21 March 2025, Fri |
5:45 AM
21 March 2025, Fri |
5:45 AM
As we approach Valentine’s Day, Positive Technologies has revealed the results of a detailed analysis on the key technology trends of 2024, shedding light on areas that are shaping the future of tech and attracting cybercriminals. According to the experts, these “love interests” are not just driving innovation but also fueling a surge in cybersecurity threats.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Takes the Spotlight
AI continues to dominate technology development and remains a prime target for cybercriminals. In 2024, companies are leveraging AI to enhance business operations and user experience, but this popularity also presents new opportunities for cyberattacks. Generative AI models are increasingly being used in phishing schemes, malicious code modifications, and deepfake generation. Positive Technologies predicts that AI-powered cyberattacks will rise in 2025, with AI playing a larger role in vulnerability scanning, data analysis, text recognition, and social engineering.
Blockchain and Digital Assets Face Growing Risks
Blockchain’s role in the financial sector, particularly cryptocurrencies, continues to expand, with over 130 countries developing national digital currencies in 2024. Despite efforts to bolster transaction transparency and security, cyber threats remain a significant concern. By 2025, Positive Technologies expects a surge in cryptocurrency scams, making it harder for users to protect their digital assets.
Internet of Things (IoT) Security Threats on the Rise
The rapid growth of IoT devices is creating new challenges for both consumers and businesses. Vulnerable IoT devices and weak data protocols are prime targets for cybercriminals, while the security of industrial IoT remains critical. With the rise of smart cities—leveraging IoT, AI, and big data to manage utilities and transportation—the risk of attacks on consumer and commercial IoT systems is projected to increase significantly by 2025.
Cloud Technologies: A Growing Target for Cybercriminals
As businesses accelerate their transition to hybrid and multi-cloud infrastructures, data security management becomes increasingly complex. Positive Technologies reports an uptick in incidents caused by configuration errors and a lack of preventive measures. In 2025, the cloud will become an even bigger target for data theft and extortion, with cybercriminals seeking to exploit vulnerabilities in cloud solutions, as seen in a recent Microsoft cloud attack.
Autonomous Vehicles: A New Frontier for Cyberattacks
The digitalization of transportation systems is set to soar, with the autonomous vehicle market expected to grow sixfold by 2032. However, the rise in cyberattacks targeting vehicle autopilots, sensors, and IoT gateways poses a significant threat. Malicious actors are already exploiting vulnerabilities, and industry experts are responding with growing investments in automotive cybersecurity to protect critical data and enhance passenger safety.
Software Supply Chain Attacks: A Major Concern for 2025
The rapid digital transformation of industries has made tech companies prime targets for cybercriminals. Software developers and IT companies are increasingly being targeted through malicious code distribution on platforms like npm, PyPi, and GitHub. Positive Technologies predicts that by 2025, the impact of software supply chain attacks will be more pronounced, with attackers using compromised developer credentials to infiltrate IT companies. According to Ekaterina Snegireva, Senior Analyst at Positive Technologies, incidents involving compromised contractor networks have increased significantly, now accounting for 15% of all cyberattacks in 2024.
As we move forward into 2025, these emerging threats highlight the need for robust cybersecurity strategies to stay ahead of malicious actors in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
