An alarming rise in AI-driven cyber-attacks is anticipated for 2025, according to Google Cloud's Cybersecurity Forecast. Cybercriminals are expected to enhance their tactics using large language models, deepfakes, and AI-powered reconnaissance tools to execute more sophisticated social engineering and cyber espionage strategies.
The report highlights the evolving landscape of AI for Information Operations, predicting increased use of generative AI to create fake personas and content at scale, thereby amplifying their reach and impact.
Geopolitical tensions are also a concern, as state-sponsored cyber activities from nations like Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea could target critical industries and public services globally.
The EMEA region faces specific risks due to rapid cloud adoption and misconfigurations, which leave cloud environments vulnerable. Google Cloud's Mandiant response teams have noted a rise in investigations related to inadequate cloud monitoring and weak security protocols, underscoring the need for improved cloud security strategies in the coming year.
Andy Ward, SVP International at Absolute Security, stressed the importance of prioritizing cyber resilience, stating that as AI is increasingly used in cyber-attacks, organizations must proactively implement security measures to protect sensitive data. Despite AI's advantages, 54% of Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) feel their teams are unprepared for evolving AI-powered threats.