In 2025, Vancouver businesses and individuals alike can expect a fresh set of cybersecurity challenges. Hackers are leveraging advancements in technology to develop more sophisticated attack methods, leaving organizations scrambling to keep up.
Staying informed and taking proactive measures can help reduce the impact of these threats. Here’s a closer look at the most pressing cybersecurity risks of 2025 and practical ways to defend against them.
Cybersecurity risks to watch out for in 2025
While many cybersecurity threats in 2025 are expected to arise from new technology and evolving trends, some stem from external factors that have little to do with technology itself.
AI-driven cyberattacks
AI, or artificial intelligence, plays a complex role in cybersecurity. On one hand, businesses use AI to bolster defenses, and on the other, attackers are employing it to orchestrate more effective and evasive attacks. Using AI, hackers can create convincing phishing emails and automate malware deployment at unprecedented speeds.
Defense strategy: Implement AI-based monitoring systems capable of detecting anomalies in network traffic and flagging potential threats. Regularly training employees about spotting suspicious emails can help too. With proper cybersecurity education, they can be trained to spot awkward grammar or awkward phrasing often found in AI-generated content, which can help greatly reduce the chances of disastrous mistakes.
Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS)
The ransomware business model has evolved into a service called Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS), which less skilled attackers can easily take advantage of. RaaS platforms provide malicious actors with tools to deploy ransomware attacks in exchange for a share of the ransom. This accessibility has led to an increase in the frequency of ransomware attacks.
Defense strategy: Maintain up-to-date backups of critical data and store them in a location that isn’t connected to the internet. Additionally, use endpoint security tools to protect devices, such as laptops and phones, and limit access to sensitive information. You should also create a well-defined response plan for handling cyberattacks. This will help your business recover more quickly and reduce the financial impact of such incidents.
Supply chain attacks
Hackers are looking for weak spots in supply chains to break into bigger systems. For example, if a company’s IT provider doesn’t have strong security, cybercriminals can use that vulnerability to access not just the provider but also all the companies relying on its services.
Defense strategy: Vet suppliers and third-party vendors carefully. This may entail conducting regular security audits and insisting on adherence to stringent cybersecurity standards. Furthermore, deploy zero trust architectures to minimize the risk of lateral movement within your network.
IoT vulnerabilities
The proliferation of IoT (Internet of Things) devices, or devices that can connect to a network or the internet, introduces new security risks. Many of these devices come with weak or minimal security settings, which makes them easy targets for cybercriminals to exploit. Once compromised, IoT devices can be used to infiltrate broader networks or execute large-scale attacks, such as distributed denial-of-service (DDoS).
Defense strategy: Protect IoT devices by setting strong, unique passwords instead of the default ones they come with. You should also update the software on these devices frequently to patch security vulnerabilities, and ensure they are connected to networks that are separate from your main systems. Implement device authentication protocols to verify the legitimacy of connected devices.
Deepfake technology abuse
Deepfake technology uses AI technology to produce images, videos, or audio clips that mimic real people. Originally a novelty, this technology is now being used for fraudulent purposes. One alarming example is cybercriminals creating a convincing video or voice recording of an executive to instruct employees to transfer money or share confidential data.
Defense strategy: Develop strict verification processes for financial and sensitive information requests. Multifactor authentication and direct verbal confirmation of unusual requests are particularly useful in thwarting deepfake-based scams.
Cybersecurity skills gap
There aren’t enough skilled cybersecurity experts to meet the growing demand, which makes it harder for organizations to hire the right talent for critical positions. The resulting skills gap weakens businesses’ ability to detect and respond to cyberthreats.
Defense strategy: Invest in employee training programs to upskill existing teams. Also, partner with managed IT service providers to bridge expertise gaps and strengthen your organization’s overall cybersecurity posture.
Data privacy and regulatory challenges
As regulations around data privacy tighten globally, such as the EU’s upcoming AI Act, businesses face increased pressure to comply. Failure to comply with data privacy rules can result in expensive fines and loss of customer trust. Additionally, cybercriminals may exploit lapses in compliance as entry points for attacks.
Defense strategy: Stay informed about relevant data privacy laws and regulations. It also pays to conduct regular compliance assessments and implement data encryption protocols to secure sensitive data. Finally, consider consulting experts who specialize in compliance.
Cybersecurity going forward
By adopting cutting-edge technologies, promoting security awareness among employees, and working closely with reliable partners, businesses can greatly lower their risk of cyberattacks in 2025. Companies that stay alert and flexible will be better prepared to tackle cybersecurity issues.
Prepare your business IT for the risks and opportunities of 2025 with help from Technikel Solutions. Contact us today.