Zero trust, GenAI, Cloud: Trends that will shape cybersecurity in 2025

The cybersecurity measure of zero trust gained immense relevance, especially during the COVID pandemic when company teams increasingly started working in a distributed fashion. It is a security strategy that assumes that no entity should be trusted by default and is based on the  "never trust, always verify". Enterprise reliance on the method is expected to only increase in the coming years. According to Tata Consultancy Services’ 2025 Cybersecurity Outlook report, most large enterprises will adopt zero-trust methods by 2026, consolidating security tools to be more efficient.

The report further advises organizations to use integrated platforms for orchestrating and automating cybersecurity while working towards Cybersecurity Mesh Architecture (CSMA) for dynamic, collaborative, and secure environments. To be sure, CSMA is a framework that provides scalable and interoperable security controls and solutions. 

The report also encourages security leaders to adopt an automation-first approach for a stronger defense against new technologies like generative AI, quantum computing, and 5G expansion. This approach combines components such as security information and event management (SIEM), security operation centers (SOCs), security orchestration, automation and response (SOAR), and extended detection and response (XDR).

By 2025, shifting geopolitics and evolving ecosystems will demand flexible, resilient supply chains. Leaders must proactively adapt networks while safeguarding sensitive data and ensuring compliance. Strengthening resilience will be critical to maintaining operations amid uncertainty.

As IoT, advanced connectivity, and digital technologies transform industries like EV charging, DERMS, and autonomous vehicles, securing value chains will be vital. The surge in IoT devices will require robust device security, secure communication, and continuous vulnerability assessments to sustain business growth.

Lastly, security protocols will be shaped by advancements in technologies such as GenAI and Cloud. “GenAI is enhancing operational efficiencies, but organizations must equip themselves to counteract cyber threats. It is imperative for organizations to harness these advancements and implement GenAI-powered threat detection and response systems to stay ahead of the curve. In this era of evolving technologies, a robust and proactive cyber resilience strategy is not just an option, but a necessity for enterprises to effectively navigate and mitigate unforeseen cyber incidents,” said Ganesa Subramanian Vaikuntam, Global Head of Cybersecurity at TCS.