We predicted that security and AI would continue to make headlines in 2024. Looking back now—that’s certainly the case. Several figures stand out as we reflect on 2024 through a cybersecurity lens. The average data breach cost organizations $4.88M, up 10% from 2023. The first half of 2024 saw a 57% increase in ransomware attacks. Speaking of ransomware attacks, 94% of those surveyed in our global cyber resilience report said they would consider paying a ransom.
In 2024, AI continued to cement itself into our daily lives, powering both cybersecurity and cybercrimes. The FBI warned about the increased threat of cyber criminals using AI. “As technology continues to evolve, so do cybercriminals’ tactics. Attackers are leveraging AI to craft highly convincing voice or video messages and emails to enable fraud schemes against individuals and businesses alike,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Tripp. “These sophisticated tactics can result in devastating financial losses, reputational damage, and compromise of sensitive data.”
It’s time to look ahead and predict what might happen in 2025. The three predictions we’re sharing below are from our new eBook, 6 predictions for 2025: What’s next in data security and management.
Prediction: With the AI arms race underway in cybersecurity, those not using AI will be left behind.
Threat actors will increasingly use AI for sophisticated phishing, vishing, and social engineering attacks—according to Google Cloud’s Cybersecurity Forecast 2025.
So what do you do? Fight fire with fire. They use AI. You use AI. Simply put, AI will be required to maintain your security risk posture and fight against threats. Your cybersecurity tools must be at least as sophisticated as those attacking you.
Prediction: AI will expand the cybersecurity job market.
There’s a global shortage of cyber professionals. The White House Office of National Cyber Director launched a program to fill the gap of approximately 500,000 open cyber jobs in the United States.
Within that shortage is a skills gap. AI can help. AI augmentation can make employees more effective and allow employers to hire employees with broader skill levels. However, for those gnarly cybersecurity problems, highly-skilled AI cybersecurity experts will still be needed.
Prediction: Organizations will see the greatest impact from AI by making individuals more productive.
AI will help people in their work but won’t take over your company. AI won’t be taking over executive functions or running big departments.
Instead, AI’s influence will be felt across smaller projects aimed at solving specific problems.
For example, projects that use Gen AI to improve the speed and accuracy of manual business functions—like IT operations, security, and compliance—will drive this surge in productivity and team performance.
Learn more: eBook and webinar
Expect AI to continue to power cybersecurity professionals and cyberattackers. Cyberattacks will come, and resilience matters. Getting your business back up and running quickly is paramount. Cohesity is focused on this today and in the future.
Remember to get the eBook for the rest of our predictions for 2025. And be sure to tune in to our upcoming 2025 predictions webinar, where we’ll break down the top trends, challenges, and solutions to keep your data safe and your business thriving.
