Forecasts for the cybersecurity landscape in 2025 revealed
SecurityScorecard has provided a set of predictions for the cybersecurity landscape in 2025, focusing on regulation, nation-state tactics, and the evolving threats of AI-driven scams, which are anticipated to significantly challenge global and national security strategies.
Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of SecurityScorecard, Dr. Aleksandr Yampolskiy, predicts an intensification of regulatory pressures globally, with the potential for some software, especially those with known security flaws, facing bans. Yampolskiy states, "Governments worldwide will create strict security regulations in 2025, requiring both organisations and their suppliers to follow enhanced safety standards. Some software, including open-source programs with known security flaws, may face outright bans. These regulations will make organisations responsible for thoroughly evaluating their software selections and supplier partnerships as governments take steps to protect critical infrastructure and reduce system vulnerabilities."
He also highlights the threat of nation-state espionage, specifically by China targeting United States infrastructure. "In 2025, the Trump administration's national security priorities will lead to direct action against Chinese cyber operations. China will target more U.S. infrastructure systems through hidden network access points, particularly in compromised routers," Yampolskiy notes. This poses a significant risk as these access points create vulnerabilities that could be exploited in future conflicts.
According to SecurityScorecard's Chief Information Security Officer, Steve Cobb, the role of the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) may become increasingly pressured and unstable. Cobb comments, "In 2025, the pressure on security leaders will intensify as companies continue to hold CISOs personally liable for breaches, using them as convenient scapegoats to deflect blame from organisational failings. These high stakes will lead to a sharp decline in interest from seasoned security professionals." Cobb warns that without empowering CISOs with greater authority and resources, companies may face increased vulnerability to cyber threats.
The Vice President of Global Government Affairs and Public Policy at SecurityScorecard, Jeff Le, discusses how the upcoming U.S. presidential administration might respond to an escalation in cyber threats from nation-states like China, Iran, Russia, and North Korea. "The next U.S. presidential administration will face a surge in cyber aggression, with China, Iran, Russia and North Korea expected to ramp up their attacks. China may escalate operations against U.S. critical infrastructure as Taiwan tensions rise," Le explains. He emphasises the need for a balance between aggressive deterrence strategies and maintaining strong public-private partnerships.
Le also anticipates a new wave of artificial intelligence (AI) legislation at the state level in the U.S., which may challenge federal policies. "California and Texas are poised to lead a transformative era of AI regulation, setting the pace for other states with legislation addressing urgent challenges like ransomware, LLM safety and oversight, and ethical AI use," says Le. However, he notes that a lack of alignment between state and federal regulations could complicate compliance for businesses.
In terms of global trends, Le foresees 2025 as a pivotal year for international cybersecurity governance. "The sheer volume of disparate cybersecurity and data privacy laws has created a compliance nightmare for businesses operating across borders," Le claims. He expects an increased push for regulatory harmonization among major global players, although notes that progress could be slow due to existing political and economic challenges.
