Cyber security in 2025: Navigating the evolving landscape of threats and challenges

This blog has been written by Justin Barker, Employee Experience Practice Lead at Nasstar. 

Now that the 300 weeks of January have come to a close, there’s an even greater emphasis on cyber security. Businesses in the UK and beyond face new risks, making it essential to protect data, systems, and operations.  

Sitting back and thinking, ‘it’ll never happen to us,’ is not an option. Cyber threats are always evolving, and your organisation needs to be ready for what’s next. 

Understanding the top cyber security threats in 2025 

The threat landscape in 2025 is diverse, characterised by several significant risks: 

• Advanced ransomware attacks: The proliferation of Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) platforms enables cyber criminals to execute more sophisticated and demanding ransomware attacks.
• Supply chain attacks: These attacks target vulnerabilities in third-party vendors and suppliers, potentially providing attackers access to secure networks.
• AI-powered cyber threats: Cyber criminals are harnessing AI to refine phishing schemes and automate attacks, which are becoming increasingly difficult to detect and counteract.
• Cloud security risks: As businesses increasingly rely on cloud solutions, misconfigurations, and inadequate access controls can lead to substantial security breaches.
• IoT vulnerabilities: The surge in unsecured IoT devices provides new network access points for cyber criminals.
• Phishing and social engineering: Enhanced tactics make phishing emails look more legitimate, increasing their threat potential.
• Zero-day exploits: These are vulnerabilities exploited before developers can release fixes, posing significant risks.
• Quantum computing threats: The emerging capability of quantum computing to break traditional encryption methods poses future challenges.
• Cryptocurrency-related attacks: The rise in digital currency use introduces risks like cryptojacking and scams. 

Justin Barker, Employee Experience Practice Lead at Nasstar, said: "With the increased use and maturity of AI services and the advancement and creativity of cyber threats, individuals and businesses need to be evermore wary of vulnerabilities and the impact of cyber-attacks.  

"You would like to think that the basics of cyber security, for example identity security, MFA etc, are well known and addressed, allowing organisations to focus on new threats. However, the basics are still being missed."

Detailed strategies for protecting your business in 2025 

While understanding the cyber threats that could impact your business is important, putting strategies in place to mitigate against them is vital. Considering the most prominent threats and challenges facing businesses this year, we’ve put together some strategies you can deploy to protect your organisation. 

AI-powered cyber attacks: A double-edged sword 

To counter AI-powered threats, organisations must employ AI-based security systems capable of real-time threat detection and response. AI can automate the analysis of vast quantities of data to identify patterns that might indicate a breach and can also simulate various attack scenarios to strengthen defences proactively.  

Deploying AI-enhanced security allows you to stay one step ahead by anticipating and mitigating potential attacks before they occur. Tools like Microsoft Azure AI can help you implement predictive security measures that will reduce response times and anticipate threats before they manifest. 

Zero-Trust Architecture: More necessary than ever 

Implementing a zero-trust architecture involves never assuming trust and always verifying every attempt to access system resources, regardless of whether the attempt comes from inside or outside the network. This approach requires strict identity verification, micro-segmentation of the network to control lateral movement, and least privilege access control to minimise each user's exposure to sensitive parts of the network. Tools like Microsoft Entra and Azure Security can support this approach. 

Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) offers a more robust and adaptive security model that addresses today’s growing threats and evolving work environments. With ZTNA, the traditional idea of securing a network perimeter is becoming less relevant. Instead, we assume that both internal and external networks are potentially compromised, meaning security needs to be enforced at every access point.  

Even with companies looking towards a return to office policy, hybrid and remote working and flexibility are here to stay. If all networks are considered “dirty”, we look at protecting the identity, data, and device, irrespective of usage location. 

Justin added: "At Nasstar we can support a journey to a Zero Trust Architecture and utilise the Microsoft technology stack to take you there. Through transformation programmes modernising device management and a cloud-first, cloud-native approach, we can look to maximising your security posture and minimising attack vectors."

Navigating data privacy and compliance: Adhering to DORA and GDPR 

Adhering to data privacy regulations such as GDPR and DORA involves conducting regular risk assessments, maintaining a data protection impact assessment inventory, and ensuring data processing activities align with legal requirements.  

Privacy by design must be a core approach, embedding data protection into the design of systems and processes. Additionally, being transparent with users about data use and ensuring their rights are respected is crucial for compliance. There are several tools available to support data privacy and compliance, including Microsoft Compliance Manager. 

With our thorough understanding of the Microsoft technology stack, and utilising Microsoft E5 and Security Copilot features, reviewing compliance against frameworks such as GDPR has become relatively straightforward. Nasstar can assist with both the implementation and remediation required to meet these frameworks inline with a customers’ business and policy needs. 

Securing remote and hybrid workforces 

Securing remote and hybrid environments requires comprehensive endpoint security solutions that monitor and manage all devices accessing corporate resources. Implementing secure connections, such as through VPNs or other encrypted pathways, ensures data remains safe in transit. 

A good example of this is Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, which monitors and manages devices accessing the network, securing data transmissions with advanced encryption, and ensuring all endpoints are consistently updated and monitored for threats.  

Additionally, continuous monitoring for anomalous activities can help detect and respond to threats in real-time, while robust authentication methods like multi-factor authentication (MFA) verify user identities securely. 

Embracing advanced security technologies 

Employing advanced security technologies like encryption for data protection, blockchain for secure transactions, and machine learning for predictive threat modelling can significantly enhance an organisation's security posture.  

Encryption should be used to protect data both at rest and in transit, while blockchain can offer immutable logging of access and changes to critical data. Machine learning can be used to adapt security measures based on evolving threat patterns, providing a dynamic defence system that evolves as threats do. 

The human defence 

Fostering a culture of security involves regular training and awareness programs that educate employees about the latest threats and the best practices for preventing them. Delivering regular and engaging training modules, security updates, and simulations of phishing attempts can help build a more security-aware workforce.  

Empowering employees to recognise and report potential security threats can turn your workforce into one of your strongest defences against cyber threats. 

Justin said: "Unfortunately, no matter how tight the security perimeter and defences are, the weakest link will always be the person. In a world where human behaviour is improved by being a decent individual and trusting in each other, when it comes to IT systems, data, confidentiality etc., people need to DTA – Don’t Trust Anything.

"Double check that the email came from who you think it did, report things that look suspicious, follow the training (however boring it may seem), protect yourself, your colleagues and your businesses. An innocent mistake, such as approving an invoice, could cost hundreds or thousands of pounds to a company. While many mistakes are simple, human errors, they can result in a wide scale of impacts. When it comes to cyber security, everyone needs to be vigilant."

Prepare for the future of cyber security with Nasstar 

As we look toward the complex cyber security landscape of 2025, being well-prepared is key. At Nasstar, we are committed to helping businesses arm themselves with the knowledge and tools needed to tackle these emerging challenges. 

Enhance your cyber security strategy today - reach out to our team to discover how we can help you maintain robust defences in an ever-changing digital environment.