Top Cyber Security Trends 2025

Written by Mark Nairne, Head of Networks & Connectivity, North

As we approach 2025, the cyber security landscape is transforming. The convergence of IT, Operational Technology (OT) and IoT networks is creating efficiencies, while simultaneously broadening the potential attack surface. Meaning, that organisations must adapt their security strategy to meet these new challenges, and emerging vulnerabilities from AI-driven threats.

1. Zero Trust Approach to Converged Networks

The integration of IT, OT, and IoT networks is no longer optional, it's essential for today’s business operations. However, this convergence demands a unified security approach with a focus on a common Zero Trust policy to IT, OT and IoT network services and controls. Consolidated approaches can also offer efficiencies, reducing hardware, license and support costs and enhancing automation and functionalities, particularly in OT environments.

This trend will continue to develop in 2025, and regular OT risk assessments and network penetration testing will become increasingly crucial to maintain an accurate view of exposure and vulnerability across converged networks. Setting a clear route to minimise vulnerabilities and reduce exposure will help to realise the benefits of IT/OT convergence, driving a common Zero Trust model for cyber security monitoring, management and reporting processes across network assets.

2: The Rise of AIOPs

As IT environments grow more complex, driven in part by the integration of AI solutions and IT/OT/IoT convergence, organisations are facing increased technical debt, AIOps (Artificial Intelligence for IT Operations) are emerging as a critical solution with huge potential.

In 2025, we expect to see mounting technical debt. To address this, IT leaders will likely increase the adoption of AIOps platforms to apply AI solutions and technologies, such as Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Machine Learning (ML) to provide continuous insights and improve and automate decision-making.

To fully realise the benefits, IT leaders will need to focus on aligning strategy, technology and culture, and carefully apply security approaches equally and effectively across network assets and entry points.

3: Firewall as a Service (FWaaS)

2025 will continue to see the growth of centralised cloud-based security solutions. The continuing lack of cyber security talent, combined with hybrid working and a broadening attack surface, is driving the adoption of unified cloud security to secure these complex environments.

Cloud-based FWaaS combines traditional firewall capabilities with advanced zero-day protection which forms the bedrock of Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA). This ‘never trust by default’ approach provides consistent on-demand protection regardless of location, device type, application location or service being accessed, so long as devices are compliant and have the appropriate access rights.

This approach, no matter the size or complexity, provides adaptability and scale in an ever-changing security landscape, providing centralised compliance and security posture, and as we enter 2025, will continue to grow.

Looking Ahead

Understanding cyber risk is the first step towards building a resilient security strategy. Whilst identifying risk and a pathway to resolve will drive an informed approach to network segmentation and access control, developing a consolidated security operations view across IT, OT and IoT network assets will bring a consistent approach to management, reporting and incident response.

As cyber threats continue to evolve, success in 2025, will require organisations to remain vigilant and adaptive. Zero Trust approaches, AIOps capabilities and cloud-based security services will offer a robust framework for addressing current and emerging challenges.