December 9, 2024

6 Cyber Security Trends and Predictions for 2025 

As we edge closer to 2025, the digital landscape for small and medium-sized businesses looks both promising and intimidating. For leaders in Financial Services, Retail, Manufacturing and beyond, cyber security isn’t just a line item on the IT budget anymore—it’s a business priority, whether you’re the CEO, CFO or CIO.

As cyber threats evolve alarmingly, with the UK government recently reported 70% of SMBs involved in a cyber security breach in 2024, bad actors increasingly target SMBs, recognising that a single breach can lead to significant financial losses and reputation damage. This underscores the urgent need for SMBs to prioritize cyber security. 

The good news is that new tools and strategies are emerging to help businesses of all sizes strengthen their defences. These are practical and essential steps but there’s also an importance on collaborating with cyber security experts to enhance your business’s resilience, safeguard data, and protect your customers’ data. 

How Did Organisations Fare for Cyber Security in 2024? 

Before we step into 2025, it’s helpful to look back at where organisations stood regarding cyber security preparedness in 2024. A recent study by finance firm PwC among businesses across Financial Services, Retail, Manufacturing and other sectors revealed some eye-opening insights about the state of cyber security readiness: 

• Rising Budgets for Cyber Security: Nearly four in five organisations (77%) anticipate increasing their cyber security budgets in the coming year, yet only 2% report achieving full cyber resilience across their operations. 

• Cyber Risks Take Centre Stage: Two-thirds (66%) of technology leaders identify cyber risks as their top priority for mitigation in 2024, a notable contrast to the 48% of business leaders who share the same concern. 

• The High Cost of Breaches: The average cost of a data breach is estimated at $3.3 million. Leaders rank cloud-related threats (42%), hack-and-leak operations (38%) and third-party data breaches (35%) as the most significant cyber threats. 

• The GenAI Impact: Over the past year, 78% of organisations have increased their investment in Generative AI (GenAI), yet 67% of security leaders report that GenAI has expanded their organisation’s attack surface. 

These figures highlight that while many organisations are security’s importance, a considerable number have yet to fully commit to the level of preparedness needed to handle today’s evolving threats.  

As 2025 approaches, these gaps present challenges and opportunities for SMB leaders aiming to strengthen their cyber security posture. 

What Every SMB Leader Should Know About Cyber Security in 2025 

Let’s take a closer look at the cyber security trends and predictions that will make waves in 2025 and what they mean for your business. Consider this your playbook for staying one step ahead in the coming year. 

1. AI-Driven Cyber Security Solutions with Experts 

By 2025, artificial intelligence (AI) will take a vital role in cyber security, offering tools capable of rapidly identifying unusual behaviour across systems for near-instant threat detection and response. However, while AI offers powerful insights, the role of cyber security experts becomes even more critical in transforming this intelligence into actionable strategies. 

AI-driven tools can offer cost-effective solutions for SMBs, especially those with limited IT resources. Machine learning can identify patterns of risky activity, flagging potential threats before they cause damage.  

Yet, these tools are most effective when paired with the expertise of cyber security professionals who can interpret AI findings, prioritize responses, and build a more resilient security posture. 

Key takeaway for IT and Business Leaders: AI-powered cyber security tools enhance threat detection and accessibility for smaller budgets, but their true value lies in pairing them with expert guidance. Combining technology and expertise creates a stronger, more adaptive security framework. 

2. Increased Focus on Zero-Trust Architecture 

The “zero-trust” model operates on the principle that no one inside or outside the network is trusted by default and verification is required from anyone trying to access resources.  

Zero-trust security will likely become mainstream by 2025, even for SMBs, as it provides a powerful defence against phishing, ransomware and data breaches. Implementing zero-trust might sound complex, but scalable solutions can make it easier for SMBs to adapt and gradually incorporate it into existing systems. 

Key takeaway for CEOs and CIOs: Zero-trust architecture is essential for modern cyber security strategies, starting with strong identity and access management. Adopt a phased approach to gradually integrate zero-trust principles into your policies. 

3. Growing Threat of Ransomware and Extortion Tactics 

Ransomware has been on the rise and shows no signs of slowing down. SMBs are often targeted due to perceived weaker defences and a higher likelihood of paying ransoms.  

However, ransomware attacks are evolving, with “double extortion” tactics where data is both encrypted and threatened to be exposed publicly if the ransom isn’t paid.  

Preventative measures are crucial, including regularly backing up data, training employees on phishing attacks and securing email systems. 

Key takeaway for CFOs and IT Directors: Ransomware prevention and recovery strategies are essential. Invest in data backups, employee training and security software to mitigate potential costs associated with these attacks. 

4. Cloud Security Takes Centre Stage 

Cloud adoption has skyrocketed in recent years and with it comes new security challenges. Cloud providers generally offer secure environments, but your business must also play its part.  

In 2025, we’ll focus more on securing cloud environments as cybercriminals increasingly target poorly configured cloud setups. Ensure your team is aware of shared responsibility models and regularly audit cloud permissions and settings to ensure they align with security best practices. With the right approach, cloud security is not a cause for anxiety but a manageable task. 

Key takeaway for CIOs and IT Leaders: Migrating to Microsoft Azure unlocks innovation with AI and machine learning. Leverage cloud security services and cross-department collaboration to enhance compliance, data control, and resilience. 

5. Employee Cyber Security Awareness and Training 

Human error stays one of the most significant security risks and cybercriminals quickly exploit it. By 2025, cyber security awareness will be viewed as essential to business operations.  

Regular training and cyber security exercises can reduce the risk of breaches, with simulations that help employees recognise phishing emails, suspicious attachments and other common tactics hackers use. 

Key takeaway for Managing Directors: Cyber security training is essential, but true impact starts at the top. As a leader, prioritizing and actively communicating its importance sets the tone for your organization, fostering a security-conscious culture and safeguarding your business from threats. 

6. Data Privacy Compliance and Regulations 

Data privacy regulations are tightening worldwide, with new laws being introduced and existing ones becoming stricter. Staying on top of evolving compliance requirements is essential for SMBs operating in highly regulated industries like financial services.  

Privacy compliance in 2025 will likely require more robust data encryption, transparent data usage policies and regular audits. Non-compliance could result in heavy penalties and a loss of customer trust. That’s why the UK government has all hands-on deck for the upcoming Cyber Security and Resilience bill. 

Key takeaway for Business and Finance Leaders: Align cyber security investments with compliance needs. Data privacy is an opportunity to build customer trust and differentiate your business in the market. 

Partner with CyberOne to Build a Proactive Cyber Security Strategy 

As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, SMB leaders must adopt a proactive cyber security approach. Rather than going alone, consider partnering with CyberOne and book a consultation to maximise your existing Microsoft investment and take advantage of their market-leading solutions.  

With CyberOne, you can access expert guidance on evaluating your current security measures, identifying gaps and implementing advanced protection that’s right sized for your organisation. 

Effective cyber security isn’t about cutting every risk—it’s about building resilience and preparing your organisation to respond swiftly and confidently to threats. CyberOne’s Microsoft-powered solutions enable you to stay a step ahead and easily protect your business, data and customers. 

For IT, Finance and Business Leaders, the cost of inaction is too high to ignore. By staying informed and proactive about Cyber security, you can protect your assets and build a resilient, trusted brand.