The Evolution Of Cyber Security In 2025

In the face of rising and developing cyber security threats, a continuous evolution of cyber security techniques and practices is needed to protect the data and digital assets of individuals and businesses.

In 2025, businesses are facing ever-changing and developing cyber security threats from multiple sources. Insufficient cyber protection has the potential to have serious consequences on organisations, from monetary to reputational loss. In the face of these increasing threats (such as the latest ransomware attacks hitting M&S, the Co-op and Harrods) cyber security measures are evolving to combat developments.

Latest cyber security statistics

Unfortunately for the sector, cyber crime is not shrinking, it’s growing year-on-year.

• 81% of cyber attacks in the UK are targeted at small and medium-sized businesses
• Cyber crime cost each impacted small business an average of £1,205 in 2024, increasing to £10,830 for medium and large businesses.
• 50% of UK businesses reported suffering from a cyber attack in 2024

Developing cyber security threats

As technology has developed, there has been an evolution of cyber security threats impacting the modern world. From state-sponsored cyber attacks, to criminal gangs or individual hackers holding companies to ransom, cyber attacks are commonplace across the spectrum of society.

Quantum computing

The threat of the effects of quantum computing on the cyber security sector has come into focus recently, as advancements suggest the developing technology could have the ability to break encryption algorithms that many systems rely on to keep their data safe. In the wrong hands, this could lead to monumental security breaches. Whilst quantum computing is not predicted to reach this stage until the mid-2030s, the National Cyber Security Centre has recommend organisations start preparing for this threat immediately.

Ransomware as a service

Ransomware is involved in around 20% of all cyber crime incidents. Given how profitable ransomware attacks can be, there is a growing ransomware as a service product available to hackers and cyber criminals. This service was first identified in 2015 and is continuing in various forms today. It was developed by ransomware developers and is now sold as a business model to cyber criminals with the code and tools available to initiate attacks.

Recent ransomware incidences such as M&S, Harrods and the Co-Op that brought operations to a standstill in certain cases, show that even large organisations that have dedicated IT and cyber  departments are at risk from attack.

AI-powered threats

Artificial intelligence (AI), whilst also being used to automate cyber defences and fix vulnerabilities, is also being used by cyber criminals as a tool to commit cyber crime. 74% of organisations are finding that AI-powered cyber threats are becoming more prominent. From automating large-scale phishing emails, to finding new ways to bypass security, cyber criminals are using AI to launch more effective attacks. Furthermore, the latest AI technology advancements in deepfakes are giving cyber criminals the tools to create realistic videos and voice notes to be used in phishing attacks, fraud, and blackmail attempts.

Supply chain risk

Increasingly, cyber criminals are targeting large organisations through their supply chains. Recently, 54% of large businesses identified a lack of visibility in their supply chain cyber security levels as a barrier to them becoming cyber resilient. Breaches in supply chains can make businesses vulnerable to attacks or data leakage.

Evolving cyber security measures

As more complex cyber attacks increase, businesses are taking up more opportunities to investigate their “cyber hygiene”, with 48% of small businesses planning to undertake cyber security risk assessments in 2025, up from 41% in 2024. Alongside this exploration into the analysis of risk, the sector has continued to develop more ways to tackle cyber threats for businesses to deploy, including:

Zero Trust Frameworks

In contrast to traditional cyber security models that rely on a defined network-based perimeter to protect networks, a Zero Trust Framework works on the basis that no user or device is trustworthy. By constantly requiring authentication and authorisation not just upon entry to the network but throughout a user’s journey, the system is continuously monitoring a user’s behaviour so it can react in real-time to any potential cyber attack. This framework can be used throughout an organisation’s system. However, its complex implementation and potential to be very frustrating for trusted employees, means it is often limited to a small part of the network that contains the most confidential information.

Biometric authentication

The use of biometric authentication as a cyber security measure is growing. Instead of using passwords or multi-factor authentication, fingerprints, iris patterns, facial and voice recognition are being used to verify identity. For businesses, this is a highly secure and efficient way of protecting networks but is not without its own risks. For example, if criminals are able to breach an organisation’s network, they will be able to spoof an individual’s biometric data.

Increasing regulation

Countries across the world are strengthening their cyber security regulations in response to growing attacks. In 2024, the EU and Singapore both introduced legislation targeting technology manufacturers to prioritise cyber security when creating electronic devices. In addition, the EU introduced fines for organisations that do not report cyber breaches within 24 hours of becoming aware of them. As cyber crime increases, more countries will likely implement stricter safety regulations on businesses and manufacturers.

AI support

AI is a powerful tool in cyber security and is increasingly being used by cyber security professionals in a number of ways, such as:

• Flagging suspicious log in attempts
• Identifying unusual patterns
• Automating responses to incidences
• Identifying potential phishing attempts

Utilising AI within cybersecurity reduces the chance of human error and increases the likelihood of anomalies will be identified.

Cloud security

Growing reliance on cloud platforms has shifted the requirements for cyber security measures. Cloud Native Application Protection Platforms (CNAPPs) are growing in popularity and are designed specifically for cloud-centric environments. This technology integrates multiple cloud security tools into one, in order to offer more efficient support for an organisation’s entire cloud application.

Overall, whilst cyber crime and threats are continuing to strengthen and cause significant issues for businesses and individuals, improving cyber security measures are helping to strengthen protections. Additionally, in 2025, with 59% of small businesses formalising a cyber security policy, up from 51% in 2024, now is the perfect time for organisations to engage cyber security professionals.

If you are looking for tailored cyber security hiring support, VIQU IT is a cyber security specialist recruitment agency. We can help you secure the professionals you need to protect your business and boost your security measures.