Building a more secure future for all in 2025

Philip Ingram MBE looks ahead at the key global security trends we can expect to see in 2025.

Putting aside the geopolitical security priorities that are likely to dominate discussions through 2025 and the potential increase in terrorist activities – as we saw with the New Orleans and Las Vagas New Year incidents – we are in an era of rapid technological advancement and evolving global technical challenges. The landscape of security is undergoing a profound transformation.

A changing landscape

As we move through 2025, physical security is becoming increasingly sophisticated, blending traditional methods with cutting-edge tech.

One trend is the rise of AI-powered surveillance systems, further blurring the convergence between the physical and cyber worlds.

The continued development of advanced algorithms to detect anomalies, recognise faces and even predict potential security breaches will lead to a continuing revolution in security technologies. 

These technologies will be enhanced as we see more and more adoption of biometric authentication and, with that, multi-factor biometric systems becoming the norm.

Alongside the physical security world, the corporate world is facing an unprecedented challenge: Securing a workforce that is increasingly mobile and connected.

Genetec’s 2025 State of Physical Security Report “indicates that 42% of respondents who work in procurement, management [or use] physical security technology, plan to deploy some facet of AI in their security operations in the coming months.”

In addition, as remote work becomes the new normal, companies are investing heavily in secure remote access solutions. VPNs are evolving into AI-enhanced systems that can detect and respond to threats in real-time; many of these threats target mobile devices rather than networks.

One of the most exciting developments in corporate security is the emergence of quantum-resistant encryption.

With quantum computers on the horizon, traditional encryption methods are at risk of becoming obsolete. Forward-thinking organisations are already implementing quantum-safe algorithms to protect their most sensitive data from future threats.

In cybersecurity, we are witnessing an escalating arms race between attackers and defenders.

Through 2025, we can expect to see a significant further development of AI-driven threat detection and response. Machine learning algorithms will become increasingly adept at identifying novel attack patterns and responding to threats at machine speed.

One of the most promising developments is the rise of self-healing networks. These advanced systems can automatically detect vulnerabilities, apply patches and reconfigure themselves to maintain optimal security. As one cybersecurity expert puts it: “It’s like having an army of tireless IT professionals working 24/7 to keep your network safe.”

However, as our defences become more sophisticated, so do the threats.

Deepfake technology is emerging as a major concern, with the potential to create highly convincing audio and video forgeries. By 2025, we may see the widespread use of blockchain-based authentication systems to verify the authenticity of digital content and combat this growing threat.

The landscape of national security is being reshaped not just by geopolitical manoeuvring by also by technological advancements. Autonomous drones and AI-powered intelligence analysis are revolutionising how nations gather and process information.

These technologies offer unprecedented capabilities for surveillance and threat assessment, but they also raise important ethical questions about privacy and the use of force.

According to Deborah Haynes, Sky News Defence Editor: “The UK and a group of allies have launched an operation that will use artificial intelligence to better spot threats to undersea cables and track the movement of a “Russian shadow fleet”.”

John Healey, UK Defence Secretary said: “The UK and Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) are leading the way in providing support to our allies to help safeguard the offshore infrastructure we all rely on against potential threats.” It would: “Help protect against both deliberate acts of sabotage as well as cases of extreme negligence which we have seen cause damage to underwater cables”, he added.

One of the most significant trends in national security is the growing importance of cyber-warfare capabilities. Nations are investing heavily in both offensive and defensive cyber-technologies, recognising that the digital realm is critical in all current and future conflicts. However, the authors’ view of future wars being fought purely in the digital domain is fantasy; the guttural tactics in Ukraine are being played out on our screens. War is and will remain a very human activity.

Looking ahead

There are several emerging technologies that are driving advancements across all security domains:

1. 5G and beyond – the rollout of 5G networks, and the development of 6G technology, will enable faster, more reliable communication between security systems. This will be crucial for real-time threat response and the deployment of IoT security devices
2. Edge computing – by processing data closer to its source, edge computing will reduce latency and improve the responsiveness of security systems. This will be particularly important for applications like autonomous vehicle security and smart city surveillance
3. Blockchain – beyond its applications in cryptocurrency, blockchain technology is being explored for secure, tamper-proof record-keeping in various security contexts
4. Quantum computing – while posing a threat to current encryption methods, quantum computing also offers the potential for unbreakable encryption and ultra-fast data processing for security applications

Keeping up-to-date with all the advances will be a challenge unless you attend some of the best security expos and conferences through the year. 2025 is shaping up to be a busy year for physical and cybersecurity expos – some of the highlights are:

• Black Hat USA 2025: 2-7 August 2025, Las Vegas – this is the premier conference for information security research, featuring cutting-edge talks and demonstrations
• CYBERUK 2025: 6-8 May 2025, Manchester Central – the UK government’s flagship cybersecurity event, focusing on building resilience and countering threats
• ISC West 2025: 31 March – 4 April 2025, Las Vegas – a leading trade show for the security industry, featuring the latest products and technologies
• The Security Event: 8-10 April 2025, NEC Birmingham – the UKs largest physical security expo highlighting all the latest technologies
• GSX: 29 September – 1 October 2025, New Orleans – this global event brings together security professionals from all industries to discuss the latest trends and solutions
• ISE and ICE London: 30 September – 01 October 2025, London – homeland security and cyber-trade shows focusing on the government industry and international security

You have plenty to choose from! As we move through 2025, it’s clear that the future of security will be shaped by rapid technological advancement and evolving global challenges.

For security professionals, business leaders and policy-makers, staying ahead of these trends will be crucial. By embracing innovation, fostering collaboration and maintaining a proactive stance, we can build a more secure future for all. The challenges are significant, but so are the opportunities.