer Malware: Infostealer malware will continue to be a major threat, enabling data breaches and account compromises.
Democratization of Cyber Capabilities: Increased access to tools and services will lower barriers to entry for less-skilled actors.
Compromised Identities: Compromised identities in hybrid environments will pose significant risks.
Web3 and Crypto Heists: Web3 and cryptocurrency organizations will increasingly be targeted by attackers seeking to steal digital assets.
Faster Exploitation and More Vendors Targeted: The time to exploit vulnerabilities will continue to decrease, and the range of targeted vendors will expand.
Be Prepared for 2025
Read the Cybersecurity Forecast 2025 report for a more in-depth look at these and other threats, as well as other security topics such as post-quantum cryptography, and insights unique to the JAPAC and EMEA regions.
For an even deeper look at the threat landscape next year, register for our Cybersecurity Forecast 2025 webinar, which will be hosted once again by threat expert Andrew Kopcienski.
For even more insights, hear directly from our security leaders: Charles Carmakal, Sandra Joyce, Sunil Potti, and Phil Venables.
AI Summary and Description: Yes
**Summary:**
The Cybersecurity Forecast 2025 report offers critical insights into future cybersecurity threats, including the increasing use of AI by malicious actors, ransomware trends, and geopolitical influences on cyber operations. This forward-looking analysis is essential for organizations aiming to strengthen their defenses in a rapidly evolving threat landscape.
**Detailed Description:**
The Cybersecurity Forecast 2025 report serves as a pivotal resource for organizations and cybersecurity professionals, providing a comprehensive overview of anticipated threats and trends in the coming year. Aimed at helping defenders prepare more effectively, the report compiles insights from Google Cloud’s top security leaders and a range of industry experts. Key findings of the report include:
– **Use of AI by Attackers:**
– Threat actors are predicted to adopt AI to conduct sophisticated phishing, vishing, and social engineering attacks.
– Deepfakes will be increasingly utilized for identity theft and to evade security protocols.
– **AI in Information Operations:**
– Actors involved in information operations will harness AI to scale content generation and craft more convincing narratives, enhancing their ability to deceive numerous individuals.
– **Geopolitical Actors:**
– Countries like Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea will persist in their cyber espionage and crime efforts, tailored to their geopolitical agendas.
– **Ransomware Dynamics:**
– Ransomware will remain the most disruptive form of cybercrime, expanding its reach across sectors and nations.
– Multifaceted extortion tactics are expected to escalate.
– **Infostealer Malware:**
– Infostealer malware will continue to be a dominant threat, leading to significant data breaches and compromised accounts.
– **Democratization of Cyber Capabilities:**
– The growing accessibility of cyber tools and services will enable less-skilled attackers to effectively engage in cyber misconduct.
– **Identity Compromises:**
– Organizations will face heightened risks due to compromised identities in hybrid work environments.
– **Web3 and Cryptocurrency Security:**
– There will be a marked increase in attacks targeting Web3 and cryptocurrency organizations aimed at stealing digital assets.
– **Exploitation Trends:**
– The speed at which vulnerabilities are exploited will continue to accelerate, along with a broader range of vendors being targeted.
The report emphasizes the importance of being proactive and prepared for the emerging threat landscape in 2025, suggesting that organizations should not only review the detailed findings but also participate in webinars and discussions led by cybersecurity experts to enhance their understanding and readiness.
Overall, this forecast serves as a critical tool for security professionals, guiding them to strengthen their security postures amidst evolving challenges and threats in the cybersecurity arena.