As we approach 2025, various industry leaders are outlining their expectations for the future of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation in business, focusing on security enhancements, network advancements, and the evolving role of cybersecurity leaders.
Tarun Desikan, Executive Vice President of Product Strategy at SonicWall, predicted that while 2024 showcased impressive demos of generative AI models driving security enhancements, such as AI Security Operations Centre (SOC) agents and AI policy generators, the industry is not yet ready to transition these concepts into production-ready products. He noted, “If you were expecting to see these demos make production-ready security products, think again. In 2025, we expect the rubber to meet the road.” Desikan elaborated that operationalising generative AI effectively to translate these innovations into real-world security solutions will remain a considerable challenge for businesses.
Meanwhile, Sandeep Raithatha, Head of Strategy, Innovation & 5G IoT Products at Virgin Media O2 Business, forecasted significant acceleration in private network adoption, with the market expected to soar to $6.4 billion by 2026. He informed that standalone private 5G networks could attract 40%, estimated at $2.8 billion of this investment, enhancing secure communications across sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, education, and smart cities. Raithatha also highlighted an emerging technology called network slicing, which allows companies to create multiple virtual networks on a shared physical infrastructure tailored to their unique requirements. This innovation promises high-quality connectivity and scalability while maintaining cost efficiency.
Raghu Mandakumara, Head of Industry Solutions at Illumio, added that security investments in 2025 will increasingly be driven by accountability rather than trendiness. With organisations acknowledging that the complete prevention of cyberattacks is unattainable, they will focus on strategies for minimising the impact of attacks and safeguarding critical assets. He predicted a shift from a focus on fashionable technologies like Network Detection and Response (NDR) and Security Orchestration Automation and Response (SOAR) to those that can implement effective breach containment. Mandakumara stated, "This will drive a focus on substance over optics when it comes to cybersecurity investments."
The role of cybersecurity leadership is also expected to evolve. Mandakumara articulated an anticipated shift in job titles, predicting that the nuanced role of the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) would be phased out in favour of Chief Security Officers (CSOs). He reasoned that as interconnectivity increases and the lines between IT and Operational Technology (OT) continue to blur, organisations will require leaders who can manage all forms of risk comprehensively. He added that the CSO would likely sit at the executive level, ensuring corporate accountability regarding cybersecurity matters.
Trevor Dearing, Director of Critical Infrastructure at Illumio, foresaw escalating challenges relating to cyberattacks in 2025, suggesting that a significant assault on critical national infrastructure (CNI), likely instigated by state actors, could cause severe disruptions to essential services. This may necessitate a substantial shift in how both government and industry approach cybersecurity resilience. He envisaged the introduction of a model similar to a "DORA for Energy," prioritising cybersecurity best practices for the protection and operation of vital services. Dearing indicated a broader trend towards adopting Zero Trust models over traditional security architectures, as the focus shifts from attack prevention to impact mitigation.
Overall, industry leaders are anticipating a transformative year ahead, where organisations will prioritise resilience and rapid recovery in their cybersecurity strategies, emphasising operational continuity as a crucial element in maintaining service delivery amid increasing cyber threats.
Source: Noah Wire Services