Cybersecurity 2025: The biggest threats & protective measures

Nico Dudli
Aug 7
5 min read

Cybercrime will become smarter, more aggressive, and more difficult to defend against in 2025. Hackers are using artificial intelligence (AI) to carry out targeted attacks against businesses and individuals. AI phishing, deepfake scams, and automated ransomware attacks are particularly dangerous.

Facts & Figures on Cybersecurity 2025

In February 2025, 962 ransomware attacks were recorded worldwide—a 126% increase compared to the same month last year. The Clop group alone was responsible for more than a third of these attacks ( Kyos ).

67% of companies see generative AI as a new security threat ( PwC Digital Trust Insights 2025 ).

The good news: With the right protective measures, companies and individuals can fend off cyberattacks.

A stack of shiny metal keys on a black background – a symbol of security, encryption, and digital access control. — Cybercrime in 2025: Hackers will use advanced technologies such as AI and deepfakes to carry out digital attacks – maximum vigilance is required!

Frequently asked questions about cybersecurity in 2025

Which cyber threats will be the most dangerous in 2025?

The biggest threats are AI phishing, deepfake fraud, automated ransomware, and cloud vulnerabilities . Hackers are using AI to make attacks even more targeted and effective. In 2025, cybercriminals will increasingly resort to sophisticated methods such as zero-day exploitation (attacks on unpatched vulnerabilities), "living off the land" (abuse of legitimate system tools), and delayed encryption , which exfiltrates data for weeks before the actual attack occurs. This makes detection extremely difficult and increases the pressure on victims. ( Kyos )

How can I protect myself from cyberattacks as a private individual?

Use passkeys instead of passwords , enable 2FA , use a VPN , and keep your software up to date.

Are companies prepared for AI-powered cyberattacks?

According to PwC Digital Trust Insights 2025, 67% of companies are concerned, but many have not yet implemented AI-powered security solutions .

Short & sweet: The most important cybersecurity trends 2025

threat	Why dangerous?	Solution
AI phishing & deepfake fraud	Hackers create deceptively real fake calls and emails.	Multi-factor authentication (MFA), AI-powered fraud detection.
Automated ransomware	AI finds security gaps independently and encrypts data.	Zero-trust strategy, regular backups.
Tracking & data misuse	Smart home devices and apps collect data uncontrollably.	VPN , privacy settings, tracking blocker.
Vulnerabilities in cloud services	Companies are storing more data in the cloud, creating new risks.	AI-powered firewalls, identity management.
Zero-day attacks & LotL	Exploitation of unknown vulnerabilities and legitimate tools – barely detectable	Automated patch management, EDR/XDR solutions

Passkeys & 2FA: The future of secure logins

Passwords are considered the biggest security risk in everyday digital life because they can easily be stolen. Cybersecurity 2025 relies on new standards such as passkeys and two-factor authentication (2FA) to prevent identity theft.

aspect	Pursue	Private individuals
Why important?	Passkeys eliminate phishing risks and are more secure than traditional passwords.	2FA protects accounts even if the password is stolen.
Recommended measures	Introduce passkeys as standard & enable MFA (multi-factor authentication).	Enable 2FA for banks, email & social media.
Learn more	Why Google & Apple are setting passkeys as the new security standard	Security with 2FA: How to protect your accounts

VPN & Threat Protection – Digital Security for All

Many cyberattacks occur over insecure networks . A VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts your internet connection and prevents third parties from spying on your data or tracking your online behavior.

aspect	Pursue	Private individuals
Why important?	VPNs enable secure remote work and prevent data leaks.	VPNs ensure anonymous internet use and protect against online surveillance.
Recommended measures	Use an encrypted internet connection – protection in insecure Wi-Fi networks.	Enable tracking blocker – prevents data collection by websites.
Additional benefits	Protects corporate data in the cloud & when accessed remotely.	Bypass geo-blocking – access blocked content worldwide.
Learn more	How VPNs Improve Cybersecurity in 2025	VPN for home users: Improve security and privacy

Zero-Trust security strategy: No device or user is automatically trusted

Many companies rely on outdated security models that assume internal networks are secure . But hackers exploit these vulnerabilities. A zero-trust strategy ensures that every request is authenticated—whether internal or external.

aspect	Pursue	Private individuals
Why important?	Access is granted only after identity verification – protects against insider threats.	Smart IoT devices (e.g. Alexa, smart locks) can be hacked – only allow verified devices.
Recommended measures	Introduce identity verification & encrypted networks.	Operate smart home devices in separate networks.
Learn more	Zero Trust Strategy: Why Google & Microsoft are relying on it	Improving Zero Trust in the home network

Global threat situation 2025: Cybercrime becomes a billion-dollar industry

By 2025, the global cost of cybercrime will reach $10.5 trillion—more than the combined GDP of Germany, France, and the United Kingdom. Particularly dangerous is the growing connection between state-sponsored hacking groups (APTs) and organized cybercrime, which is putting sophisticated techniques into the hands of criminal networks.

The situation is also critical in Germany: 80% of companies were victims of a cyberattack in 2025, with damages amounting to around 266 billion euros annually, which corresponds to about 7% of German GDP ( Kyos ).

AI-powered cybersecurity solutions: Detect and stop threats in real time

Cyberattacks are becoming increasingly intelligent – traditional antivirus software only detects known threats . Modern AI security solutions analyze suspicious behavior in real time and automatically stop attacks.

aspect	Pursue	Private individuals
Why important?	AI firewalls detect unusual behavior and automatically block attacks.	Many modern VPNs, password managers, and firewalls use AI-based fraud detection.
Recommended measures	Use AI-powered firewalls & endpoint security.	Use a password manager with dark web monitoring.
Learn more	Gartner: The Future of AI-Powered Cybersecurity	AI in everyday life: How smart technologies detect fraud attempts

Conclusion: Cybersecurity 2025 affects us all

Cyberattacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated – but with the right protective measures, a high level of security can be achieved.

Recommended protective measures for companies

Measure	What does this mean?	Why is this important?
Regular updates & security patches	Automatically keep software up to date and close known vulnerabilities.	Prevents hackers from exploiting known security vulnerabilities.
Detect threats early (threat hunting)	IT teams actively scan networks for suspicious activity – often with the help of AI.	Attacks are detected before they cause damage.
24/7 security monitoring (EDR/XDR + SOC)	Special security solutions monitor all devices and data access – around the clock.	Protection even against complex attacks, even outside office hours.
Emergency exercises against phishing and ransomware	Employees practice realistic scenarios (e.g., fake emails or data encryption).	Responsiveness is improved and errors are detected early.

Briefly explained

EDR/XDR = Systems that detect suspicious activity on computers and networks.
SOC = A security team that responds to attacks 24/7.
Threat Hunting = Actively searching for threats before an attack becomes visible.
Patch management = management of updates to fix known vulnerabilities.

Recommended protective measures for private individuals

Measure	What does this mean?	Why is this important?
Passkeys & Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)	Instead of a password, you use a digital device (e.g. smartphone) to log in – plus an additional security code.	Protects you even if your password is stolen.
Use VPN (Virtual Private Network)	Encrypts your internet connection, e.g., in public Wi-Fi or while traveling.	Prevents hackers from spying on your data.
Latest software & automatic updates	Always keep your operating system, apps and devices up to date.	Protects against known security vulnerabilities.
Activate tracking and ad blockers in your browser	Prevents websites and trackers from tracking your behavior.	Better data protection and fewer personalized attacks.
Securing smart devices in the home network	E.g. Alexa, smart TVs, cameras – only connect to secure Wi-Fi and change default passwords.	Prevents hackers from digitally spying on your home.
Learn to recognize phishing emails	Do not click on links in suspicious emails, check the sender.	Avoids fraud and identity theft.