Palo Alto Networks® (NASDAQ: PANW), a global leader in cybersecurityCybersecurity solutions are essential in the era of…, today outlined its vision for the key trends that will shape the landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity in 2025. These predictions include new threats, the impact of advancements in AI, and the necessity for strategic initiatives like platformization to strengthen enterprise security.
The rapid advancement of AI is driving unprecedented innovation, but it also presents a significant challenge: cybercriminals are leveraging these technologies to enhance their attacks. In this context, both attackers and defenders are increasingly turning to AI, pushing cybersecurity to a new level where speed, adaptability, and sophistication will be crucial for success.
A concerning data point from PwC’s Global Digital Trust Insights 2024 survey reveals that over 40% of business leaders and IT professionals acknowledge that they do not fully understand the cybersecurity risks associated with emerging technologies like generative AI. This knowledge gap underscores the urgent need for organizations to bolster their cybersecurity strategies.
With 2025 on the horizon, Palo Alto Networks warns that organizations are at a critical juncture to evolve their defense systems. Only by adopting proactive and strategic approaches will it be possible to protect digital assets against growing threats and the evolution of the cyber landscape.
Nir Zuk, Founder and CTO of Palo Alto Networks:
“We are at the intersection of human ingenuity and technological innovation, where the game of cybersecurity has evolved into a high-stakes match. With AI orchestrating cyberattacks like an expert quarterback, organizations can no longer rely on passive zone defenses. They must adopt an offensive approach from a unified platform to stay ahead of the game. The real advantage will go to organizations that can centralize their data, enabling AI outcomes we have yet to see, and make the decisions now that will ensure their security and success in the future.”
From the anticipated rise in high-impact cyberattacks to the integration of quantum AI for energy-efficient solutions, these predictions for 2025 serve as essential guidelines for organizations to shape their cybersecurity strategies and maximize the potential of AI technologies.
Palo Alto Networks’ Predictions for AI and Cybersecurity in 2025:
Cyber infrastructure will focus on a unified data security platform
In 2025, the cybersecurity sector will shift toward a unified data security platform, enabling AI-driven analysis across code development, cloud environments, and security operations centers (SOCA SOC, short for Security Operations Center (centro de…) to enhance defenses against AI-driven cyber threats. This convergence will be supported by Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) and Value Added Resellers (VARs) guiding organizations to adopt integrated security solutions that optimize resources and enhance overall visibility and efficiency, ultimately outpacing attackers.
The data advantage: Large enterprises will gain a competitive edge from AI over new AI startups
In 2025, established large enterprises with extensive customer bases and data resources will have a clear advantage over new AI startups in the cybersecurity landscape. These companies’ access to vast amounts of high-quality data drives the performance of AI models, creating a distinct competitive edge. For new competitors, accessing similar volumes of data presents a significant challenge. However, we expect more partnerships to emerge between large enterprises and emerging startups to collaboratively drive accelerated advancements in AI and success.
The integrated role of AI in 2025: Building trust, adhering to governance, and reshaping leadership in security operations
As the number of threats increases, the SOC will evolve so that advanced AI security analysts autonomously execute most detection and response workflows, allowing human analysts to focus on high-quality tasks requiring advanced analysis and strategic thinking. As part of this shift—and as we anticipate new developments in AI governance and global regulations—it will be crucial for organizations to prioritize transparency and accurately track and explain the decision-making processes of AI systems.
Companies will widely adopt secure enterprise browsers
Web browsers are intrinsically insecure, and 95% of organizations report security incidents originating from the browser across all devices. By adopting secure enterprise browsers in the workplace, organizations can enforce stricter security measures to protect against the growing threats.
In 2025, more attention will be paid to the energy impact of AI, including its use for security.
The significant growth of AI workflows has led to an increase in the number of data centers around the world consuming massive amounts of energy. In the coming year, there will be greater focus on the energy impact of AI, including its application in cybersecurity. We are likely to see more energy-efficient AI models, quantum-based AI frameworks, and even the reduction of point solutions on platforms, to help mitigate the energy consumption challenges of AI.
Debunking Quantum Security Hype: Managing Expectations and Taking Action in 2025
Although quantum attacks on the most widely used encryption methods are not yet feasible, they are likely to be in the next decade, compelling organizations to prepare with a short-term roadmap and adopt quantum-resistant defenses to counter potential threats. State-sponsored threat actors are likely to ramp up their “collect now, decrypt later” tactics, targeting highly classified government data or high-value intellectual property with the intent to access it as quantum technology advances. Chief Information Officers can address any hype surrounding this issue by emphasizing that, while significant progress has been made with quantum computing, military-grade encryption has not been broken.
The CIO and CMO are the new power tandem in the enterprise
In the coming year, CIOs and CMOs should work closely together on security, regulatory compliance, AI governance, and responsible AI use to enhance operations, cybersecurity, and customer experience. Together, they can successfully address issues like labeling AI-generated content, data privacy, and a range of concerns that will position this dynamic C-suite duo as integral to the security and success of an enterprise.