BeyondTrust experts foresee a transformative evolution in cybersecurity strategies, emphasizing identity risks and the imminent threat of quantum computing.
BeyondTrust, a prominent player in global cybersecurity, has unveiled its comprehensive annual forecast addressing significant cybersecurity trends anticipated for 2025 and beyond.
Written by a team of BeyondTrust authorities, including Morey J. Haber, Chief Security Advisor; Christopher Hills, Chief Security Strategist; James Maude, Field Chief Technology Officer; and Mike Machado, Chief Information Security Officer, the report sheds light on emerging threats and groundbreaking technologies poised to reshape security frameworks in the upcoming years.
Prediction #1: AI2 Bursts the bubble
The phenomenon referred to as AI2, or the ‘Artificial Inflation’ of Artificial Intelligence, is projected to experience a decline in hype across various sectors. While AI will continue to be instrumental for fundamental automation and improving workflow efficiencies, many of the exaggerated claims surrounding its capabilities—particularly regarding security applications—are expected to fall significantly short by 2025. The emphasis will pivot toward practical AI solutions that effectively bolster security without inundating organizations with misleading marketing claims.
Prediction #2: Quantum Computing threats loom large
As quantum computing technology continues to advance, it will pose a considerable challenge to current cryptographic defenses, particularly for large organizations. Following the release of NIST’s post-quantum encryption standards in 2024, the adaptation to these new protocols is anticipated to extend over a considerable period. Major enterprises, especially those in the financial sector, must start formulating strategic plans to navigate this quantum shift to ensure the protection of sensitive and valuable data.
Prediction #3: Hidden paths to privilege become the new battleground
In 2025, attackers are expected to increasingly exploit obscure identity paths, which include convoluted trust relationships and hidden entitlements leading to privileged access. These seemingly minor identity factors will rapidly escalate into significant security concerns, compelling organizations to meticulously reassess their identity and access management practices to avert potential lateral movement and privilege escalation attacks.
Prediction #4: Reverse identity theft takes centre stage
A rise in reverse identity theft is expected, where compromised data from breaches is illicitly combined with other personal information to fabricate false digital identities. This emerging trend will significantly complicate identity security, as organizations will grapple with distinguishing between legitimate users and fraudulent identities.
Prediction #5: Planned obsolescence forces hardware overhaul
With Microsoft set to conclude support for Windows 10 in late 2025, an estimated millions of systems will face obsolescence. A significant number of these systems will be unable to meet the hardware specifications necessary to operate Windows 11, consequently driving organizations towards essential hardware upgrades or the adoption of alternative operating systems. This shift is likely to result in a proliferation of outdated devices, leaving them susceptible to cyber threats.
Prediction #6: Cyber insurance plays catch-up
Cyber insurance providers will need to adapt quickly to meet the evolving landscape of cybersecurity risks, as organizations increasingly recognize the necessity of robust insurance strategies as part of their risk management plans.
BeyondTrust’s Long-term cybersecurity projections
In addition to identifying immediate threats, BeyondTrust experts have also outlined projections for longer-term cybersecurity trends:
Prediction #7: The end of malware dominance
The traditional role of malware as the predominant threat vector is expected to wane, as attackers increasingly turn their focus toward exploiting weaknesses within identity and access controls. Organizations will need to redirect their security strategies to prioritize the protection of user identities and mitigate the potential damage stemming from compromised accounts.
Prediction #8: Satellite connectivity disrupts traditional networks
As satellite connectivity technologies advance, conventional networks like 5G and broadband will encounter stiff competition. This shift will create new vulnerabilities and attack surfaces, as satellite communications become a more prevalent and attractive alternative to traditional methods.
“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,” stated Morey Haber, Chief Security Advisor at BeyondTrust. “At BeyondTrust, we aim to deliver the most effective security solutions to confront these future attack vectors and empower our customers to stay ahead of emerging cyber threats.”
How can organizations combat the rising trend of reverse identity theft mentioned by Morey J. Haber?
### Interview on the Future of Cybersecurity with Morey J. Haber, Chief Security Advisor at BeyondTrust
**Interviewer:** Good morning, Morey! Thank you for joining us today to discuss BeyondTrust’s recent insights on the future of cybersecurity. With advancements in technology and emerging threats, what are some of the most pressing predictions you’ve outlined for 2025 and beyond?
**Morey J. Haber:** Good morning! It’s a pleasure to be here. We have outlined several key predictions, one of which is the phenomenon we call AI2, or the ‘Artificial Inflation’ of Artificial Intelligence. While AI will undoubtedly continue to enhance automation and efficiency, we anticipate a significant decline in the exaggerated claims associated with its security applications. By 2025, the focus will shift toward practical AI solutions that truly enhance security rather than relying on marketing hype.
**Interviewer:** That’s quite an interesting take on AI. How do you think quantum computing will impact cybersecurity in the near future?
**Morey J. Haber:** Quantum computing presents one of the most significant challenges to current cryptographic defenses. As this technology advances, particularly following NIST’s post-quantum encryption standards expected in 2024, organizations will need to adapt to new cryptographic protocols. This transition won’t happen overnight; it’s imperative for businesses, especially in sectors like finance, to start strategizing now to protect their sensitive data from potential quantum threats.
**Interviewer:** You also mentioned that hidden paths to privilege are becoming a new battleground for cyber attackers. Can you elaborate on that?
**Morey J. Haber:** Absolutely. By 2025, we expect attackers to exploit lesser-known identity paths within organizations, such as complicated trust relationships and hidden entitlements that lead to privileged access. These often-overlooked identity factors can escalate into widespread security issues. Organizations will need to reassess their identity and access management practices carefully to prevent unauthorized lateral movement and privilege escalation by attackers.
**Interviewer:** That sounds quite alarming! You also foresee a rise in reverse identity theft. How can organizations combat this trend?
**Morey J. Haber:** Reverse identity theft, where attackers combine stolen data to create fraudulent identities, will complicate identity security significantly. To combat this, organizations must implement robust identity verification processes to distinguish between legitimate users and potential imposters. This might involve multifactor authentication and continuous monitoring of user behaviors to detect anomalies.
**Interviewer:** As technology evolves, so do hardware requirements. You mention planned obsolescence affecting cybersecurity – can you explain that a bit more?
**Morey J. Haber:** Sure! With Microsoft ending support for Windows 10 in late 2025, many legacy systems will become obsolete and unable to upgrade to Windows 11 due to hardware limitations. This will result in a substantial increase in the number of outdated devices, which can be prime targets for cyber threats. Organizations must prepare for necessary hardware upgrades or consider alternative operating systems to ensure they remain secure.
**Interviewer:** what role do you see cyber insurance playing in the evolving cybersecurity landscape?
**Morey J. Haber:** Cyber insurance will become increasingly critical as threats grow and organizations seek ways to mitigate risk. However, as incidents of cybercrime rise, we anticipate that insurers will respond by adjusting their policies and premiums, which means businesses will need to demonstrate robust security practices to secure coverage. The interplay between insurance, risk management, and cybersecurity practices will become vital in the coming years.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Morey! It’s clear that the landscape of cybersecurity will continue to transform significantly, and organizations must stay vigilant and proactive in their strategies.
**Morey J. Haber:** Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting yet challenging time in cybersecurity, and I’m hopeful that organizations will adapt to meet these emerging threats head-on.