According to Kaspersky (www.Kaspersky.co.za), artificial intelligence (AI) will become an integral part of daily life, while privacy concerns around biometric data and advanced technologies will take center stage in 2025. These forecasts are part of the annual series of Kaspersky security bulletins, which provides perspective on cybersecurity trends and threats expected to impact consumers in the coming year.
AI becomes an everyday reality
AI is expected to become fully integrated into daily life in 2025, becoming a standard tool rather than a new technology. With leading operating systems like iOS and Android rolling out AI-enhanced features, people will increasingly rely on AI for communication, workflows, and creative tasks. However, this standardization also poses challenges, especially as personalized deepfakes become increasingly sophisticated in the absence of reliable detection tools.
Privacy regulations will expand ownership of user data
The growing focus on privacy is expected to lead to new regulations strengthening users’ control over personal data. By 2025, individuals could gain the right to monetize their data, easily transfer it between platforms and benefit from simplified consent processes. Global frameworks, such as the EU’s GDPR, California’s CPRA and South Africa’s POPIA, continue to inspire reforms around the world, while decentralized storage technologies could further empower autonomy users about their information.
Fraudsters will continue to exploit premieres and exits
Cybercriminals are expected to target high-profile game, console and movie launches in 2025. Titles like Mafia: the old country, Civilization VIIAnd Death Stranding 2as well as forecasts Nintendo Switch2are likely to attract scams involving fake pre-orders, counterfeit rootkits, and malicious downloads. Likewise, successful films like Superman And Renaissance of the Jurassic world can trigger phishing campaigns and counterfeit product fraud targeting enthusiastic fans.
Political polarization will fuel cyberbullying
Growing political polarization is expected to exacerbate cyberbullying in 2025. Social media algorithms that amplify divisive content, combined with the widespread availability of AI tools to create deepfakes and fake posts, are likely to intensify harassment online. Cross-border cyberbullying could also intensify as global platforms make it easier to target individuals based on their political beliefs.
Growing number of subscription services will fuel fraud risks
As the global economy shifts more toward subscription-based models, fraud related to fake subscription promotions is expected to increase. Cybercriminals are expected to create counterfeit services that imitate legitimate platforms, with the aim of tricking users into providing personal and financial information, thereby leading to identity theft and financial losses. Additionally, the growth of unofficial resources offering free or discounted access to subscription services is expected to become a significant threat vector, exposing users to phishing attacks, malware, and data breaches.
Banning social media for children could lead to broader usage restrictions
Australia’s proposed law to ban children under 16 from accessing social media could set a global precedent. If implemented successfully, the restriction could pave the way for broader limitations on access for other demographic groups. Platforms like Instagram have already begun to adopt AI-powered age verification systems, signaling a move toward stricter governance of online spaces.
“By 2025, the most significant impact on consumers is expected to result from the intersection of innovation and regulation. Advances in AI, privacy, and data ownership frameworks will reshape how people interact with technology and manage their digital lives. These developments hold immense potential, but also require careful monitoring to ensure they serve the interests of consumers,” said Kaspersky privacy expert Anna Larkina.
To learn more, visit Securelist.com.
To stay safe, Kaspersky experts also recommend:
- Enable a secure browsing feature, such as Kaspersky Premium (https://apo-opa.co/3BdtgPp), to avoid tracking on the Internet. This feature also protects users from dangerous sites (like phishing sites), malware, and other maliciously installed files and extensions.
- Configure your social networks to improve privacy and make a difference. Services such as Privacy Checker (https://Privacy.Kaspersky.com) can help users adjust privacy settings and strengthen the protection of their personal accounts. Additionally, modern security solutions often include features that improve privacy levels across different social networks.
- Opt for secure and private connections. Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks for sensitive activities. Consider using a reliable VPN (https://apo-opa.co/3Bcqz0y) to encrypt your Internet connection and protect your online activities from surveillance.
- Install apps only from official stores like the Apple App Store, Google Play or Amazon Appstore. Although apps from these marketplaces are not 100% safe, they are at least verified by store representatives and a filtering system is in place – not all apps are allowed to be listed on these platforms.
- Download a reliable security solution (https://apo-opa.co/3BdtgPp) to help you detect malicious apps and adware before they can harm your device.
- Do not share serial numbers, IP addresses and other sensitive information about your smart devices on social media.
- Avoid using weak passwords. Weak combinations, such as those consisting only of letters, do not provide sufficient protection. For convenience and security, consider using a special application, such as Kaspersky Password Manager (https://apo-opa.co/3OGpYHu).
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kaspersky.
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Nicole Allman
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About Kaspersky:
Kaspersky is a global cybersecurity and digital privacy company founded in 1997. With over a billion devices protected to date against emerging cyber threats and targeted attacks, Kaspersky’s deep expertise in threat intelligence and security is constantly evolving into innovative solutions and services to protect businesses, critical infrastructure, governments and consumers around the world. The company’s comprehensive security portfolio includes industry-leading endpoint protection, specialized security products and services, and Cyber Immune solutions to combat sophisticated and evolving digital threats. We help more than 200,000 business customers protect what matters most to them. Learn more about www.Kaspersky.co.za.
