Key Cybersecurity Challenges In 2025—Trends And Observations

Forbes

05-04-2025

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In 2025, cybersecurity is gaining significant momentum. However, there are still many challenges to address. The ecosystem remains unstable in spite of investments and the introduction of new tools. In addition to adding my own findings, I have examined some recent statistics, trends, and remedies. Among the subjects covered are ransomware, DDoS attacks, quantum technology, healthcare breaches, artificial intelligence and AI agents, and cybersecurity for space assets. No doubt, there are many more that could be added.
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Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and AI Agents
'87% of security professionals report that their organization has encountered an AI-driven cyber-attack in the last year, according to a new study by SoSafe, Europe's largest security awareness and human risk management solution.' 87% of firms hit by AI cyber-attacks
'Agents are the talk of the AI industry—they're capable of planning, reasoning, and executing complex tasks like scheduling meetings, ordering groceries, or even taking over your computer to change settings on your behalf. But the same sophisticated abilities that make agents helpful assistants could also make them powerful tools for conducting cyberattacks. They could readily be used to identify vulnerable targets, hijack their systems, and steal valuable data from unsuspecting victims.' Cyberattacks by AI agents are coming | MIT Technology Review
enefits such as cyber protection technologies, AI may also have disadvantages as described in the articles above. Threat actors can use them. Malicious hackers and antagonistic countries can already recognize and exploit vulnerabilities in threat detection models using AI agents.
However, agentic AI enabled cybersecurity holds enormous potential for detecting, filtering, neutralizing, and remediating cyberthreats. Agentic AI can tackle the core issues of threat detection, response time, and analyst burden. Security teams can function more efficiently in a more hostile digital environment thanks to these technologies, which automate operations while preserving human oversight.
Additionally, GenAI and predictive algorithms may be able to use predictive models in cybersecurity more effectively, producing better outcomes and more reliable security data. AI agents combined with GenAI could be used to recommend paths for mitigation and optimize cybersecurity knowledge and incident response for businesses and organizations.
AI Agents Trending
'The growth in the popularity of AI agents in the latter months of 2024 mirrors how ChatGPT and other generative AI systems catapulted into and transformed the AI market in 2022. Vendors seemingly jumped from developing the latest large language models (LLMs) and AI chatbots to creating agents and action models.' 2025 will be the year of AI agents | TechTarget
AI Agents For Good- Artificial General Decision Making™ (AGD™)
'A San Francisco company founded in 2023 called Klover AI defines Artificial General Decision Making™ (AGD™) as the creation of systems designed to enhance human decision-making capabilities, ultimately leading to 'superhuman productivity and efficiency' for individuals . The fundamental goal of AGD™, according to the company, is to empower individuals to such an extent that every person on the planet can achieve a state of 'superhuman' capability through the use of advanced decision-making systems. Dany Kitishian, the founder of Klover AI, describes these AI agents as sophisticated software entities capable of perceiving their environment, making informed decisions, and performing actions to achieve specific objectives, thereby significantly enhancing communication and user interactions . This vision is rooted in the idea of augmenting human capabilities rather than replacing them, aligning with a 'people-centered AI strategy' that aims to amplify human strengths and provide individuals with more opportunities through better-informed systems .' Google Gemini Deep Research confirms Klover pioneered and Coined Artificial General Decision Making™ (AGD™) | by Dany Kitishian | kloverai | Mar, 2025 | Medium
CB Thoughts: Advancements in technology have led to significant changes in businesses and societal norms through artificial intelligence. This new era may alter our self-perception through AI and machine learning-based computing and Agentic AI will be a catalyst and help lead the way. The integration of engineering, computer algorithms, and culture is ushering in an era of rapidly advancing, interconnected devices. The growth of technology will influence societal progression. Scientific and technological developments are anticipated to significantly impact humanity.
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Healthcare Breaches Continue to Rise
'In 2024, healthcare data breaches reached an all-time high, with 276,775,457 records compromised – a 64.1% increase from the previous year's record and equivalent to 81.38% of the United States population. Despite managing sensitive patient data, findings reveal that healthcare organizations still struggle with corporate customer data protection.' Data breaches rock leading US hospitals| Cybernews
'Cyberattacks targeting healthcare organizations are rising, and the financial and operational toll they take is growing. A recent report from Proofpoint found 92% of healthcare organizations reported experiencing a cyberattack in 2024, up from 88% in 2023, while the average cost of the most expensive attack was $4.7 million.' The Biggest Healthcare Cybersecurity Threats in 2025 | HealthTech
CB Thoughts: It is hardly surprising that criminal hackers are still focusing on the healthcare industry. As medical care grows more networked and connected through computers and other devices, the digital environment of health administration, clinics, hospitals, and patients has become increasingly vulnerable.It is necessary to safeguard many facets of the cybersecurity healthcare environment. These include safeguarding patient privacy, securing medical devices and equipment, and protecting hospital and medical facility information security networks. Healthcare organizations must implement intrusion detection and response systems, conduct regular security audits, and use penetration testing to safeguard sensitive data. In addition to reducing the impact of bot assaults and improper IT configurations, these techniques can be used to identify potential insider threats.
Multifactor authentication and employee training are two aspects of good cyber hygiene that hospitals and other healthcare organizations should implement. Additionally, they want to employ several firewalls, multilayer protection, and real-time network system monitoring. To reduce security risks, medical devices should also be encrypted. Plans for backup, recovery, and continuity should be in place for hospitals and other healthcare facilities. The risks are too high to overlook the necessity of an all-encompassing approach to holistic cybersecurity.
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Quantum Cybersecurity Becoming an Imperative
'Quantum computing is becoming real and will soon be able to solve problems well beyond the capabilities of today's fastest supercomputers. In the wrong hands, however, quantum computers will also create a new pain level for cybersecurity professionals.' How quantum cybersecurity changes the way you protect data | TechTarget
'In a striking development, researchers have created a quantum algorithm that allows quantum computers to better understand and preserve the very phenomenon they rely on – quantum entanglement.' Quantum Computers Just Got Smart Enough to Study Their Own Entanglement
'These computers work by harnessing quantum physics — the strange, often counterintuitive laws that govern the universe at its smallest scales and coldest temperatures. Today's quantum computers are rudimentary and error-prone. But if more advanced and robust versions can be made, they have the potential to rapidly crunch through certain problems that would take the current computers years. That's why governments, companies and research labs around the world are working feverishly toward this goal.' Quantum Computing Explained | NIST
CB Thoughts: There is concern that protected data may be cracked using quantum computers in the future. The processing power of quantum computers poses a risk to cybersecurity through their ability to quickly decode complex problems. This situation poses an immediate threat to financial systems and critical infrastructure.
The RSA-2048 encryption standard would require a billion years for a conventional computer to break, but a quantum computer could theoretically do so in less than two minutes. Quantum researchers refer to the day when large-scale quantum computers can use Shor's algorithm to break all public key systems based on integer factorization as "Q-Day".
The era of quantum computing is approaching faster than anticipated, with artificial intelligence likely to be integrated with quantum technology. The convergence of these technologies will have significant implications. It is important to prepare for both the positive and negative impacts of quantum technologies due to their disruptive potential.
Also see: https://www.forbes.com/sites/chuckbrooks/2025/02/22/quantum-computing-has-arrived-we-need-to-prepare-for-its-impact/
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Cybersecurity for Space Assets
'As the space domain continues to evolve, so do its threat actors. In the proverbial game of keeping data safe and secure, how is the cybersecurity world keeping up?
Via Satellite spoke with cybersecurity and space experts to predict what's to come in 2025, including the impact of rapid advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and quantum technologies.' Game-Changing Predictions for Cybersecurity in 2025 | April/May 2025
'Protecting the frontier of space systems is unquestionably a security priority for governments and industry. Due to our increasing reliance on space, and particularly satellites, for communications, security, intelligence, and business, satellite and space cybersecurity is becoming increasingly important in this new digital era.' (26) Cybersecurity of Space Systems | LinkedIn
CB Thoughts: Space increasingly serves nations for information exchange and surveillance, monitoring threats and geopolitical developments, which is essential for national security. The national security apparatus recognizes the rising threat posed by cyber threats to satellites.
The reliance on space and satellites for communications, security, intelligence, and commerce highlights the growing importance of satellite and space security in the digital era. In recent years, the number of satellite launches has increased, resulting in thousands of satellites in low-Earth orbit that are susceptible to cyberattacks. Satellites facilitate data transfer over long, international distances, and many communication networks are transitioning from land-based communications to cloud systems. As launch costs have decreased, the number of satellites in orbit has surged, expanding the potential targets for hackers both in space and at ground control centers.
Email Phishing Ransomware Malware Hacker Attack
Alarming Ransomware Attacks Continue
'A new report from Ivanti surveyed more than 2,400 security leaders and found that the top predicted threat for 2025 is ransomware. According to the report, nearly 1 out of every 3 security professionals (38%) believe ransomware will become an even greater threat when powered by AI. The report found a gap in preparedness for ransomware attacks, with only 29% of security leaders saying they are very prepared for ransomware incidents.' 1 in 3 security leaders say AI will make ransomware a greater threat | Security Magazine
'The Travelers Companies, an insurer, published findings indicating that ransomware remains a significant threat. The fourth quarter of 2024 experienced the highest level of ransomware activity recorded in any prior quarter, with a total of 1,663 known victims posted on leak sites, according to that research. In addition, 55 new ransomware groups emerged last year — a 67% increase in group formation compared with 2023, the Travelers report said.' Ransomware attacks surged 50% in February: NCC | CFO Dive
CB Thoughts: Businesses are facing ransomware more frequently because of AI enabled phishing attacks combined with social engineering. In ransomware attacks, hackers encrypt vital files so victims cannot access their data. They demand a ransom to restore the systems and data. These attacks can spread fear and disrupt company networks and systems, especially for businesses dependent on supply chain coordination.
Small businesses, healthcare facilities, and higher education institutions have been found to be the most susceptible sector to ransomware cyberattacks due to their lack of cybersecurity expertise and significant security resources. They have paid a high price and frequently covertly pay ransoms in cryptocurrencies to avoid liabilities and suffering closures, even though it is not encouraged.
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DDoS Attacks Problematic
'The number of Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks has shot up since the first half of last year, according to new research, with DDoS-for-hire services becoming increasingly sophisticated. Figures from Netscout show there were almost nine million DDoS attacks in the second half of 2024, up 12.75% on the first half. The rise is driven by the increasing use of DDoS attacks as a tool of choice in cyber warfare linked to socio-political events such as elections, civil protests, and policy disputes.' Surging DDoS attack rates show no sign of slowing down – here's why | IT Pro
CB Thoughts: A Denial-of-Service attack (DDoS) occurs when an adversary utilizes many devices to flood a target system, network, or website with traffic. This technique stops authorized users from accessing the target by overloading its processing power.
Hackers often target networking equipment that connects to the internet in DDoS assaults, taking advantage of common server and network device behavior. As a result, attackers focus on edge network elements (such switches and routers) rather than individual servers. A denial-of-service attack overloads the devices that deliver bandwidth, or the network's pipe. DDoS as a service platform is also used by criminals to launch assaults against corporate websites and demand ransom payments, threatening to degrade the service if the money is not paid.
As innovative technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing advance in capabilities and comprehension, 2025 will see a variety of both old and new cyberthreats. For everyone concerned, defending their data and business continuity against cyberattacks will be particularly difficult this year.