.png)
Industry Defence Insights
Our engaging episodes will equip you with essential knowledge about OT/ICS/IT cybersecurity to safeguard your digital presence. Your digital safety starts here!
Industry Defence Insights
Cybersecurity Challenges of 2025: Navigating Advanced Threats
Unlock the secrets of navigating the treacherous cybersecurity landscape of 2025 with us, where threats are no longer just a game of cat and mouse but a battleground of advanced technology and cunning schemes. Join our exploration of how ransomware attacks have skyrocketed by 81% and why they're no longer the simple nuisances they once were. Dive into the chilling world of AI-driven threats, where personalized phishing scams trick even the most cautious users, and autonomous attack systems evolve like digital predators. This episode sheds light on the grave reality of critical infrastructures becoming targets and the unsettling consequences when systems like hospitals and power grids fall into the wrong hands.
Discover the terrifying evolution of ransomware, as these attacks now target cloud backups, leaving victims vulnerable even after paying a ransom. We examine perilous supply chain vulnerabilities, where the breach of a single vendor can trigger catastrophic domino effects, reminiscent of the infamous SolarWinds attack. Learn about the eerie concept of session-based intrusions, where attackers become ghosts in the machine, hijacking legitimate user sessions to infiltrate systems. As cyber threats advance at breakneck speed, we ponder the critical question of how to keep up with these relentless digital adversaries.
In today's podcast, we are going to talk about the escalating cybersecurity threats of 2025, focusing on eye-driven attacks evolving ransomware tactics and supply chain vulnerabilities. Hey everyone, and welcome back to the Deep Dive. Today we're going to be taking a look at the state of cybersecurity in 2025.
Speaker 2:It's a jumble out there.
Speaker 1:Yeah, that's one way to put it, absolutely.
Speaker 2:It's a rapidly changing landscape, yeah, and the threats are evolving faster than ever before.
Speaker 1:We've got a pretty terrifying stat right out of the gate.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Ransomware attacks are up 81% year over year.
Speaker 2:Yeah, that's not a small number. That's a significant increase.
Speaker 1:Absolutely.
Speaker 2:And it really highlights the severity of the problem.
Speaker 1:So, okay, we've got these threats growing at an alarming rate. What are some of the things that have changed in the past year?
Speaker 2:Well, one of the biggest changes is the rise of AI-powered attacks. This is something that we've been talking about for a while, but it's really starting to become a reality now.
Speaker 1:So it's not just theoretical anymore.
Speaker 2:No, not at all. We're seeing real-world examples of AI being used to launch sophisticated attacks.
Speaker 1:So what does that look like? I mean, what kind of attacks are we talking about?
Speaker 2:Well, one example is AI driven phishing scams.
Speaker 1:These are phishing emails that are so well crafted that they can fool even the most vigilant users.
Speaker 2:Oh, wow.
Speaker 1:Because the AI is able to personalize the emails based on the target's interests and online behavior. So it's not just like you know the Nigerian prince anymore, right exactly these emails look like they're coming from people you know and trust. Oh man, that's scary it is, and then you have things like autonomous attack systems.
Speaker 2:Right those.
Speaker 1:These are systems that can adapt in real time to bypass security measures.
Speaker 2:So they're constantly learning and evolving.
Speaker 1:Exactly, they're like digital predators.
Speaker 2:Okay, so AI is playing a major role in these new cyber threats, but it's not just AI, right.
Speaker 1:No, there are other factors at play as well, like what. Well, ransomware is still a huge problem. Yeah, but it's evolving. It's not just about locking up your computer anymore.
Speaker 2:So what are they doing now?
Speaker 1:They're targeting critical infrastructure.
Speaker 2:Oh, wow.
Speaker 1:Like hospitals and power grids. Oh man, and they're also going after cloud backups.
Speaker 2:So, even if you pay the ransom, you might not be able to recover your data.
Speaker 1:That's right.
Speaker 2:That's terrifying.
Speaker 1:It is, and it's not just about the financial impact financial impact.
Speaker 2:These attacks can have real world consequences.
Speaker 1:Yeah, like the hospital example you mentioned earlier. Exactly, if a hospital systems are down, it can put lives at risk.
Speaker 2:Absolutely so. We've got AI powered attacks, we've got ransomware evolving. What else is out there?
Speaker 1:Well, another big concern is supply chain vulnerabilities. Cyber criminals are realizing that they can exploit weaknesses in one part of the supply chain. Okay To launch large scale attacks.
Speaker 2:So give me an example of that.
Speaker 1:Sure, let's say you have a small software vendor.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:That provides software to a lot of big companies. Right, if that vendor gets compromised, the attackers can then use that access to target all of those companies.
Speaker 2:So it's like a domino effect.
Speaker 1:Exactly One weak link can bring down the whole system.
Speaker 2:And we've seen that happen in the real world, right?
Speaker 1:Yes, we have. The SolarWinds attack is a prime example.
Speaker 2:Okay, so supply chain attacks are a major threat. What about this session-based intrusion I've been hearing about?
Speaker 1:Ah yes, that's another nasty one.
Speaker 2:Yeah, it sounds kind of spooky.
Speaker 1:Well, it's another nasty one. Yeah, it sounds kind of spooky. Well, it's basically where attackers hijack a legitimate user session to gain access to a system.
Speaker 2:So they're like ghosts in the machine.
Speaker 1:Exactly.
Speaker 2:Oh man, this is a lot to take in.
Speaker 1:I know it can be overwhelming.
Speaker 2:It is. I mean, if they're already this advanced, how are we supposed to keep up?
Speaker 1:Well, that's the million-dollar question, and that's what we're going to be exploring in the next part of our deep dive.
Speaker 2:Okay, I'm ready for some solutions because right now I'm feeling a little bit like like I'm standing in the middle of a digital firing range.
Speaker 1:I understand, but don't worry, there are things we can do to protect ourselves. Okay, good, and we'll talk about those next time?
Speaker 2:Awesome, I can't wait. All right, so we've established that the cyber threats out there are pretty scary. But, I'm hoping that there's some light at the end of the tunnel here. What can we do to fight back against these cyber criminals?
Speaker 1:Well, the first step is to really change our mindset. We need to move away from the idea that cybersecurity is just an IT problem. It needs to be a core value for every organization.
Speaker 2:So you're saying that everyone, from the CEO down to the interns, needs to be thinking about cybersecurity? But, how do you actually make that happen?
Speaker 1:It starts with leadership.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:Leaders need to champion cybersecurity initiatives, right. They need to make it clear that security is everyone's responsibility and it can't just be lip service.
Speaker 2:Right, right, no it has to be backed up with action. Okay, so what kind of actions are we talking about? One important step is to invest in training and education right for employees at all levels because even with the best technology in place, if one employee clicks on a phishing email, it it can all be for nothing.
Speaker 1:Exactly right.
Speaker 2:So training is crucial Absolutely. And speaking of technology, I've been hearing a lot about this zero trust architecture. Is that something that we should all be looking into?
Speaker 1:I think it's becoming increasingly important, especially with the rise of these sophisticated attacks.
Speaker 2:So explain zero trust to me.
Speaker 1:It's basically the idea that you should never trust anyone or anything.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:By default.
Speaker 2:So you're constantly verifying every user.
Speaker 1:Yes, yeah, every device, every application.
Speaker 2:Wow, that sounds pretty intense.
Speaker 1:It can be.
Speaker 2:But is it really necessary?
Speaker 1:I think so.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:Because it helps to reduce the attack surface.
Speaker 2:Mm-hmm.
Speaker 1:And it limits the damage that a breach can cause.
Speaker 2:So even if someone does get in, they can't move laterally within the network. Okay, I'm starting to see the value here, but isn't this incredibly complex and expensive to implement?
Speaker 1:It can be.
Speaker 2:Especially for smaller businesses.
Speaker 1:Yeah, that's a valid concern.
Speaker 2:I mean we're already struggling to keep up with the basics.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:And now you're telling us that we need to implement this whole new architecture.
Speaker 1:Well, it doesn't have to be an all or nothing approach. Okay, you can start by implementing zero trust principles in phases. Okay, starting with the most critical assets. That makes sense, and there are tools and resources available.
Speaker 2:Yeah, to help organizations of all sizes. Okay, so zero trust is something to consider.
Speaker 1:What else have you got for us? Well, we've talked a lot about the threats posed by AI, right, but AI can also be a powerful data in real time to detect anomalies that humans would miss.
Speaker 2:So it's like having a digital security guard.
Speaker 1:That's a good analogy. Who's?
Speaker 2:constantly on patrol, looking for suspicious activity.
Speaker 1:Exactly.
Speaker 2:That's pretty cool.
Speaker 1:It is, and AI can also automate responses to threats. Oh, wow, and even predict attacks before they happen.
Speaker 2:So it's not just about reacting to attacks.
Speaker 1:Yeah, it's about getting ahead of them.
Speaker 2:Okay, I like the sound of that. So we've got mindset shifts, zero trust, architecture, ai powered tools, anything else we can do?
Speaker 1:One area that's often overlooked is cyber resilience training Employees are often the weakest link in the chain.
Speaker 2:Oh yeah, I've definitely fallen for a phishing email or two in my time.
Speaker 1:We all have.
Speaker 2:So what can we do to make sure that our employees are more cyber aware?
Speaker 1:Well, regular training is essential.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:But it needs to be engaging and relevant Right, not just a boring compliance exercise.
Speaker 2:So what does that look like?
Speaker 1:Well, instead of just lecturing people about password, security.
Speaker 2:You could use simulations where they have to spot a phishing email or respond to a ransomware attack, so like a video game Kind of. That's a cool idea.
Speaker 1:Yeah, it makes it more fun and interactive.
Speaker 2:And hopefully more effective.
Speaker 1:Exactly.
Speaker 2:Okay, so we're starting to build a pretty solid defense here. We've got a security first culture, zero trust, architecture, AI powered tools and robust training.
Speaker 1:That's a good start.
Speaker 2:But is there anything else we need to consider?
Speaker 1:Well, all of these strategies are important, but they're primarily focused on protecting individual organizations.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:And cybercrime doesn't stop at national borders. It's a global problem.
Speaker 2:So we need a global solution, exactly, but where do we even begin with something that massive?
Speaker 1:Well, there are already some international frameworks in place that lay the groundwork for cooperation.
Speaker 2:Like what.
Speaker 1:The Budapest Convention on Cybercrime, for example.
Speaker 2:I've never heard of that.
Speaker 1:It's an international treaty that helps to establish a common legal framework for dealing with cybercrime.
Speaker 2:So it helps countries work together.
Speaker 1:Yes.
Speaker 2:On investigations and prosecutions.
Speaker 1:Exactly.
Speaker 2:That sounds like a good starting point, but I imagine it's only part of the solution, absolutely. So what else needs to happen?
Speaker 1:Well, we need to see more collaboration between governments and private businesses.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:Public-private partnerships are crucial.
Speaker 2:So, instead of operating in silos, governments and businesses need to be sharing information.
Speaker 1:Yes, and coordinating their efforts that makes sense. Imagine a real-time global threat map.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:Where organizations could share data on attacks.
Speaker 2:Oh, wow.
Speaker 1:That would be amazing. It would help everyone to be more proactive.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:In their defense.
Speaker 2:But it's not just about sharing information between developed nations, right? No, you're right. We need to be building capacity around the world Absolutely so that everyone has the skills and resources to defend themselves.
Speaker 1:Global capacity building is crucial.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:It's about raising the level of cybersecurity awareness and preparedness everywhere.
Speaker 2:Because we're only as strong as our weakest link.
Speaker 1:Exactly.
Speaker 2:This has been an eye-opening conversation. We've covered a lot of ground.
Speaker 1:Oh, we have.
Speaker 2:From the terrifying threats to the hopeful solutions.
Speaker 1:There's a lot to think about.
Speaker 2:There is so much to consider, but it sounds like there is some hope that we can actually get a handle on this.
Speaker 1:Yeah, I think there is. We're definitely making progress.
Speaker 2:Okay, good. So what does that progress look like?
Speaker 1:Well, for one thing, we're seeing more international cooperation. Okay, law enforcement agencies are working together across borders.
Speaker 2:Like what kind of agencies?
Speaker 1:Well, you got Interpol, Europol. They're playing a key role in coordinating investigations and taking down cybercrime rings.
Speaker 2:So there are people out there who are actively hunting down these cybercriminals.
Speaker 1:Oh, yeah, there are a lot of dedicated people working hard to combat cybercrime.
Speaker 2:Okay, that's good to know. So it's not just about reacting to attacks after they happen. No it's also about prevention. Okay, so how do we prevent attacks on a global scale?
Speaker 1:Well, one important step is to develop and promote cybersecurity standards and best practices.
Speaker 2:So like a universal language for cybersecurity.
Speaker 1:That's a good way to put it.
Speaker 2:So that everyone's on the same page.
Speaker 1:Exactly.
Speaker 2:Okay, what kind of standards are we talking about?
Speaker 1:Well, it includes things like secure coding practices, vulnerability disclosure policies, incident response protocols.
Speaker 2:Okay, so it's about making sure that everyone is following the same rules of the road.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:But even with all these measures in place, it's still going to be a constant battle right?
Speaker 1:Oh, absolutely. The threat landscape is constantly evolving Right. So, we need to be constantly adapting and improving our defenses.
Speaker 2:So it's not just about building a wall. It's about building a wall that can learn and grow with the threats that. So it's not just about building a wall. It's about building a wall that can learn and grow with the threats.
Speaker 1:That's a great analogy.
Speaker 2:We've covered so much in this deep dive, from AI-powered attacks to zero-trust architecture, to the critical need for global collaboration. Is there one final thought you'd like to leave our listeners with?
Speaker 1:Sure, I think the most important thing to remember is that cybersecurity is everyone's responsibility.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:It's not just the IT department's job or the government's job. We all have a role to play.
Speaker 2:So what can we do as individuals?
Speaker 1:Well, stay informed, be skeptical of suspicious emails and websites, use strong passwords and don't be afraid to ask questions.
Speaker 2:That's great advice. Thanks for joining us on this deep dive. It's been an eye-opening conversation. It has and hopefully our listeners are feeling a little bit more empowered to take control of their own cybersecurity.
Speaker 1:I hope so.
Speaker 2:Thanks again for joining us.
Speaker 1:It was my pleasure.
Speaker 2:And we'll see you next time for another fascinating journey into the world of knowledge. Stay curious and stay safe out there. This podcast is supported by OTSET EU cohort.