Critical infrastructure vulnerabilities became starkly apparent, and identity theft reached unprecedented levels. Yet, amidst the chaos, we saw strides in defensive technologies, international cooperation, and the growing adoption of innovative solutions like passkeys and digital identity platforms. 

As we move into 2025, it’s worth reflecting on these developments and considering what lies ahead. Here are the key cybersecurity trends we predict for the coming year—split between what we fear might happen and what we hope will come to pass. 

4 growing challenges we will face

1. Ransomware will escalate. Ransomware continues to evolve, targeting critical suppliers that entire industries rely upon. We saw this vividly in the 2024 attacks on CDK Global, disrupting automotive services, and Change Healthcare, which paralyzed healthcare providers nationwide. These incidents underscored the devastating ripple effects when a single supplier is compromised. We predict we’ll see a major ransomware attack on another widely used critical supplier in 2025, further highlighting the fragility of interconnected systems and the need for risk analysis in this area. 

2. Identity theft will evolve. Identity theft is diversifying, with stolen identities increasingly used to create fraudulent cryptocurrency accounts and manipulate financial systems. AI adds complexity, enabling criminals to bypass identity verification by mimicking human behavior or creating synthetic identities. Deepfake technology and AI-generated documents may easily fool automated checks. These evolving tactics could make stolen identities even more damaging in 2025. 

3. Critical infrastructure in the crosshairs. Geopolitical tensions, particularly with the People’s Republic of China (PRC), could lead to cyber threat actors demonstrating their capabilities against critical infrastructure. Economic pressures and global power dynamics might drive state-linked attackers to showcase their prowess, potentially exposing vulnerabilities in vital systems like energy grids, water supplies, or transportation networks. 

4. AI-powered scams will soar. The commoditization of AI tools has lowered the barrier to entry for sophisticated social engineering attacks. In 2024, we saw a marked rise in scams that exploited AI-generated content to create convincing romance, investment, and fraud schemes. With these tools becoming even more accessible, we expect a sharp increase in financial losses tied to such scams in 2025. 

7 hopes for the year

1. Empowered users through smarter defaults. Security should not be a burden. By making secure behaviors the default, we can empower users to stay safe without requiring expert knowledge. For example, operating systems and platforms could enforce secure configurations, like enabling multi-factor authentication by default or automatically detecting and blocking phishing attempts. Such changes can make security seamless and accessible for everyone. 

2. Defensive AI breakthroughs. While attackers leverage AI, defenders are fighting back with AI-powered tools to detect and flag phishing attempts. Imagine receiving an email with visible "red flags" highlighting potential fraud or phishing risks. In 2025, we’re hopeful these technologies will become mainstream, giving users clearer warnings and reducing the success of social engineering attacks. 

3. Disruption of cybercriminal networks. A coordinated global effort to disrupt cybercriminal networks could make a significant impact. This includes takedowns of ransomware groups, tightening money-laundering infrastructures, and fostering agreements to hold bad actors accountable. We’ve seen glimpses of this success in 2024, and we hope 2025 brings even more decisive action. 

4. Secure digital identities. The adoption of digital identity services like Clear and ID.me offers a promising path to reduce identity theft and build online trust. Securely linking real-world identities to digital platforms can thwart many fraud schemes. In 2025, we hope to see wider adoption of these services, especially as they become more user-friendly and accessible. 

5. Phishing-resistant authentication. Passkeys, biometrics, and passwordless solutions have gained traction as effective defenses against phishing. We hope that in 2025, these technologies will become the norm, replacing traditional passwords that remain a weak link in online security. 

6. Federal investment in cybersecurity. The U.S. government has an opportunity to bolster domestic cybersecurity with increased funding. This includes supporting innovative defensive technologies, enhancing workforce training, and driving the adoption of cybersecurity standards across industries to reduce vulnerabilities and improve resilience. Securing the open-source ecosystem should also be a priority, ensuring widely used components are regularly audited and maintained. 

7. Diplomatic efforts to curb cyberattacks. Beyond domestic investment, international diplomacy will be critical in reducing cyber threats. Stronger agreements and partnerships with foreign nations can help hold state-sponsored actors accountable, while multilateral efforts could address cybercrime at its roots. Enhanced collaboration between nations will be key to addressing the global nature of today’s cyber challenges.  

Looking ahead to the future 

As we enter 2025, the stakes have never been higher. Cyber threats are evolving rapidly, and the cost of inaction could be catastrophic. However, there is reason for cautious optimism. Advances in defensive technologies, growing awareness of cyber risks, and international collaboration signal that progress is possible. 

The key to success lies in a dual approach: addressing immediate threats while building long-term resilience. By empowering users with smarter security defaults, adopting innovative solutions, and investing in cybersecurity at a national level, we can mitigate many of the challenges on the horizon. 

Let’s make 2025 a year where we weather the storm and lay the foundation for a safer digital future! We can all work together to Stay Safe Online!