By Ganesa Subramanian Vaikuntam, VP & Global Head - Cybersecurity Business Group at TCS

As next-gen technologies continue to gain momentum across industries, they also give rise to new and complex security threats. From generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) and cloud security to supply chains and Zero Trust, there are several focus areas that will not only shape the increasingly complex cybersecurity threat landscape. They will also help organizations prioritize their security investments, prepare for evolving threats, and build the necessary resilience to operate without a disruption.

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a global leader in IT services, consulting, and business solutions, recently released a 2025 Cybersecurity Outlook. This list of seven technology trends and topics will undoubtedly shape enterprises in 2025 and beyond:

1. Influence of GenAI in cybersecurity on the rise

GenAI is transforming organizational operations but is also being exploited by cybercriminals for advanced attacks like deepfakes, phishing, data manipulation, and new malware. In response, organizations must fight fire with fire by deploying GenAI-powered threat detection and response systems.

2. Cloud security remains crucial

As cloud computing adoption continues to accelerate, organizations need to implement strong security protocols like encryption, access controls, and continuous monitoring. Maintaining proper cloud configurations is crucial to prevent unauthorized access and breaches, and those moving to multi-cloud or hybrid environments will need to adapt their security measures accordingly.

3. Elastic supply chains will be relevant for operational integrity

In 2025, organizations will need flexible, resilient supply chains due to changing geopolitics and partner ecosystems. Leaders must develop proactive strategies to adjust their supply networks, while protecting sensitive data and maintaining regulatory compliance. Enhancing supply chain resilience will be increasingly vital for preserving operational integrity in the face of uncertainty.

4. Emerging business models will underscore the need to be secure by design

At a time when digital technologies, IoT capabilities, and advanced connectivity are driving new business models in EV charging, DERMS, autonomous vehicles, and other connected factories, organizations must secure their value chains to ensure these businesses are safe by design. By 2025, the growth of IoT devices will require stronger device hardening, secure communication channels, and ongoing vulnerability assessments to maintain momentum in business growth.

5. Cybersecurity Mesh Architecture will pave the way for Zero Trust security

Organizations are moving from traditional security models to zero-trust architecture, which requires continuous authentication and limited access to minimize threats. By 2026, most large enterprises will adopt zero-trust methods, consolidating security tools to be more efficient. In order to adapt, organizations must use integrated platforms for orchestrating and automating cybersecurity while working towards Cybersecurity Mesh Architecture (CSMA) for dynamic, collaborative, and secure environments.

6. CSOs will adopt an ‘automation-first' approach to Managed Detection and Response

Modern Managed Detection and Response (MDR) combines Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Security Operation Centers (SOCs), Security Orchestration, Automation and Response (SOAR), Extended Detection and Response (XDR), threat hunting, threat intelligence, and various attack simulations. These components must integrate seamlessly under an "automation-first" approach for strong cyber defense against new technologies like Gen AI, quantum computing, and 5G expansion. By 2025, organizations are likely to seek more industry-specific and integrated cyber-physical security solutions.

7. Back to basics: Cyber resilience will be essential for business security

Now more than ever, a robust cyber resilience strategy is crucial for organizations to handle unexpected cyber incidents and will require taking a fresh look at the basics: regular backups, detailed incident response plans, and business continuity measures. Something as simple as regular drills can enhance organizational preparedness and response capabilities. Promoting a culture of resilience will help minimize downtime and disruptions from cyberattacks.

With geopolitical shifts and evolving technology, global cybersecurity is undergoing a major transformation, and enterprises are looking for ways to leverage GenAI to secure their businesses. 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 rapidly 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 incidents in this new era of cybersecurity.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ganesa Subramanian Vaikuntam is VP & Global Head - Cybersecurity Business Group at TCS. He is responsible for shaping TCS's Cybersecurity strategy and capabilities to ensure that our customers' digitally transformed businesses are secure from current and emerging cyber threats.  He is a dynamic business leader with over 28 years of wide-ranging experience, primarily in the IT industry, in various leadership roles. He has successfully established and scaled multiple businesses, achieving strong financial and operating performance. He has an extensive experience in building globally distributed, high-performance teams to ensure customer success. He strongly believes in the power of technology to transform businesses and has been at the forefront of enabling organizations transform and grow, by leveraging digital technologies.