KnowBe4 The world-renowned cybersecurity platform addressing human risk management, announced its 2025 cybersecurity predictions from its global industry experts.
In 2024, the world has seen cyber threats evolve faster than before due to the rise and popularity of AI tools.
These tools help cybercriminals refine and make attack tactics more sophisticated and harder to recognize, while this helps cybersecurity professionals defend against attacks more effectively.
AI-enabled tools for cyber defense and attacks will continue to improve
As AI technology advances, defenders and attackers alike take advantage of its capabilities. On the cybersecurity side, sophisticated AI-powered tools that detect and respond to threats more effectively are being developed.
Capabilities like AI being able to analyze large amounts of data, identify anomalies, and improve the accuracy of threat detection will greatly help cybersecurity teams in the future.
However, cybercriminals are also adopting AI to create more advanced attack methods. For example, AI-powered social engineering campaigns that more effectively manipulate emotions and target vulnerabilities more effectively will make it difficult for individuals to distinguish between real and fake content.
As AI capabilities evolve on both sides, the standoff between defenders and attackers intensifies, creating crucial constant innovation and adaptation.
Ransomware attacks will remain a problem
Ransomware attacks will continue to be a massive threat due to collaboration between ransomware gangs and initial access brokers.
In one measure to combat this, AI will become a popular tool for monitoring networks and individual devices for anomalies like unusual encryption processes. This will significantly reduce the impact of ransomware attempts.
The human factor in cybersecurity will become more of an objective
Organizations will continue to recognize the importance of frequent security awareness training and simulated phishing testing to manage inherent human risk.
At the same time, cybercriminals will continue to refine their social engineering techniques, making attacks more personalized and effective.
Going forward, the challenge will be maintaining employee vigilance without causing phishing fatigue. To avoid this, organizations must focus on making training more adaptive and relevant to employees to create better protections and commitment to a positive safety culture.
Improving DeepFake Detection Technologies
In 2025, DeepFake AI detection technologies will improve, become more accessible, and more effectively address the growing concern of identifying Deep Fakes.
On the other hand, cybercriminals should also leverage misinformation and deep-seated misinformation in their attacks, using them to accelerate extortion, hide other attacks, or damage organizational reputation.
Adopting a zero-frust mindset and cyberbullying
There will be greater adoption of a zero cyber flood mindset and, representing a proactive approach to cybersecurity.
Organizations embracing these principles encourage a vigilant attitude among their employees, treating every user and device as a potential threat.
Training employees to maintain a healthy level of skepticism encourages them to apply critical thinking skills, and this mindset shift will be another crucial step in mitigating internal risks.
Exploitation and overlap of cybersecurity and human trafficking in Africa
The region has seen a rise in cybercriminals targeting its youth with fake job opportunities, often resulting in human trafficking.
The concern is that the overlap of cybercrime and human trafficking will continue to escalate in 2025.
Targeted attacks like romance and workplace scams will increase as cybercriminals become more adept at exploiting economic hardship and limited digital literacy.
“The cybersecurity landscape is evolving rapidly, and the dynamics between defenders and attackers have never been more complex,” says Stu Sjouwerman, CEO, KnowBe4. “As we enter 2025, we must embrace the potential of AI to improve our defenses and protect organizations globally. At KnowBe4, we are committed to remaining at the forefront of this evolution, providing human risk management tools and tactics to protect organizations against sophisticated threats. It’s a continuous journey of innovation and adaptation. »
It is more important than ever to focus on the human element in organizations to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of cybercrime. One of the best forms of defense remains cultivating a strong safety culture.
The predicted trends were collected from KnowBe4’s global security awareness advocates who have decades of cybersecurity experience.
Don’t miss important articles during the week. Subscribe to TechBuild Weekly Digest for updates
KnowBe4 The world-renowned cybersecurity platform addressing human risk management, announced its 2025 cybersecurity predictions from its global industry experts.
In 2024, the world has seen cyber threats evolve faster than before due to the rise and popularity of AI tools.
These tools help cybercriminals refine and make attack tactics more sophisticated and harder to recognize, while this helps cybersecurity professionals defend against attacks more effectively.
AI-enabled tools for cyber defense and attacks will continue to improve
As AI technology advances, defenders and attackers alike take advantage of its capabilities. On the cybersecurity side, sophisticated AI-powered tools that detect and respond to threats more effectively are being developed.
Capabilities like AI being able to analyze large amounts of data, identify anomalies, and improve the accuracy of threat detection will greatly help cybersecurity teams in the future.
However, cybercriminals are also adopting AI to create more advanced attack methods. For example, AI-powered social engineering campaigns that more effectively manipulate emotions and target vulnerabilities more effectively will make it difficult for individuals to distinguish between real and fake content.
As AI capabilities evolve on both sides, the standoff between defenders and attackers intensifies, creating crucial constant innovation and adaptation.
Ransomware attacks will remain a problem
Ransomware attacks will continue to be a massive threat due to collaboration between ransomware gangs and initial access brokers.
In one measure to combat this, AI will become a popular tool for monitoring networks and individual devices for anomalies like unusual encryption processes. This will significantly reduce the impact of ransomware attempts.
The human factor in cybersecurity will become more of an objective
Organizations will continue to recognize the importance of frequent security awareness training and simulated phishing testing to manage inherent human risk.
At the same time, cybercriminals will continue to refine their social engineering techniques, making attacks more personalized and effective.
Going forward, the challenge will be maintaining employee vigilance without causing phishing fatigue. To avoid this, organizations must focus on making training more adaptive and relevant to employees to create better protections and commitment to a positive safety culture.
Improving DeepFake Detection Technologies
In 2025, DeepFake AI detection technologies will improve, become more accessible, and more effectively address the growing concern of identifying Deep Fakes.
On the other hand, cybercriminals should also leverage misinformation and deep-seated misinformation in their attacks, using them to accelerate extortion, hide other attacks, or damage organizational reputation.
Adopting a zero-frust mindset and cyberbullying
There will be greater adoption of a zero cyber flood mindset and, representing a proactive approach to cybersecurity.
Organizations embracing these principles encourage a vigilant attitude among their employees, treating every user and device as a potential threat.
Training employees to maintain a healthy level of skepticism encourages them to apply critical thinking skills, and this mindset shift will be another crucial step in mitigating internal risks.
Exploitation and overlap of cybersecurity and human trafficking in Africa
The region has seen a rise in cybercriminals targeting its youth with fake job opportunities, often resulting in human trafficking.
The concern is that the overlap of cybercrime and human trafficking will continue to escalate in 2025.
Targeted attacks like romance and workplace scams will increase as cybercriminals become more adept at exploiting economic hardship and limited digital literacy.
“The cybersecurity landscape is evolving rapidly, and the dynamics between defenders and attackers have never been more complex,” says Stu Sjouwerman, CEO, KnowBe4. “As we enter 2025, we must embrace the potential of AI to improve our defenses and protect organizations globally. At KnowBe4, we are committed to remaining at the forefront of this evolution, providing human risk management tools and tactics to protect organizations against sophisticated threats. It’s a continuous journey of innovation and adaptation. »
It is more important than ever to focus on the human element in organizations to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of cybercrime. One of the best forms of defense remains cultivating a strong safety culture.
The predicted trends were collected from KnowBe4’s global security awareness advocates who have decades of cybersecurity experience.
Don’t miss important articles during the week. Subscribe to TechBuild Weekly Digest for updates
