Kiteworks predicts key cybersecurity trends for 2025

Kiteworks has published its 2025 Forecast for Managing Private Content Exposure Risk report, identifying 12 pivotal cybersecurity and compliance trends anticipated for the upcoming year.

The report addresses the increased frequency of cyber threats and the evolving global regulatory landscape, providing strategies that organisations can employ to safeguard sensitive data, ensure compliance, and improve operational effectiveness.

Tim Freestone, Chief Marketing Officer at Kiteworks, said, "2025 presents unique challenges as organisations navigate the dual pressures of cyber threats and regulatory compliance. This report empowers businesses to proactively address vulnerabilities, leverage AI-driven technologies, and build resilient security frameworks that align with their broader strategic goals."

Key insights from the report include the forecast that 75% of the global population will have their personal data safeguarded under privacy laws by 2025. This statistic underscores the importance of adopting comprehensive data governance frameworks to maintain regulatory standards and consumer confidence.

The report also highlights the security risks associated with the increased adoption of artificial intelligence (AI). As AI usage rises, cybercriminals are exploiting its capabilities to conduct more automated and complex attacks. Organisations are urged to establish robust AI governance structures, adopt privacy-preserving technology, and ensure compliance to protect sensitive data.

Another focal point is vulnerabilities within software supply chains, with the noted incident of the 2024 Change Healthcare breach affecting millions. The report suggests that improving third-party risk management is crucial in securing these weak links.

Addressing the challenge of operational complexity, Kiteworks advises that organisations streamline fragmented communication tools into a single secure platform to reduce data breach risks, ease compliance, and boost security.

The report features strategic recommendations for organisations to tackle these issues, including adopting AI-driven threat detection technologies. These tools utilise machine learning and predictive analytics to identify and neutralise threats preemptively.

It also recommends implementing secure content collaboration platforms to ensure data integrity through granular access controls, thereby protecting sensitive information in motion or at rest.

Another key recommendation is to strengthen the management of third-party risks. Establishing rigorous vetting processes and continuous monitoring is essential to managing vulnerabilities in software supply chains and tracking and controlling sensitive content governance with external entities.

The report advocates for the consolidation of communication tools to eliminate silos, lessen complexity, and enhance visibility across sensitive data transactions.

The report details strategies for building comprehensive AI governance frameworks, encouraging companies to defend against AI-driven threats while ensuring ethical and compliant AI deployments.

Furthermore, adopting a zero-trust security model is advised. This approach requires continuous verification of all users, devices, and applications to reduce implicit trust and lower the risk of lateral attacks.

Patrick Spencer, Vice President of Corporate Marketing and Research at Kiteworks, remarked, "Anticipating threats to sensitive content is no longer optional; it's a business imperative. Our forecast not only highlights challenges but also provides the practical steps necessary for organisations to thrive when sending and sharing private data in increasingly complex and regulated environments."