Source URL: https://cloud.google.com/blog/topics/threat-intelligence/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 provided text discusses the Cybersecurity Forecast 2025 report, which outlines anticipated cybersecurity threats and trends for the upcoming year. Notably, it highlights the increasing use of AI by threat actors and various geopolitical cyber activities from major nations. The insights are sourced from Google Cloud security leaders and other expert analysts, making it a critical resource for understanding future cybersecurity challenges.
Detailed Description:
The Cybersecurity Forecast 2025 report serves as a crucial guide for organizations preparing to face evolving cybersecurity threats. The report synthesizes insights from various security experts to provide a comprehensive look at anticipated cyber risks and trends.
Key Points Include:
– **Use of Artificial Intelligence by Threat Actors**:
– Cybercriminals are expected to leverage AI technologies to enhance phishing techniques, social engineering attacks, and other malicious activities.
– Deepfake technology will likely be used for identity theft and fraud, posing significant risks to personal and organizational security.
– **Information Operations Utilizing AI**:
– Actors involved in information warfare will employ AI tools to create and disseminate persuasive and misleading content, enhancing their effectiveness in influencing public perception.
– **Geopolitical Cyber Activities by Major Nations**:
– Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea are forecasted to continue their cyber espionage and criminal activities, aligning them with their national interests.
– **Ransomware Challenges**:
– Ransomware, particularly multifaceted extortion tactics, remains a leading form of cybercrime that threatens various industries and is expected to persist as a primary concern.
– **Threat of Infostealer Malware**:
– Infostealer malware is highlighted as a continuous risk factor that can lead to significant data breaches and the theft of sensitive information.
– **Democratization of Cyber Capabilities**:
– Increased access to sophisticated cyber tools will empower even less-skilled adversaries, lowering the barriers to initiating cyber attacks.
– **Compromise of Identities**:
– The report emphasizes the dangers associated with compromised identities, particularly in hybrid organizational environments.
– **Emerging Target: Web3 and Crypto Assets**:
– As cryptocurrencies and Web3 technologies become more prevalent, they are likely to draw the attention of cybercriminals aiming to exploit these systems.
– **Evolving Exploitation and Vendor Vulnerabilities**:
– The speed of exploiting vulnerabilities is expected to increase, along with a broader array of vendors being targeted.
The report emphasizes the need for organizations to prepare for 2025 by addressing these threats and reflects on additional topics like post-quantum cryptography. It also encourages participation in an upcoming webinar for deeper insights into cyber threats.
Overall, the insights provided in this report are critical for professionals in cybersecurity and compliance roles, helping them stay informed about emerging threats and necessary defenses as technology evolves.