Cybersecurity Trends and Strategies for 2025

Artificial Intelligence: A Double-Edged Sword

As technology around us becomes smarter, it also becomes more vulnerable to cyberattacks. AI has been integrated into organizations’ daily operations and business models. The same applies to criminal organizations. AI assists malicious actors in conducting faster and more extensive attacks. It is predicted that by 2027, approximately 17% of all cyberattacks will use AI.

One growing type of AI-driven attack is invoice fraud. In November alone, the Estonian Information System Authority (RIA) reported four successful invoice fraud cases, where Estonian companies lost nearly 300,000 euros. Fraudsters sent invoices on behalf of partners with altered bank account numbers, redirecting payments to their accounts.

On the flip side, AI also aids in defense, enabling faster and more accurate threat analysis and prevention. However, organizations must be cautious to avoid sharing sensitive information with public AI systems, which could create additional vulnerabilities. According to Gartner, the focus is shifting from traditionally structured data to protecting unstructured data—such as texts, images, and videos. Additionally, synthetic data is increasingly used to maintain privacy and reduce the risk of sensitive data leaks.

Extending Identity and Access Management to Machine Identities

The widespread adoption of cloud services and automation makes protecting machine identities inevitable. Gartner states that inadequate management of machine identities is one of the biggest risk factors, as it opens doors to unauthorized access and data leaks. Successful organizations develop strategies that include machine identities as part of the overall Identity and Access Management (IAM) framework.

Ransomware Attacks: When, Not If

Ransomware attacks will remain a major cyber threat in 2025 and have been considered one of the most harmful global crimes for years. Ransomware attacks show no signs of abating in the coming years, as this widespread and lucrative “business model” continues to evolve.

Complete prevention of cyber incidents is not realistic. Companies can prevent attacks and mitigate their impact from the outset. It is crucial to follow common measures, such as continuous software updates, regular backups (in at least three locations), regular review of user rights, and staff training. These measures are just the tip of the iceberg. Planning and prevention are key—from advanced detection and response solutions to effective data recovery strategies.

Cyber Warfare and Geopolitical Tensions

The geopolitical situation has increased the level of cyber threats for Estonia and the entire Western world. Cyberattacks on critical infrastructure are part of hybrid warfare. In addition to ransomware, there has been an increase in denial-of-service (DoS) attacks aimed at disrupting essential services. Supply chain attacks have also increased, targeting service providers to gain access to a large portion of multiple companies’ data.

These threats highlight the importance of reviewing and strengthening the security of hardware, firewalls, and critical systems. The energy, transport, and telecommunications sectors are particularly targeted, requiring a proactive and strategic approach to their protection. NATO member states, in particular, feel the challenge strongly.

Cybersecurity Talent Shortage: A Persistent Challenge

The shortage of cybersecurity specialists remains a global problem, and Estonia is no exception. Over 500 specialists are estimated to be needed to meet the demands of companies today.

Although demand exceeds supply, work pressure in this sector makes retaining talent a constant challenge. Organizations must develop more attractive and sustainable offers for sector specialists, including improving working conditions and providing growth opportunities.

Retaining existing talent is becoming increasingly difficult. Gartner’s research shows that the cybersecurity field faces a serious mental health crisis: 62% of cybersecurity leaders have experienced burnout, directly threatening organizational security. The report reveals that organizations investing in mental well-being programs for specialists will experience 50% less burnout-related employee turnover by 2027. Important steps include balancing workloads, reducing stress, and integrating team well-being into daily work processes.

The cybersecurity landscape presents complex challenges for organizations in 2025, requiring better preparation than ever before. While no groundbreaking new solutions are currently seen, the scope of attacks is greater, victims are found faster, and vulnerabilities are exploited more effectively. Preparedness requires a strategic approach that combines technology optimization, ensuring employee well-being, and flexibility to adapt to the constantly changing threat landscape. The message is clear: cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue but a critical part of organizational sustainability and resilience.

Referenced Study: Gartner, “Top Trends in Cybersecurity for 2025,” Richard Addiscott, Anson Chen, Joerg Fritsch, Tom Scholtz, Will Candrick, Jeremy D’Hoinne, John Watts, Chiara Girardi, Manuel Acosta, Felix Gaehtgens, Oscar Isaka, Alex Michaels, 12 December 2024, ID G00822766.