As technology continues to advance at an unprecedented pace, it brings both extraordinary opportunities and serious risks. From AI-powered threats to challenges posed by social media, businesses and tech leaders must adapt and take proactive steps to safeguard their operations. With that in mind, here are some of the most critical cybersecurity predictions for 2025.
The future of ransomware
Canada has experienced a terrifying rise in ransomware attacks in the last few years, with almost three-quarters of small and medium-sized enterprises reporting cybercrime attacks in the past year, up from 63% in 2023. Over 67% say they paid a ransom in the last three years, up from 60% a year ago. Additionally, Check Point’s 2024 Cyber Security Report found a 90% increase in publicly extorted victims of ransomware attacks worldwide.
Ransomware attacks will only continue to become more targeted, faster, and devastating. Cyber criminals are increasingly leveraging AI-generated emails, deepfake impersonations, and automation to heighten their precision and scope. Of particular concern is the rise of supply chain attacks, where attacks on critical vendors or partners could trigger industry-wide disruptions. Expect to see at least two or three large-scale ransomware incidents targeting supply chains in the coming years.
To mitigate the financial impact of these threats, many businesses are turning cyber insurance. In 2025, compliance and reporting will be non-negotiable. At the same time, organizations must double down on phishing prevention. Comprehensive employee training and advanced phishing detection systems will be indispensable tools for staying ahead of these evolving attacks.
The dangers of misusing artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI), while transformative, offers significant and adva advantages for attackers—which could have catastrophic consequences in Canada. Bad actors are already using AI to craft highly personalized emails or messages with flawless grammar and personal details, such as a photo of one’s house. Generative AI also allows attackers to scale their operations, creating thousands of customized phishing messages simultaneously. These AI-powered threats will become increasingly sophisticated and harder to detect.
AI has enabled smaller cybercriminal groups to run large-scale operations, effectively democratizing cybercrime efforts. The need for advanced threat detection systems that leverage AI themselves will be critical in countering these tactics.
However, one of the biggest risks in 2025 will be data breaches caused not by cybercriminals, but rather by employees who unintentionally share sensitive business information with AI platforms such as ChatGPT. When this data is fed into external AI tools, the risk of exposure increases. For example, an employee might input confidential financial data into an AI tool for analysis, without understanding that unauthorized parties could access it.
In the coming year, organizations must enact strict usage policies and governance regarding the use of AI tools. Balancing the productivity benefits of the technologies with robust data privacy protections will be essential to stay safe.
Social media is a playground for cybercrime
Social media is becoming an increasingly potent vector for cyber crime. The combination of social media and generative AI will enable attackers to craft personalized scams and impersonations that are nearly indistinguishable from legitimate interactions. Deepfakes will add another layer of complexity, allowing bad actors to convincingly mimic individuals’ voices and appearances. Last November, the Government of Canada issued a statement about the real threat of deepfakes for Canada’s future. While there are proposed legislative changes, Canadians continue to be targeted.
These threats are especially harmful on platforms like LinkedIn, where the focus on professional content and genuine connections creates an environment that bad actors can easily exploit, crafting convincing personas to interact with employees, executives or partners. Organizations must emphasize “zero trust” or “suspect everything” mindset, and equip employees with the tools to recognize these advanced social engineering tactics.
A call to action to secure our cyber future
The evolving cyber security landscape calls for a balance of both vigilance and innovation. Businesses will face unprecedented challenges in 2025, but cyber security leaders who take the right steps today can mitigate these looming threats.To stay secure in an increasingly complex digital landscape, organizations need to invest in cyber insurance and AI-driven defenses, employee training, and adopt a ‘Zero Trust’ approach to security. Businesses that fail to adapt risk becoming the next victim. The emphasis must be on preparation, collaboration, and education to ensure both businesses and individuals are protected against the cyber security threats of tomorrow.
Robert Falzon is the Head of Engineering at Check Point Software, Canada.
