Our online world gives us unlimited opportunity, but it’s paired with significant risk, specifically when it comes to cybersecurity. Risks are coming from all over the globe as our planet becomes more and more connected. As a recent Microsoft presentation on this topic mentioned, our online world has grown very quickly. What will our global cyberspace look like in 2025? Here’s a peek –

Nearly 69 percent of those in emerging economies will be using the Internet. Internet dependence will not just be a concept, but rather the new reality.

Thanks to the wizardry of technology, we have had unending/unlimited opportunities. Even those that did not embrace technology as much now do so, mainly due to the current state of affairs – coronavirus. COVID-19, as it is scientifically termed, has changed the way we conduct business and operations. Talk of the social distancing measures, government policies, et cetera. All of these factors have shaped a new norm under which technology has come to the rescue. Let’s face it – we probably wouldn’t have pulled this far if not for the help technology has rendered to us during these uncertain times.

However, there’s no good with no bad. Therefore, technology has its fair share of risks, especially when discussing cybersecurity. As more connections emerge, and the world becomes a village, the chances increase even further. An estimated 69% of persons in emerging economies will be using the internet by 2025. In fact, the internet is slowly turning into a fundamental human right, rather than a mere concept.

This projected increase might seem positive, and it actually is to some extent. However, if data from cybersecurity experts is anything to go by, then an attack on critical parts of the economy will be a huge concern. Hackers and cybercriminals have different motives online, and governments are continuously devising ways of dealing with them. The increase in internet connectivity is only irrigating an already fertile land for cybercriminals if enough measures are not taken to curb the vice. Here’s what we believe cybersecurity will look like in 2025:

Vision one: There will be digital rights inequality

Organizations depend on digital rights to secure their digital content. Due to the projected increase in internet connectivity, a rise in web-based data is set to happen by 2025. The internet will be an integral part of people’s lives, and is in fact, already playing that role. Data collection techniques are subject to malicious attacks from cybercriminals and ill-minded persons online. Besides, the increase in digital rights inequality is a concern that cannot be ignored.

Vision two: Threat information sharing will become more balanced between companies and the government

For those who don’t understand this, in simpler terms, governmental departments will not be able to share vital or essential information with privatized agencies or companies because of restrictions. Very little knowledge and data go to private companies, and this is set to stay the same.

Vision three: Digital privacy and anonymity will be a concern

The fast-rising internet reach poses a threat to digital privacy and anonymity. When there’s an increase in the number of people connected to the internet, you can equate that to the number of cybercrimes present. Not everyone online has a good motive. Some people are present online to carry out different crimes. This is why you need a reliable cybersecurity service provider such as ISHIR, which will help keep you safe always when you are online.

By 2025, there will be a severe need for privacy and data-centric security, due to the influx of cybercrimes. Users will have the basic requirement to protect their essential data assets through the adoption of privacy-enhancing technologies.

Vision four: There will be a massive reduction in cybersecurity professionals and data scientists

By 2025, it is expected that the demand for cybersecurity professionals and data scientists will far outweigh the supply of the same. The need for cybersecurity services will keep on rising as the internet connectivity rate increases. Cybercrimes are projected to increase over the next few years, and the need for tools/professionals to tackle this problem will equally go up. However, having the tools to fight cybercrime is not enough to help—instead, the professionals who can carry out the service matter even more.

Vision five: The center of focus for cyberattacks will come from our global supply chains

The increased level of offshoring and outsourcing services is marred with cybersecurity threats. Not many firms and companies in this sector have taken this risk to account. Therefore, of all the other cybersecurity trends, this might be the one that shakes companies the most. The spread of internet connectivity also means that more people would be able to take part in these global supply chains.

Vision six: Proactive prevention of threats will change in regards to the present data

Initially, data on threats was available, only that the proactive prevention techniques weren’t workable. However, this is set to change in the coming years up to 2025, due to the adoption of cybersecurity solutions all over the world. More companies are adopting analytical techniques such as machine learning to help them deal with cybercrimes and threats. To prevent further damage from taking place, most of these companies opt to hire professionals to help.

Vision seven: Artificial Intelligence will help cut down cyberattacks by a great margin

Due to the fast pace that the world is moving digitally, change is coming at an even faster rate than expected. A fast-growing digital-era sure has some amazing benefits and conveniences. However, there’s also a negative side to it – cybercrime. Cyberattacks have led to the loss of money, data breaches, and loss of identities. And if the current pace of internet growth is anything to go by, these vices are bound to increase even further.

Moreover, thanks to the improvement in artificial intelligence, cybercrimes are more likely to go higher than they are now. Hackers and cybercriminals can take advantage of AI tools to get their attacks on a huge scale. However, the tools and techniques developed by AI can be the difference we seek in terms of cybersecurity. Pundits foresee that by 2025, AI tools will play a significant role in the fight against cybercrime.

Vision eight: Machine Learning will play a vital role in cybercrime detection

Machine Learning is one of the premier tools of our time. And even though a lot is still improving, the prospects for its success are on the roof. Detecting cyber threats prior to them happening is a key win in the fight against cybercriminals. Machine learning is expected to be the frontier tool when it comes to this detection through data analysis and identification. With ML, we will be able to identify threats even before they take a toll on information systems and cause serious damages. With ML, computer systems can easily adapt and use different sets of algorithms based on the received data, thus, observing any anomalies with precise accuracy than humans.

Vision nine: Cyberattacks will increase as digital transformation increases

Due to the current wave of digital transformation witnessed across different industries and sectors, many businesses have embraced digital migration. Because of this, cyberattacks are projected to go higher than they are at the moment. Cybercriminals will be targeting firms and businesses that have recently migrated their operations in a bid to take advantage of a vulnerable group. This is why it would be highly relevant to work with a competent company like ISHIR, who will make sure that your systems are up to date and fully secure.

Vision ten: Mobile internet subscriptions will nearly double, thus, posing a higher cyberattack threat

Though a positive trait, the rise in mobile internet subscriptions will only mean one thing – a rise in cyber threats. Many will hope to take advantage of this increase to advance their vices, such as identity theft and other fraudulent activities.

Vision eleven: A rise in privacy risks

As we continue to connect to the internet and embrace technology, several risks increase, including privacy and cybersecurity. This is why the prospects of technology by 2025 face a higher risk of privacy for users. However, with the right cybersecurity consulting company, you can get the right strategies to counter these risks.

We at ISHIR are dedicated to offering you the best cybersecurity consulting services going forward. Work with us and ward off cybercrimes to ensure your safety online.