Fortinet Cyberthreat Predictions for 2025 highlight bigger and AI-driven attacks | #cybercrime | #infosec | #hacking | #aihp

• 2025 cyber threats predictions highlight more sophisticated cyberattacks.
• Cybercrime-as-a-service becoming more specialised.

Fortinet’s 2025 Cyberthreat Predictions Report sheds light on the evolving dynamics of cybercrime, which continues to grow in complexity and scale.

The impact of attacks is far-reaching, with organisations worldwide facing significant challenges. In Malaysia, for instance, 52% of organisations reported that security breaches cost over US$1 million last year, while 28% incurred recovery costs exceeding US$3 million. Furthermore, recovery times remain a pressing issue, with 55% of organisations taking more than a month to recover and 25% taking four months or more. On average, recovery time takes about 2.22 months.

While traditional hacking tactics are still in use, the report indicates a shift toward more sophisticated methods that combine digital and physical threats. Cybercrime-as-a-Service (CaaS) has become more specialised, with attackers honing skills to execute highly targeted campaigns with tremendous impact.

Published by FortiGuard Labs, the report examines the evolution of traditional attack methods alongside emerging cybercrime trends. It provides insights into the challenges organisations face in today’s interconnected world and underscores the importance of collaboration to combat increasingly aggressive adversaries.

Key trends predicted for 2025 and beyond

1. A more targeted approach to cyberattacks

Cybercriminals place greater emphasis on the early stages of an attack, such as reconnaissance and weaponisation, allowing for quicker and more precise strikes later. As CaaS providers become more specialised, they focus on specific segments of the attack chain rather than offering comprehensive tools, creating a more efficient ecosystem for launching cyberattacks.

2. Increasing focus on cloud environments

Cloud vulnerabilities are expected to become a key focus for attackers as they target this critical part of digital infrastructure. Most organisations now rely on multiple cloud providers, adding to the complexity of their environments. Complexity makes cloud systems attractive targets. The trend is anticipated to accelerate as attackers exploit vulnerabilities caused by misconfigurations or weak security measures.

3. Automated tools fuel cybercrime growth

The use of AI-powered tools in cybercrime is expected to grow significantly. Automated hacking tools, such as those powered by large language models, are making advanced cyberattacks more accessible. The tools, which are available on the CaaS marketplace, streamline activities such as phishing, ransomware creation, and social media reconnaissance, lowering the barrier to entry for cybercriminals. Their availability on underground marketplaces is predicted to contribute to a rise in attacks across industries.

4. Integration of physical threats with cyberattacks

The convergence of cyberattacks with real-world threats is becoming more common. Some cybercriminal groups are already using physical intimidation against organisations’ leaders or employees, and this trend is likely to grow. Furthermore, partnerships between cybercrime networks and transnational criminal organisations may grow, incorporating activities such as smuggling and trafficking into increasingly complicated attack strategies. This development emphasises the increasingly multifaceted nature of modern cybercrime.

5. Collaborative frameworks to combat cybercrime

In response to rising danger, there is a rising demand for collaboration in the cybersecurity community. Initiatives such as global partnerships and public-private collaborations are becoming more prevalent. Frameworks aimed at disrupting cybercrime are also emerging, with initiatives such as the World Economic Forum’s Cybercrime Atlas seeking to unite stakeholders in solving challenges collectively. Enhanced collaboration is likely to result in more robust security frameworks, giving organisations additional tools to combat cyberattacks.

Strengthening defences through collaboration

Organisations are encouraged to look at cybersecurity as a shared responsibility that goes beyond single IT departments. Enterprise-wide security awareness and training are essential for effective risk management. Additionally, governments and technology providers should collaborate to establish and enforce robust cybersecurity standards.

Cybercriminals continue to advance their tactics, combining technical expertise with new forms of exploitation. By pooling resources and fostering collaboration across sectors, the cybersecurity community can better anticipate adversaries’ strategies and mitigate risks to critical systems and data. Addressing the challenges will require not only technical innovation but also a commitment to collective resilience at all levels of society.

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Muhammad Zulhusni

As a tech journalist, Zul focuses on topics including cloud computing, cybersecurity, and disruptive technology in the enterprise industry. He has expertise in moderating webinars and presenting content on video, in addition to having a background in networking technology.