In the last few years, the threat landscape for enterprises has become more dynamic than ever. Amid emerging technologies and the ever-expanding attack surface, cybersecurity has evolved from an IT concern to a boardroom priority. But as technology advances, it’s giving rise to new opportunities in cybersecurity, too. 

Artificial intelligence (AI), tighter regulation, new approaches, and better security tools are all helping organizations streamline cybersecurity and build resilience. In this article, we’ll explore the top cybersecurity trends of 2025 and how they’ll shape risks and opportunities for enterprises across industries. 

1. AI security 

When it comes to security, AI is a double-edged sword. On one hand, threat actors and cybercriminals are exploiting this technology to launch more sophisticated attacks. On the other, AI-powered security tools are helping cybersecurity teams identify vulnerabilities and accelerate threat detection and response. 

As AI advances, deepfakes and automated scams are making it simpler and less costly for cybercriminals to launch large-scale attacks. With the help of these sophisticated technologies, they can target thousands. Large Language Models (LLMs) and AI assistants pose threats, too, enabling threat actors to identify and exploit software vulnerabilities. 

Though these threats are real, with AI security tools, the benefits of AI have the potential to outweigh the risks. These tools can analyze behaviour to quickly identify abnormalities in the way data and systems are accessed. Using advanced risk assessment capabilities, they accurately prioritize threats and even automate incident response all while keeping cybersecurity teams informed and in control. By accelerating threat detection and mitigation, AI-powered tools streamline cybersecurity to reduce the burden on teams and allow them to focus on building resilience.  

2. IoT and operational technology (OT) security

The Internet of Things (IoT) has become a part of every aspect of our lives. It makes up the backbone of our smart home devices and a growing number of enterprise technologies. In fact, recent data shows that IoT devices worldwide are poised to almost double, going from 15.9 billion devices in 2023 to more than 32.1 billion by 2030. But what does that mean for enterprise cybersecurity and IT teams? 

IoT sensors in industries from retail to healthcare collect valuable data that feeds other technologies, like artificial intelligence (AI), and enables organizations to make better decisions. However, these devices come with their own set of vulnerabilities, expanding the attack surface and giving threat actors more ways to gain access to critical systems and data. Perhaps the most startling example of this comes from healthcare, where a breach could interrupt patient care or compromise sensitive patient data. With hospitals expected to deploy over 7 million IoMT devices by 2026, the risks in clinical environments can’t be ignored. 

Further underscoring the critical nature of IoT cybersecurity, NIST released an update to its Cybersecurity Framework (CSF), CSF 2.0, with expanded support for IoT. By combining a framework like CSF 2.0 with a strategic approach and tools that support IoT cybersecurity, organizations can begin to tackle the inherent challenges in using these devices. Challenges like weak authentication and authorization, lack of encryption, vulnerable firmware and software, and difficulty patching devices. 

Similarly, the hardware and software that monitors and controls industrial equipment and devices, referred to as operational technology (OT), is becoming increasingly integrated with IT systems. While this IT-OT convergence allows for data collected by physical equipment to be used to analyze performance, improve efficiency, carry out maintenance tasks, and share data across systems, it also exposes OT equipment to cyberthreats. 

In a Canadian cyber threat bulletin, the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security published statistics that a 2021 scan for internet-connected OT devices geolocated in Canada revealed at least 128,000 devices with 13% of the associated IP addresses showing to have software affected by at least one publicly reported vulnerability. When we consider that many of these devices are responsible for OT equipment that controls entire industrial processes and even critical infrastructure, it’s easy to understand that downtime caused by cyberthreats can be costly and even disastrous. 

With the rise in threats, security is a leading priority for organizations that rely on IoT and operational technology. As we move into 2025, a focus on continuous monitoring will be crucial for safeguarding productivity, intellectual property, brand trust, and physical safety in this organizations. 

3. Regulatory compliance

As cyberbreaches dominate headlines across industries, governments and regulatory bodies are tightening regulation and imposing financial penalties on companies who fail to protect customers and stakeholders. While the consequences of noncompliance can be costly, thinking of compliance as an inconvenient obligation is simplistic and short-sighted. Recent statistics reveal that the average cost of a data breach in Canada in 2024 is a staggering $4.66 million U.S. dollars. More importantly, breaches damage reputation and erode trust between an organization, its partners, and its customers. 

Organizations that recognize the strategic value of compliance not only reduce their risk of financial penalties but establish themselves as trustworthy by demonstrating the maturity of their security programs. Compliance has a far-reaching impact on company culture, too, building employee knowledge and confidence. 

The risks associated with emerging technologies, like AI, are driving an even deeper focus on compliance as questions arise about who should be responsible for regulating and securing these technologies. These questions will become more pressing as the adoption of AI and large language models (LLMs) grows. In response, governments are responding with new regulations, like Bill C-26 and Bill C-27, which are expected to be ratified in Canada in 2025. Reinforcing the trend toward tighter cybersecurity regulation, we’re seeing provincial governments make moves towards passing their own cybersecurity regulations. Ontario, for instance, is moving closer to passing Bill 194 to strengthen cybersecurity and build trust in the public sector.

4. Third party and supply chain risk management

In 2023, a Gartner survey reported that despite increased investments in third-party cybersecurity risk management over the previous two years, 45% of organizations experienced third party-related business interruptions. For organizations focused on building their resilience, this survey highlights the growing risk of third-party breaches and the value of mature third-party risk management programs. 

In the past, third-party risk management was seen by many organizations as a compliance exercise. As their reliance on third-party networks grows and cybercriminals become more sophisticated, these organizations recognize the need for better risk management. But while the benefits are clear, establishing effective third-party risk management programs requires time and investment. Organizations with longer running programs are more likely to have established and standardized processes rooted in best practices. Considering this, many companies are doubling down on third-party risk management by performing external cyber posture assessments, administering third party questionnaires, monitoring vendors on an ongoing basis, and prioritizing those who are most at-risk.

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Going a step further, organizations who invest in managing supply chain risk consider their entire supply chains, understanding that vulnerabilities can be present at any level, from production to distribution. In many cases, supply chains represent convenient entry points for threat actors launching ransomware attacks.

5. Cybersecurity insurance

By 2034, the global cybersecurity insurance market is expected to reach $85.7 billion, growing from $16.1 billion in 2024. 

Several factors are driving growing demand for insurance. First, cyber incidents are becoming increasingly common, and their consequences are more severe than ever. This exposes organizations to financial risks from operational interruptions, reputation damage, and data breaches. In some industries, like healthcare and finance where personal data and even health and safety are on the line, the stakes are even higher. With the emergence of new regulations, many organization need cybersecurity insurance to comply with data protection laws. 

Propelled by these factors, many organizations are combining robust cybersecurity programs with cybersecurity insurance to protect themselves and remain compliant. Our client, Brightshores Health System, offers just one example. 

As insurance providers find opportunities to better serve markets with integrated services and solutions, more organizations are likely to see the value in adopting cyber insurance as part of their security and risk management programs. 

 6. Zero trust security

Zero trust security isn’t new, but it has proved to be an enduring trend in cybersecurity. Bolstered by the erosion of the traditional network perimeter with the rise of BYOD policies, the growth of remote work, and increasing reliance on third-party vendors, zero trust is based on a “never trust, always verify” approach. 

Organizations with zero-trust security use strong authentication and authorization tools to verify every user and device accessing their networks, regardless of whether these users are inside the network perimeter or not. Users and devices are authenticated every time they access network resources, no matter how many times they’ve accessed them in the past. Advanced analytics and logging are also important aspects of zero-trust, monitoring the network for unusual behaviour that might signal a breach. 

Often referred to as perimeterless security, zero-trust is expanding as the perimeter erodes. It’s commonly used to support a range of use cases, like securing remote work models, onboarding new employees, bringing on new contractors and third-party vendors, and replacing VPNs. Zero-trust solutions have become popular offerings among security solutions providers and, with the global zero-trust market predicted to grow from $31.63 billion in 2023 to $133 billion in 2032, we can expect more to emerge. Of course, we can expect to see advanced data analytics with AI and machine learning to play a larger role in zero-trust, becoming prominent features of zero-trust tools. 

7. Human-centric cybersecurity

Modern work models are accelerating the evolution and adoption of human-centric cybersecurity, too. 

In a 2021 security study, HP Wolf Security reported concerning statistics underscoring growing frustration with security measures among remote workers. The survey showed that 48% of office workers aged 18-24 saw security tools as a hindrance, leading 31% to circumvent security measures to complete their work. Moreover, 48% of office workers across all ages felt that security measures waste a lot of time. These statistics signal the presence of vulnerabilities within organizations due to the human factor.

Human-centric cybersecurity is an approach that seeks to address these vulnerabilities by taking human behaviour into account during the design and implementation of security programs. Successful human-centric security centers around tailored training and education to help employees understand how to protect themselves and their organizations from the risks specific to their jobs. Further, user preferences and behavior should be considered by cybersecurity teams when creating policies and selecting security tools, ensuring that employees can work efficiently without feeling hindered. 

With growing focus on building the symbiosis between humans and technology to improve security, human-centric approaches will be a prominent trend with new best practices emerging throughout 2025 and beyond. 

8. Privacy-enhancing technologies (PETs)

Modern organizations collect an unprecedented volume of data in the course of operations. With the rise of tools and technologies like machine learning and AI , this data offers insights that drive value and create competitive advantage. It can help them tailor their products and services to customer needs, improve targeting and personalize ads for marketing campaigns, and gain insight into consumer trends or behaviour with market research. 

While the value of data processing and analysis is undeniable, protecting the privacy rights of consumers must be a central focus for organizations. In fact, it’s a matter of regulatory compliance across industries and in many parts of the world. 

Privacy enhancing technologies, or PETs, are tools and techniques that help organizations protect data while it’s being processed and analyzed, keeping it secure and maintaining the privacy of the organization and consumers. Initially emerging in the 1980’s PETs have evolved considerably, drawing more attention with the growth of data collection and privacy concerns in recent years. By integrating PETs into their workflows, organizations can anonymize, encrypt, and process data securely. 

Today, PETs fall into four main categories: data obfuscation, encrypted data processing tools, federated and distributed data processing tools, and data accountability tools. In most cases, organizations must use a combination of these technologies, since each has its own applications and limitations. These technologies will continue to evolve rapidly along with data collection and analysis tools that drive their adoption. By 2025, Gartner predicted in 2022, 60% of organizations will use at least one of these techniques. 

A rapidly changing trend, PETs will influence regulation as well as policies and operations within organizations in the coming years.

9. Quantum resilience

For many years, researchers at the bleeding edge of innovation have been racing to create computers that leverage quantum mechanics to solve problems that even supercomputers can’t. A rapidly emerging field, quantum computing is projected to grow from a market of $1,160.1 million in 2024 to 12,620.7 million by 2032.

In other words, quantum computing is undergoing a seismic shift–expanding from a tool available only to a select few to a tool that will be available to hundreds of thousands of computing professionals. As this shift happens, quantum computing has the potential to tackle some of society’s biggest challenges and simultaneously break existing encryption, disrupting the security of individuals, organizations, and even nations.

Concerns about the potential impact of quantum computing on encryption among experts in the field are driving the emergence of tools that will support us in building quantum resilience. In October of 2024, NIST, a leader in technology standards, announced that it had finalized three encryption standards developed to withstand an attack from a quantum computer. Industry giants like Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, and Google are also among those working on quantum-safe encryption. 

As we inch closer to the wider availability and adoption of quantum computing, the urgency to adopt tools that build quantum resilience will continue to grow.