- The World Economic Forum (WEF) recently released Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025
It is produced in collaboration with Accenture and it examines the cybersecurity trends that will affect economies and societies in the year to come.
- It explores major findings and puts a spotlight on the complexity of the cybersecurity landscape, which is intensified by geopolitical tensions, emerging technologies, supply chain interdependencies and cybercrime sophistication.
Key issues Highlighted
- Geopolitical Conflicts: Ongoing conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine, have increased cyber vulnerabilities in critical sectors like energy, telecommunications, and nuclear power.
- Cybersecurity Readiness: Two-thirds of organizations anticipate AI impacting cybersecurity, but only one-third have requisite tools to assess AI-related risks, with smaller organizations facing significant challenges.
- Cyber Skills Gap: As of 2024, there is a shortage of 4.8 million cybersecurity professionals.
- Only 14% of organizations have a skilled workforce to address current cybersecurity challenges. Public-sector organizations are particularly impacted.
- Supply Chain Interdependencies: Over 50% of large organizations identify supply chain complexity as a barrier to cyber resilience.
- Concerns include vulnerabilities in third-party software, cyberattacks, and challenges in enforcing security standards.
- Cybercrime Sophistication: Cybercriminals are leveraging generative AI tools for more personalized and automated attacks, including phishing and social engineering.
- In 2024, 42% of organizations experienced phishing and deepfake attacks.
- Regulatory Challenges: 70% of organizations find cybersecurity regulations too complex, causing compliance issues.
Impacts
- Critical Infrastructure: Cyberattacks on water utilities, satellites, and power grids can disrupt essential services and public safety.
- An example of this is the October 2024 attack on a U.S. water utility.
- Biosecurity Risks: Advancements in AI, cyberattacks, and genetic engineering pose threats to laboratories and public safety.
- Incidents in South Africa and the UK highlight the risks.
- Economic Disparity: A divide in cyber resilience exists, with developed regions (e.g., Europe and North America) better prepared than emerging economies (e.g., Africa and Latin America).
- Transition Issues to RE: The shift to renewable energy systems introduces new vulnerabilities, making power grids attractive targets for cybercriminals.
Suggestions and Way Forward
- Strategic Investment: Cybersecurity should be treated as a strategic investment rather than a technical issue, with leadership focusing on technical and economic dimensions.
- Collaboration: Stronger collaboration between business and cybersecurity leaders is essential to manage growing threats and risks.
- Simplify Regulations: Streamline and harmonize global cybersecurity regulations to enhance compliance and resilience.
- Skills Development: Address the global cyber skills gap through targeted training and upskilling programs.
- Focus on Emerging Technologies: Organizations must develop tools to assess and mitigate risks associated with AI adoption.
