Crystal Ball 2025: Insights on AI, automation, and insider threat detection

A note from Scott Achelpohl, managing editor, Smart Industry:

Welcome to the Crystal Ball Report for 2025, which will appear in this web space the rest of December and into January as a series of contributed pieces from esteemed experts in manufacturing technology.

We've invited these thought leaders to look into their "crystal balls" and tell us what's ahead (with an emphasis on data, AI, and cybersecurity). So please enjoy the series and, from all of us at SI, have a happy and safe holiday season.

Predictions for 2025 are fun. I’ve got five of them.

Prediction No. 1: Organizations will increasingly turn to AI to power improved security posture.

AI-powered threat hunting will play a crucial role in detecting and responding to advanced threats. As AI models continue to evolve, they will be able to identify sophisticated attacks that traditional methods of detection might miss. By automating routine tasks and recommending responses, AI can significantly reduce the impact of security incidents and improve overall security posture.

Podcast: Which industrial technologies are really worth the investment?

Prediction No. 2: Automation becomes a must in SecOps.

The increasing volume and complexity of data necessitate automation in security operations. By optimizing data ingestion and leveraging advanced machine learning models, organizations can efficiently analyze critical data, detect emerging threats and automate routine tasks. This allows security teams to focus on high-priority incidents, reducing response times and minimizing potential damage.

What's to come in the Crystal Ball series:

Insights on 2025 from talks with manufacturers, by Josh Cranfill, Quickbase
AI, automation, and insider threat detection, by Chris Scheels, Gurucul
Business leaders should look inward to identify what they can control, by Michael van Keulen, Coupa
Cybersecurity trends that will reshape private content security, by Patrick Spencer, Kiteworks
Configurability, modularity, and AI: The 2025 challenges, by Damantha Boteju, Henrik Hulgaard, and Daniel Joseph Barry, Configit
IT and OT convergence will be cybersecurity stress test, by Aron Brand, CTERA
2025 prediction thread, Part 1, by various authors
2025 prediction thread, Part 2, by various authors
Your opinion counts: Results from SI's reader poll on 2025, by Scott Achelpohl, Smart Industry

Prediction No. 3: Insider threats will prompt the need for a new approach.

Insider threats pose a significant and growing risk to organizations. As the threat landscape evolves, enterprises need to rethink traditional security approaches and consider a more holistic approach that addresses external and internal threats.

By understanding the nuances of insider threats and their potential impact, enterprises can develop effective strategies to mitigate risk and protect sensitive information.

To effectively address insider threats in 2025, organizations will need to adopt advanced technologies and strategies.

A key focus will be on strengthening identity-centric defenses and implementing sophisticated detection methodologies.

By investing in these areas, organizations can better protect their sensitive information and minimize the risk of insider-related breaches.

Prediction No. 4: Insider threats will branch out to more industries.

Historically, financial service organizations have been a primary target for insider threats due to the high value of their assets and potential for fraud. However, as the digital landscape expands, other industries are becoming increasingly vulnerable.

This includes sectors such as health care, e-commerce, and critical infrastructure, where sensitive data and operational continuity are paramount. As a result, these industries are investing more in insider threat detection and response solutions to protect their valuable assets.

Prediction No. 5: The skills gap will drive MSSP growth.

A continued and increased demand for managed security services from small and midsize businesses will continue in 2025. A significant factor driving this growth is the shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals.

This makes these organizations more vulnerable to cyberattacks, including ransomware that can be cripplingly expensive for manufacturing companies. As cyber threats evolve and become more sophisticated, managed security solutions are much-needed.

See also: The 2024 Crystal Ball Report