Top 5 Cyber Trends to Track in 2025

A year ago, cybersecurity marketers were concerned about the impact of generative AI on our storytelling jobs, sparking debate about whether machines could replace human creativity.

In 2025, we’re worried about a very different problem with generative AI: attackers using it to do their jobs faster and better, just like we do. From crafting hyper-realistic phishing emails to automating the spread of malware, this development is a reflection of the overall cybersecurity landscape, where bad actors are using the same innovations we rely on to engage audiences — with far more malicious intent.

Attackers are no longer limited to poorly crafted scams or primitive exploits. Instead, they combine cutting-edge technology with strategic precision to penetrate defenses, steal sensitive data and disrupt critical business operations.

Awareness of current cyber trends is critical to successful operations and construction Cybersecurity marketing content. Understanding the threats shaping the industry helps you craft stories and solutions that resonate with our audience, empowering them to take proactive steps. Here are the top cyber trends that we suggest you keep an eye on in 2025 to create timely and useful cybersecurity content.

1. AI-powered cyber threats and defenses

Cybercriminals are using AI to improve the speed and accuracy of phishing, malware, and deepfake attacks. Remember the days when phishing emails were easy to spot due to poor grammar, illogical punctuation, and variable font sizes? Now, bad actors can send messages that look like they were written by your grandmother, and they can use artificial intelligence to send them more effectively. The addition of AI Deepfake technology means that phishing, spear-phishing, and pharming messages can appear completely legitimate even if they always score a 10/10 on the company’s mandatory phishing test.

For example, attackers can now copy a CEO’s voice or create a realistic video message to trick employees into transferring money or sharing sensitive information. These AI-powered scams blur the line between reality and fabrication, making them more difficult to recognize and resist.

What we’re doing about it: AI-powered cybersecurity solutions use machines to catch machines, while leveraging machine learning to support human workers. AI can identify anomalies in the data or asset that a human might miss, and is unaffected by how “persuasive” the message is. Advanced threat detection systems combined with ongoing employee training help humans and machines work together to mitigate threats.

2. Ransomware attacks are multi-pronged

Ransomware attacks have evolved into sophisticated operations that combine encryption, data exfiltration, and extortion to achieve maximum disruptive impact. These attacks often involve carefully orchestrated entry points (e.g Phishing emails or compromised remote access systems). After a breach, bad actors escalate privileges and spread ransomware across entire networks in hours, getting what they need and exiting the environment within 24 hours, in some cases. If they don’t get the money they want, they will delete sensitive data, alert regulators to the gap in standards they created, and direct customers’ business operations to cause maximum financial damage.

Organizations have reported a significant rise in costs resulting from ransomware incidents, not only related to ransomware payments but also in their aftermath: operational downtime, customer attrition, and regulatory penalties. Worse still, some attackers are now using ransomware-as-a-service models, enabling inexperienced cybercriminals to carry out devastating attacks.

What we do about it: Multi-pronged attacks require multi-layered defense. Organizations should use endpoint detection and response, zero trust architecture, and proactive incident response planning to avoid falling into a ransomware network.

3. Quantum computing is coming

Quantum computing is still in its infancy, but it made some waves in 2024 when NIST announced a shortlist of secure quantum algorithms and a planned 2030 retirement date for current cryptographic standards. This timeline highlights the urgency of the situation: The computational power of quantum machines could break the algorithms we use now, leaving sensitive, long-term data, such as medical records, vulnerable. Additionally, the last time we upgraded our algorithms, it took an average of ten years to meet the new standards. With 2030 only five years away, it seems like the time has come for action.

What we do about it: A few organizations have risen to defend the concept of cryptographic resilience, using Thought leadership To establish new best practices and set standards for post-quantum cryptography. Cryptographic resilience is defined as the ability to gracefully adjust encryption standards regardless of the attack method, enabling organizations to remain secure in an increasingly uncertain future.

4. IoT exploitation and security vulnerabilities

Billions of Internet of Things (IoT) devices are connected around the world, extending far beyond smart speakers and mood lighting systems. These devices play critical roles in industrial and operational infrastructure, managing processes such as power distribution or manufacturing processes. But many IoT devices have limitations to their security and robustness, making them easy targets for attackers. The Internet of Things in healthcare is particularly at risk here, with real-world consequences if these medically necessary devices are compromised. A successful attack on devices that control insulin pumps, heart monitors, or ventilators would disrupt patient care, compromise medical data, and seriously threaten patient safety – posing significant risks to IoT security.

What we’re doing about it: To prevent this exploitation, organizations are adopting a secure design approach, integrating security into devices during development rather than seeing it as an afterthought to authenticate users and encrypt data. Additionally, over-the-air updates allow IoT devices to receive security patches and firmware upgrades remotely so they can keep up with evolving threats.

5. State-sponsored cyber espionage

This one blew our minds last year. State-sponsored actors from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) used a sophisticated maneuver to obtain illegal work at U.S.-based companies in need of part-time contractors. They actually do this job, collecting the wage and donating part or all of it to the state. This approach not only funded a hostile regime, but also exposed the weaknesses of lax verification in corporate hiring processes. We expect an escalation in creative attacks like these: state-sponsored actors aiming to gather intelligence, disrupt operations, or spread disinformation.

Nation-states have deep resources and often operate over long timescales, making them particularly dangerous adversaries. They use advanced persistent threats (APTs) to infiltrate networks and remain undetected for long periods, gathering critical intelligence or positioning themselves to cause maximum disruption during strategic moments.

What we’re doing about it: These campaigns test the limits of our prevention techniques, making education and awareness a foundation of the strategy. Sharing knowledge within internal communities helps distribute best practices across the cybersecurity industry, empowering us all at the same time. Cybersecurity marketers can amplify this collaborative approach by creating content that highlights lessons learned, actionable guidance, and real-life examples of successful detection and mitigation efforts.

Create timely content by tracking these trends

The top five cybersecurity trends are more than just headlines — they are opportunities for cybersecurity marketers to educate, empower, and engage your audience. Translating these evolving threats into actionable insights and compelling narratives can help your clients stay ahead of the curve and… Establish your brand as a trustworthy supplier For cyber security tips.

As marketers, our role extends beyond just raising awareness. We’re here to build trust, set standards for thought leadership, and create meaningful change through actionable solutions. To do this, we leverage timely data, craft relevant stories, and share best practices within our community – strengthening our brands and contributing to a safer, more informed digital world. Tracking these trends and turning them into impactful, solutions-oriented content will help our audience navigate the threat landscape with confidence.

By addressing these pressing issues and staying ahead of the curve, we can position ourselves as leaders in cybersecurity marketing – not just in 2025 but for years to come. Let’s make this the year we turn challenges into opportunities, and advance security through the power of storytelling and community collaboration.