As we approach 2025, IBM security executives have shared their insights on the evolving landscape of cybersecurity. Here are six key predictions that highlight the challenges and opportunities ahead:
1. The Rise of Shadow AI
Businesses are increasingly deploying generative AI models, sometimes without proper governance. This “shadow AI” poses significant data security risks. In 2025, organizations will need to confront this issue head-on with clear governance policies, comprehensive workforce training, and diligent detection and response strategies.
2. Collaborative Cybersecurity
The rapid evolution of threats from generative AI and hybrid cloud adoption means that cybersecurity teams can no longer manage threats in isolation. Successful organizations will integrate security into their organizational culture, with executives and diverse teams jointly developing and enforcing cybersecurity strategies. The maturation of quantum-safe cryptography standards will also drive the modernization of cryptography management.
3. Trustworthy AI
Trustworthy AI is often defined by its transparency, fairness, and privacy protection. However, in 2025, the security of AI and the data powering it will become an essential ingredient. Ensuring AI and data security will be crucial to maintaining the integrity of AI systems as businesses, governments, and individuals interact with AI more frequently and with higher stakes.
4. Identity-First Strategy
With the ongoing shift to hybrid cloud and app modernization, identity has become the new security perimeter. In 2025, enterprises will continue to adopt an Identity-First strategy, focusing on building an effective identity fabric. This integrated set of identity tools and services will help manage and secure access to applications and critical data, including generative AI models.
5. Post-Quantum Cryptography Agility
As organizations transition to post-quantum cryptography, agility will be key. The U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is expanding its toolbox of post-quantum cryptography standards, signaling the need for systems to rapidly adapt to new cryptographic mechanisms and algorithms. Automation will play a crucial role in streamlining and accelerating this process.
6. Balancing AI Benefits and Threats
AI offers significant productivity and efficiency gains, including automating security and compliance tasks. However, it also presents new risks as threat actors use AI to breach security processes and protocols. In 2025, businesses must adopt security frameworks, best practices, and guardrails for AI to address both the benefits and risks associated with rapid AI advancements.
These predictions underscore the importance of proactive measures and collaborative efforts in navigating the complex cybersecurity landscape of 2025. By staying ahead of these trends, organizations can better protect their data and assets in an increasingly digital world.
Original article courtesy of DataQuest.
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