Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. has unveiled its cyber security predictions for 2025, identifying pivotal security challenges that organisations are likely to encounter as they integrate new technologies into their operations. The shift towards an expanding digital ecosystem inevitably brings with it a corresponding evolution in the threat landscape, characterised by AI-driven attacks, vulnerabilities within cloud infrastructures, and the looming presence of quantum threats.
According to the report, a significant trend expected to emerge in the near future is the rise of AI-powered cyberattacks. Threat actors are anticipated to harness artificial intelligence to craft highly personalised phishing attacks alongside adaptive malware capable of learning from real-time data, thereby evading conventional detection measures. Notably, smaller hacker collectives will increasingly utilise AI tools, allowing them to conduct large-scale operations without the need for extensive technical expertise, ultimately democratizing the realm of cybercrime.
The report highlights that ransomware is projected to become more targeted and automated, with a particular focus on critical supply chains. Large-scale ransomware attacks affecting entire industries are predicted to become a more common occurrence, as perpetrators increasingly employ AI-enhanced phishing emails and sophisticated deepfake impersonations to circumvent existing defence mechanisms.
Furthermore, the misuse of AI technologies may lead to a surge in data breaches. As AI tools such as ChatGPT become woven into the fabric of business processes, there is an escalating risk of accidental data exposure. Employees might unintentionally disclose sensitive information to external AI platforms, resulting in significant security breaches. Consequently, organisations will need to develop robust governance frameworks to monitor AI usage and uphold data privacy protocols.
Another factor of consideration is the impending threat poised by quantum computing, which is expected to challenge current encryption methods. Although widespread quantum attacks are not immediately foreseeable, industries, particularly finance and healthcare, must begin transitioning to quantum-safe encryption solutions to anticipate this emerging risk.
In addition, social media platforms are forecasted to become prime targets for cybercriminals, who will likely exploit personal data for targeted scams and impersonation strategies. The sophistication of AI-driven deepfakes is expected to increase significantly, raising potential threats to financial transactions and overarching corporate security. Addressing these complex challenges will necessitate the implementation of real-time AI defences capable of detecting and countering these advanced attacks.
Dr. Dorit Dor, Chief Technology Officer at Check Point, noted, “In 2025, AI will drive both attacks and protections. Security teams will rely on AI-powered tools tailored to their unique environments, but adversaries will respond with increasingly sophisticated, AI-driven phishing and deepfake campaigns.” The insights articulated in this report underscore the transformative implications of AI for cyber security, urging organisations to fortify their defenses in anticipation of an evolving landscape influenced by both technological advancements and nefarious activities.
Source: Noah Wire Services