Cybersecurity Trends 2025: the tension between opportunities and risks

The year 2025 will be characterised by progressive digital change and an increased awareness of information security. While regulations and innovations dominate the cyber landscape, economic challenges and market changes offer both opportunities and risks. The following trends illustrate how digitalisation, regulatory requirements and technological advances will meet growing threats and market dynamics.

1. Increasing cyber threats

With growing digitalisation, the threat of cyber attacks is also increasing. These will not only become more frequent, but also more aggressive and more precise. Companies must therefore continuously adapt their security precautions to defend against attacks and protect their data.

The combination of higher risks and increasing regulation will lead to a situation in 2025 where cyber security strategies will be considered an integral part of corporate management. In addition to technical security, organisational measures such as training and raising employee awareness will also play a crucial role.

2. Digitalisation push and regulatory pressurek

Progressive digitalisation in Germany will be driven forward by increased government initiatives and regulatory requirements. Digital citizen services will be expanded in order to make access to administration and government services more efficient. At the same time, industry-specific regulations will result in a stronger anchoring of information security standards.

One major example is the regulation of digital health and care applications (DIGA/DIPA), which must fulfil strict certification requirements in accordance with the technical guideline BSI TR-03161. New competitors are expected to enter the market in 2025 due to the increasing demand for such certifications.

The Cyber Resilience Act (CRA), which must be fully implemented by companies by 2027, is another key regulatory driver. This EU regulation aims to improve the cyber security of products and services by making it mandatory for manufacturers to integrate security features into the development process. Although the CRA will not yet impose any requirements on companies in 2025, it is essential for businesses to prepare for this at an early stage and adapt their processes now in order to remain competitive in the long term.

These and other regulatory requirements could also create new business areas for service providers in consulting and auditing.

3. Focus on information security management systems (ISMS)

Information security management systems (ISMS) remain a key issue, even if they are no longer a new topic in 2025. New regulations such as the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) in the financial sector, the EU NIS-2 directive and the constantly growing threat situation are forcing companies to raise their security standards.

A strong trend in this area are so-called ‘turbo projects’, in which companies implement an ISMS at short notice, often as a prerequisite for ISO 27001 certification. Such a requirement comes into play in the context of securing the supply chain when companies affected by NIS-2 impose corresponding requirements on their own suppliers, which then have to be implemented quickly.

At the same time, the shortage of specialists is intensifying, leading to challenges in filling the role of the information security officer, particularly for local companies such as energy suppliers. This could further boost the demand for external consulting services.

4. AI as a driver and a challenge

Artificial intelligence (AI) increasingly establishes itself as a key technology that revolutionises work processes and increases efficiency. AI-supported applications provide verifiable productivity gains, particularly in everyday office work. AI is also used in cyber security to recognise threats faster and more precisely.

At the same time, regulatory requirements such as the EU AI Act become increasingly important. Companies must be prepared to utilise AI solutions not only effectively, but also in accordance with the legal framework. This requires a balance between innovation and compliance.

5. Business Continuity Management Systems (BCMS) and CRITIS

Business continuity management systems (BCMS) are increasingly seen as a necessary addition to an effective ISMS in order to strengthen the resilience of companies. Driven by regulations such as the German KRITIS umbrella law, this topic is gaining strategic relevance, although the law will not yet have any immediate implementation requirements in 2025.

For companies that operate critical infrastructures, the integration of BCMS becomes a key component to minimise business interruptions and be prepared for regulatory requirements. This development also offers new opportunities for consulting companies in the field of business continuity.

6. Market changes in the IT security sector

The market for IT security services and consulting will continue to grow in 2025. However, there are signs of a market shakeout in which less competent providers will be displaced. Companies that rely solely on buzzwords such as ‘AI’ or ‘SOC’ will increasingly be replaced by experienced providers that can offer high-quality solutions.

For companies that implement IT and information security projects, this means more choice of experienced partners on the one hand, but also the challenge of correcting unsuccessful projects from less qualified providers on the other.

7. Job market: opportunities and challenges

The economic situation in Germany is expected to remain difficult in 2025, which will have a particularly strong impact on industry and business. Demographic developments are likely to have a noticeable impact on the job market, and the current shortage of specialists in the IT and information security sector could be partially alleviated by this trend. This has already become apparent in some areas at the start of the year; many companies in the sector, such as TÜV TRUST IT and the entire TÜV AUSTRIA Group, are currently experiencing a steady growth rate.

After all, many people with specialised skills and career changers who have been affected by job cuts in other sectors will increasingly enter the IT and IS industry. This flow could lead to a broadening of the talent base, but also increase the need for targeted training measures to efficiently integrate these new workers into security roles.

Conclusion

The year 2025 will be a time of significant changes and challenges in which digitalisation, information security and economic dynamics will play key roles. The described trends clearly show that companies that are prepared to react flexibly and proactively to these developments will not only be able to ward off risks, but also capitalise on opportunities. Innovative strength, resilience and a proactive attitude will be the key to surviving successfully in this challenging environment.