Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a global leader in IT services, consulting, and business solutions, has released its 2025 Cybersecurity Outlook, highlighting key technology trends and focus areas identified by TCS experts. Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), cloud security, and supply chain resilience will be pivotal for organisations to navigate the evolving cyber threat landscape in the coming year.
As next-generation technologies gain momentum across industries, they also introduce new and complex risks. Experts at TCS have outlined seven focus areas that will shape cybersecurity in 2025, helping organisations prioritise their security investments and prepare for the increasing sophistication of cyberattacks.
Ganesa Subramanian Vaikuntam, Global Head of Cybersecurity at TCS, said: "With geopolitical shifts and evolving technology, global cybersecurity is undergoing significant transformation. While GenAI enhances operational efficiencies, it also opens the door to new cyber threats. Organisations must adopt GenAI-powered threat detection and response systems to counter these risks. A proactive cyber resilience strategy is no longer optional—it is essential for navigating and mitigating unforeseen incidents in this era of rapid technological evolution."
Key cybersecurity trends for 2025 outlined in the report include:
1. The Rising Influence of GenAI in Cybersecurity:
GenAI is revolutionising organisational operations while also being exploited by cybercriminals for advanced attacks, such as deepfakes, phishing, data manipulation, and new malware. Organisations must counter these threats by implementing GenAI-powered detection and response systems.
2. Cloud Security as a Priority:
As cloud computing adoption accelerates, organisations must adopt strong security protocols, including encryption, access controls, and continuous monitoring. Proper cloud configurations will be critical, particularly for businesses transitioning to multi-cloud or hybrid environments.
3. Resilient Supply Chains for Operational Integrity:
Geopolitical shifts and evolving partner ecosystems are driving the need for flexible and resilient supply chains. Organisations must proactively adjust their networks while safeguarding sensitive data and ensuring regulatory compliance.
4. Secure-by-Design for Emerging Business Models
The rise of digital technologies, IoT, and advanced connectivity is driving new business models in areas such as EV charging, autonomous vehicles, and connected factories. Organisations must ensure these systems are secure-by-design, with robust device hardening, secure communication, and regular vulnerability assessments.
5. Zero Trust Through Cybersecurity Mesh Architecture (CSMA)
Moving towards zero-trust models, organisations are consolidating security tools and adopting CSMA for dynamic, collaborative environments. By 2026, most large enterprises will embrace zero-trust security, underpinned by continuous authentication and limited access protocols.
6. Automation-First in Managed Detection and Response (MDR)
Modern MDR requires seamless integration of advanced tools such as SIEM, SOCs, SOAR, and XDR. By prioritising automation, organisations can enhance their defences against emerging threats like GenAI, quantum computing, and 5G.
7. Back to Basics: Cyber Resilience
Organisations must refocus on the fundamentals of cyber resilience, including regular backups, incident response plans, and business continuity measures. Building a culture of resilience through regular drills and preparedness initiatives will help mitigate disruptions caused by cyberattacks.
TCS' 2025 Cybersecurity Outlook highlights the importance of adopting innovative strategies and robust defence mechanisms to operate effectively in an increasingly complex threat landscape. By focusing on these priorities, organisations can safeguard their operations and foster resilience amidst rapid technological advancements.
