12 Key Trends from the World Economic Forum’s Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025

Cybersecurity is entering an era of unprecedented complexity. The World Economic Forum’s Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025, written in collaboration with Accenture, reveals key insights into the cybersecurity landscape for the coming year. As technology advances, so do cyber threats, and small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) must take proactive measures to protect themselves. Here’s a summary of the key findings and how Secure Network Administration (SecureNA) can help SMBs navigate these challenges effectively.

12 Key Cybersecurity Trends Shaping 2025

1. New Technologies Introduce Evolving Cyber Threats
   As businesses integrate emerging technologies, cybercriminals are simultaneously harnessing these advancements to launch more refined and large-scale attacks. AI-driven security tools enhance defense strategies, but adversaries also exploit AI to develop more effective cyber threats.
2. Navigating Complex and Expanding Compliance Regulations
   Regulatory bodies worldwide continue to introduce new cybersecurity mandates, increasing the compliance burden on organizations. Small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) must proactively adapt to these evolving requirements to avoid fines and enhance their security defenses.
3. SMBs Face Growing Challenges in Cyber Resilience
   Cyber resilience among small businesses has seen a sharp decline, with 35% reporting insufficient protection—seven times higher than in 2022. Meanwhile, larger enterprises have strengthened their cybersecurity postures, widening the preparedness gap. SMBs need to invest in structured security frameworks to keep pace.
4. Supply Chain Security Remains a Critical Weakness
   Over half of large enterprises identify supply chain risks as their top cybersecurity concern. SMBs, often key suppliers, must implement stronger security controls to prevent cybercriminals from exploiting weak links within business ecosystems.
5. Global Conflicts Are Reshaping Cybersecurity Priorities
   Geopolitical instability is driving an increase in cyber espionage, intellectual property theft, and operational disruptions. A growing number of businesses (60%) report that international tensions have directly influenced their cybersecurity strategies, making proactive threat intelligence a necessity.
6. AI’s Dual Impact on Cybersecurity
   With 66% of businesses expecting AI to transform cybersecurity, only 37% have taken steps to ensure secure AI implementation. SMBs must establish governance measures for AI-driven tools to mitigate risks associated with their adoption.
7. Generative AI is Powering More Sophisticated Cyber Threats
   Advancements in generative AI (GenAI) have led to an increase in cybercrime, particularly in phishing and social engineering attacks. In 2024, 42% of companies experienced social engineering incidents, with nearly half citing AI-powered threats as their top concern.
8. Regulatory Inconsistencies Create Compliance Challenges
   While cybersecurity regulations are essential, inconsistent requirements across regions make compliance increasingly difficult. At a global cybersecurity forum, 76% of security leaders highlighted fragmented regulations as a key obstacle.
9. Cybersecurity Workforce Shortage is Intensifying
   The skills gap in cybersecurity has widened by 8% in the past year, with two-thirds of organizations struggling to find qualified professionals. Only 14% of companies feel confident that they have the necessary in-house expertise to manage cyber risks effectively.
10. Ransomware Continues to Dominate as the Leading Threat
    Ransomware remains the most pressing cyber threat, with 45% of businesses ranking it as their top security concern. The expansion of Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) is making it easier for less-skilled attackers to launch destructive campaigns, putting SMBs at greater risk.
11. Cybercrime is Becoming More Accessible and Sophisticated
    The rise of Cybercrime-as-a-Service (CaaS) is enabling even non-technical criminals to carry out cyberattacks. The availability of deepfake technology has surged by 223%, allowing attackers to create realistic impersonations of executives to commit fraud and gain unauthorized access.
12. Cyber Insurance Adoption Remains Low Despite Growing Risks
    Although cyber insurance provides crucial financial protection after an attack, only 35% of small businesses feel confident in their coverage. As cyber threats escalate, investing in cyber insurance can be a strategic safeguard for businesses.

How SecureNA Helps SMBs Stay Secure

At SecureNA, we recognize the cybersecurity challenges that SMBs face. As a leading Managed Security Provider (MSP), we offer:

• Comprehensive Risk Assessments: Identifying and addressing security vulnerabilities before they become entry points for attackers.
• Regulatory Compliance Support: Simplifying adherence to complex cybersecurity laws and standards.
• AI-Powered Threat Defense: Leveraging advanced security solutions to detect and mitigate AI-driven cyber threats.
• Employee Security Awareness Training: Equipping teams with the knowledge to recognize and prevent cyber threats like phishing and social engineering.
• Incident Response & Cyber Insurance Advisory: Assisting businesses in rapid recovery from cyber incidents while optimizing insurance coverage.

Cyber resilience is no longer optional—it’s essential. SMBs must act now to secure their data, protect customers, and safeguard their operations. For a deeper understanding of the evolving cybersecurity landscape, we recommend exploring the full Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025 report by the World Economic Forum and Accenture.