BeyondTrust’s Cybersecurity Predictions for 2025 and Beyond: Navigating the Future of Cyber Threats

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, so do the threats that organizations face. BeyondTrust, a global leader in cybersecurity, has released its annual forecast of cybersecurity trends for 2025 and beyond. Authored by a team of experts including Morey J. Haber, Chief Security Officer; Christopher Hills, Chief Security Strategist; James Maude, Field Chief Technology Officer; and Mike Machado, Chief Information Security Officer, this report outlines emerging threats and disruptive technologies that are expected to redefine security strategies in the coming years.

Prediction #1: AI2 Bursts the Bubble

The hype surrounding Artificial Intelligence (AI) is set to experience a significant deflation, a phenomenon termed "AI2" or the "Artificial Inflation" of AI. While AI will continue to play a role in basic automation and workflows, many of the over-promised capabilities, particularly in the realm of security, are expected to fall short by 2025. Organizations will shift their focus toward practical AI applications that enhance security without being overwhelmed by marketing noise. This transition will encourage a more realistic understanding of AI’s capabilities and limitations in cybersecurity.

Prediction #2: Quantum Computing Threats Loom Large

Quantum computing is poised to challenge existing cryptographic defenses, particularly for large organizations. With the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) releasing post-quantum encryption standards in 2024, the transition to these new standards will be gradual. Organizations, especially in sectors like finance, must begin planning for this quantum shift to safeguard sensitive data. The implications of quantum computing on cybersecurity will necessitate a reevaluation of current encryption methods and data protection strategies.

Prediction #3: Hidden Paths to Privilege Become the New Battleground

In 2025, attackers are expected to increasingly target obscure identity paths—convoluted trust relationships and hidden entitlements that can grant privileged access. These minor identity issues will evolve into significant security risks, compelling organizations to reassess their identity and access hygiene. By focusing on these hidden vulnerabilities, organizations can better protect themselves against lateral movement and privilege escalation attacks, which have become common tactics among cybercriminals.

Prediction #4: Reverse Identity Theft Takes Center Stage

The rise of reverse identity theft is anticipated, where stolen breach data is improperly merged with additional personal information to create false digital identities. This trend will complicate identity security as organizations struggle to differentiate between legitimate and fraudulent personas. As attackers leverage this tactic, businesses will need to implement more robust identity verification processes to mitigate the risks associated with this evolving threat.

Prediction #5: Planned Obsolescence Forces Hardware Overhaul

With Microsoft ending support for Windows 10 in late 2025, millions of systems will become obsolete. Many of these systems will lack the hardware capabilities required to run Windows 11, pushing organizations toward hardware upgrades or alternative operating systems. This transition will result in a massive influx of outdated devices that are vulnerable to cyberattacks. Organizations must proactively address this issue to avoid potential security breaches stemming from unsupported software.

Prediction #6: Cyber Insurance Plays Catch-Up

As AI and quantum computing introduce new risks, cyber insurance carriers will need to reassess their policies. In 2025, it is expected that carriers will revise their terms to include exclusions related to AI and quantum risks, similar to traditional exclusions for acts of war. This shift will compel businesses to adopt new cyber-resilient practices to maintain insurance coverage, emphasizing the importance of proactive risk management in an evolving threat landscape.

BeyondTrust’s Long-Term Cybersecurity Projections

In addition to immediate threats, BeyondTrust experts project several longer-term cybersecurity trends:

Prediction #7: The End of Malware Dominance

Malware as a primary threat vector is expected to decline as attackers increasingly exploit identity and access vulnerabilities. Organizations must shift their focus to protecting identities and reducing the blast radius of compromised accounts. This change in focus will require a reevaluation of security strategies and the implementation of more sophisticated identity management solutions.

Prediction #8: Satellite Connectivity Disrupts Traditional Networks

Advancements in satellite connectivity are set to disrupt traditional 5G and broadband networks. As satellite communication becomes a more widespread alternative, it will introduce new attack surfaces that organizations must address. This shift will require a reevaluation of network security strategies to protect against potential vulnerabilities associated with satellite technology.

Conclusion

As we look ahead to 2025 and beyond, it is clear that the cybersecurity landscape will continue to evolve in response to emerging threats and disruptive technologies. Morey Haber, Chief Security Officer at BeyondTrust, emphasizes the importance of anticipating where cyber threat actors will go next: “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.”

Organizations must stay informed and proactive in their cybersecurity strategies to navigate these challenges effectively. For more insights and detailed information on each prediction, visit the BeyondTrust blog: Top Cybersecurity Trend Predictions for 2025+.

By understanding these trends and adapting accordingly, organizations can better protect themselves against the evolving landscape of cyber threats.