Wild, Weird, and Probable: 13 Cybersecurity Predictions for 2025 

The old adage that ‘the only constant in life is change’ couldn’t be a more fitting description for the cybersecurity industry. As an industry researcher and analyst, I’ve witnessed continuous change in the cyber industry over the years, with formerly unbelievable attack theories becoming dangerous realities.  

As we navigate a new year, I’m pooling together some sobering predictions and humorous theories. Read on to explore the possible, the probable, and the downright weird that might lie ahead. 

The Probable 

AI Adoption Drives Unprecedented Security Challenges 

The rapid race to adopt artificial intelligence (AI) without thoroughly considering its security implications will have significant repercussions. Supply chain attacks, amplified by exposed attack surfaces, are set to reach unprecedented levels. Organizations will increasingly turn to preemptive cyber defense solutions capable of adaptive resilience and enforcing zero-trust principles to mitigate risks. As the AI-versus-AI battle intensifies, such measures will act as a critical safety net. 

The Rise of Preemptive Defense Strategies 

Cyber threats are evolving faster than ever, with attackers employing advanced tools like AI, polymorphic malware, and psychological manipulation. Businesses will shift from reactive to proactive defense models, embracing preemptive strategies. Automated Moving Target Defense (AMTD), Automated Security Control Assessment (ASCA), and Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM) will become pillars of cybersecurity, fostering adaptability and disrupting attackers. By 2027, Gartner predicts 75% of organizations will adopt these approaches, significantly reducing breaches and alleviating security team workloads. 

EDR Bypass Becomes a Common Theme 

Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions, long considered the cornerstone of cybersecurity, face increasing scrutiny. Consolidation and platformization efforts, exemplified by Microsoft’s EDR offerings, are being viewed as “good enough” by many organizations. However, the CrowdStrike outage and rising instances of EDR bypasses have underscored the need for diversification and preemptive solutions. Businesses are recognizing that even the best EDR doesn’t guarantee immunity from ransomware or breaches. 

Adoption of Preemptive Cyber Defense Accelerates 

The adoption of preemptive strategies is forecast to grow by 65% within three years, outpacing even the meteoric rise of EDR and attack surface management solutions. This growth reflects the urgency of addressing the limitations of static threat defenses and the increasing reliance on adaptive measures to counter sophisticated attacks. 

The Possible 

Nuclear-Powered Supercomputers Accelerate AI 

Nuclear-powered supercomputing could revolutionize AI adoption. By providing a stable, cost-effective energy source, nuclear energy enables high-performance computing systems to operate continuously, reducing costs and environmental impact. This integration could propel advancements in AI applications, from climate modeling to drug discovery. 

AES Encryption is Compromised 

A practical attack breaking AES encryption would trigger widespread panic across industries dependent on encrypted data. Organizations would scramble to develop new encryption standards, fundamentally reshaping data security practices. 

Mandated Preemptive Cyber Defense in the U.S. 

The U.S. government could enforce a nationwide mandate requiring federal agencies and critical infrastructure sectors to adopt preemptive cyber defense strategies, including AMTD. Such a move would address vulnerabilities stemming from memory-unsafe programming languages and redefine software security standards. 

Rise of AI-Driven Cyber Offense 

Cybercriminals leveraging generative AI could create highly sophisticated, personalized attacks capable of real-time adaptation. This shift would necessitate reevaluating current defense strategies and integrating AI into cybersecurity measures to counter these evolving threats. 

Quantum Computing Revolutionizes Cyber Defense 

As quantum computing matures, quantum encryption methods could render traditional cybersecurity measures obsolete. A race to adopt quantum-safe technologies would redefine the industry, forcing organizations to rethink their security strategies. 

Ransomware Cartels Emerge 

Organized crime groups could form ransomware cartels, pooling resources to execute more sophisticated and coordinated attacks. This development would elevate ransomware threats to new heights, challenging existing defense mechanisms. 

AI-Powered Cybersecurity Audits 

Advanced AI algorithms could revolutionize cybersecurity audits, providing real-time insights and recommendations. Traditional audit processes would become obsolete, enabling organizations to address vulnerabilities more swiftly and effectively. 

The Weird & Wild  

Alien-Inspired Cyber Defense Strategies 

With the growing number of UFO/UAP sightings, cybersecurity experts might draw inspiration from hypothetical alien technologies to develop innovative encryption and data protection methods, transforming digital defense. 

Public Panic and Cyber Exploitation 

If credible evidence of alien life emerges, public panic could spark a wave of cyber exploitation. Cybercriminals may launch phishing campaigns and ransomware attacks exploiting fears of alien encounters, creating chaos for unprepared individuals and organizations.

Looking Ahead  

The future of cybersecurity is as unpredictable as the nefarious threat actors that try to exploit it. From the probable challenges of AI adoption to the weird possibilities of quantum computing and alien-inspired strategies, one thing is clear: adaptability and innovation will remain critical in staying ahead of the curve.  

As these predictions unfold, organizations must be prepared to navigate the complexities of an ever-evolving threat landscape. Learn how emerging technologies like preemptive cyber defense and AMTD can give your team upper hand, regardless of what comes.  

Join me for a high-impact webinar where I’ll offer more commentary and insights on these and more cybersecurity predictions. Reserve your spot today for this must-attend session and take the first step toward a ransomware-free future. Don’t forget your crystal ball and tin foil hat! 

About the author

Brad LaPorte

Chief Marketing Officer

Brad LaPorte is a seasoned cybersecurity expert and former military officer specializing in cybersecurity and military intelligence for the United States military and allied forces. With a distinguished career at Gartner as a top-rated research analyst, Brad was instrumental in establishing key industry categories such as Attack Surface Management (ASM), Extended Detection & Response (XDR), Digital Risk Protection (DRP), and the foundational elements of Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM). His forward-thinking approach led to the inception of Secureworks’ MDR service and the EDR product Red Cloak—industry firsts. At IBM, he spearheaded the creation of the Endpoint Security Portfolio, as well as MDR, Vulnerability Management, Threat Intelligence, and Managed SIEM offerings, further solidifying his reputation as a visionary in cybersecurity solutions years ahead of its time.