WatchGuard Technologies, a leader in unified cybersecurity, has released its 2025 Cybersecurity Predictions, offering insights into the evolving threat landscape based on in-depth analysis and intelligence. The report highlights a growing reliance on artificial intelligence by cybercriminals, the increasing prevalence of long-term infiltration strategies, and the urgent need for advanced defences in operational technology (OT).
Corey Nachreiner, Chief Security Officer at WatchGuard, noted the shifting dynamics: “Cybercriminals are becoming adept at leveraging advanced technologies to orchestrate sophisticated attacks. The cybersecurity landscape of 2025 will require a proactive, unified approach to combat increasingly complex threats enabled by automation and AI.”
Key trends include the malicious use of multimodal AI systems to automate attack chains, the normalisation of long-term supply chain compromises, and the growing pressure on Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) due to regulatory demands and heightened accountability. WatchGuard also predicts increased reliance on AI-powered defences to secure OT systems and a potential surge in law enforcement-led disruptions of cybercriminal operations.
Marc Laliberte, WatchGuard’s Director of Security Operations, emphasised the importance of preparation: “From AI-driven threats to new challenges in protecting critical infrastructure, organisations must adapt to these emerging risks to stay ahead in 2025.”
As cybersecurity threats grow more sophisticated and accessible, WatchGuard’s predictions underscore the need for collaborative efforts, innovative technology, and strategic foresight to protect organisations and critical infrastructure in the years to come.