Author: Jane Devry

As the digital landscape evolves, the future of SAP security looks increasingly promising. SAP security professionals can expect expanded career opportunities and heightened demand for their expertise. Organizations prioritize SAP security to protect critical business data and business processes, driving the need for skilled consultants. In this article, we’ll delve into the future of SAP security, including career growth prospects, emerging trends, and necessary expertise.

Key Takeaways

• SAP security expertise is increasingly vital for business continuity as organizations digitize operations and face growing cyber threats.

• A rising demand for skilled SAP security experts, particularly in cloud technologies and compliance roles, offers stable and promising career growth.

• Collaboration with Governance, Risk, and Compliance (SAP GRC) teams is essential for optimizing SAP security measures and maintaining operational reliability.

Understanding the SAP Security for Career Growth

The cybersecurity landscape is constantly evolving, increasing the importance of SAP security expertise. Securing SAP systems becomes vital for business continuity as companies digitize their operations. Consequently, SAP security consultants safeguard these systems and ensure data integrity. They design effective security roles that enhance governance, risk, and compliance capabilities.

SAP security consultants frequently work with Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) teams to optimize security measures across various SAP platforms. This teamwork addresses the comprehensive requirements of SAP software and ensures seamless system integration with non-SAP applications and functions. Effective security roles directly impact the company’s operational reliability and overall security posture.

The demand for skilled SAP security expertise is increasing from consulting roles to in-house positions. As more companies recognize the importance of securing SAP systems, the need for experts will grow, offering a rewarding career path.

SAP, short for Systems, Applications, and Products in Data Processing, is widely used enterprise software that supports various business operations, including finance, sales, and supply chain management. The centralized SAP system helps organizations manage their business process more efficiently and provides a robust infrastructure for business operations. As we look to the future, integrating advanced technologies like AI and machine learning will significantly enhance SAP security and threat detection.

This evolution of AI and machine learning presents exciting career progression opportunities for SAP security professionals. The future involves protecting systems and leveraging new technologies for more secure and efficient business environments. With the right training and skills, SAP security professionals can lead this transformation, helping organizations stay ahead of emerging threats and compliance requirements.

Securing SAP systems becomes critical for business process continuity as companies digitize their operations. The evolving threat landscape pushes businesses to prioritize this. SAP security consultants play a vital role in safeguarding these systems, ensuring data integrity, and protecting sensitive business information. In modern enterprises, SAP security consultants collaborate with GRC teams to optimize security measures across various SAP platforms. Their ability to design effective security roles is crucial for enhancing governance, risk, and compliance capabilities. Consequently, there is an increasing need for SAP partners with system security and operational reliability expertise.

The transition to SAP’s cloud solutions, such as BTP and RISE, significantly impacts the approach to securing SAP systems. As businesses move their environments to the cloud, new security protocols are needed to address unique challenges. The rising incidence of cyber threats requires a focus on preventative measures to protect sensitive data. Just because SAP now hosts your environment doesn’t mean you are not responsible for its security.

Automation in SAP application management is expected to enhance efficiency and reduce errors. Integrating AI into SAP systems should yield significant efficiency improvements and cost savings. These advancements will be crucial in safeguarding SAP environments, making them more resilient to potential threats. As reliance on cloud applications grows, security will play an increasingly vital role in protecting sensitive data from data breaches. Focusing on data protection is essential for maintaining the integrity and security of ERP (enterprise resource planning) systems. Staying ahead of these trends ensures that businesses are well-prepared to face future challenges.

The demand for SAP security experts is rising due to a shortage of qualified experts. By 2025, roles related to SAP security, particularly those focusing on cloud technologies and data compliance, are expected to be prominent. This indicates a reliant career outlook for people who keep SAP environments secured. The global demand for SAP experts is projected to increase steadily, offering many consulting and employment opportunities. As demand consistently exceeds supply, those with SAP knowledge and security certifications will be in a favorable position. These globally recognized certifications are vital for career advancement in security roles.

Ongoing education and professional development are crucial for security experts to keep pace with evolving industry standards. Online platforms like openSAP offer free courses on various SAP topics, making training accessible to a broader audience. Continuously enhancing qualifications ensures that SAP security experts remain competitive in the job market.The future of SAP security roles is closely tied to the growth of Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) modules, particularly in access controls and risk management. SAP security experts must have a deep understanding of security and GRC to meet the comprehensive requirements of SAP systems. Their roles will protect sensitive business data and ensure operational continuity.

Advanced Access Management

Identity and Access Management (IAM) and vulnerability management are critical in the cybersecurity context of SAP administration. These activities ensure that only authorized users access the system, protecting sensitive information. Effective governance, access management, data privacy, authentication, and application security are essential for securely configuring an SAP system.

A common misconception is that SAP systems are secure by default, underscoring the need for proactive governance. Implementing SAP S/4HANA requires specific considerations regarding its connected solutions to ensure a secure environment. Keeping the core SAP system clean and compliant is a primary responsibility of SAP administrators.

Enhanced Risk Management

SAP administrators provide domain expertise to identify threats within ERP (enterprise resource planning) systems. They play a crucial role in threat detection, helping secure the systems from vulnerabilities. By identifying and mitigating risks, SAP security experts maintain the integrity and security of SAP ERP systems. Enhanced risk management ensures that ERP systems remain secure and resilient to potential threats. Skilled security experts are indispensable for maintaining the organization’s overall security posture.

Data Privacy and Compliance

Security configurations for SAP cloud services provide crucial guidance for customer-managed components. Regulatory compliance is critical in securing SAP systems, ensuring businesses adhere to legal and industry-specific requirements. Protecting sensitive data from breaches is vital, as data loss can lead to severe financial and reputational damage. To adapt to evolving regulatory standards and compliance requirements, businesses must continually update their security practices. Staying compliant and protecting data helps businesses avoid costly penalties and maintain trust with stakeholders.

Specializations Within SAP Security

Application security focuses on protecting enterprise software from threats by implementing security measures during development. Professionals in this field need expertise in secure coding practices and knowledge of common vulnerabilities, such as SQL injection. Communications security ensures that data transmitted over networks is secure, utilizing encryption and secure protocols to protect information integrity. Expertise in network protocols and familiarity with firewalls are essential for this specialization. System integration security involves safeguarding the connections and interactions between different systems and applications and addressing vulnerabilities that may arise during integration. Experts should have a strong understanding of various APIs, data flows, and potential security risks.

Training and Certification Pathways

Training and certification are essential for success in SAP security roles as they provide expertise and knowledge. Certifications validate skills and knowledge in SAP, enhancing employability in the job market. Ongoing education is crucial to maintain a competitive edge in the ever-evolving SAP landscape. SAP offers diverse certifications, ranging from foundational to advanced levels and encompassing various modules and specialties. Continuous skill development through SAP training courses is essential for staying competitive in the evolving landscape of SAP security. Gaining hands-on experience through internships or projects helps apply knowledge in practical settings. Obtaining a relevant SAP certification can significantly enhance employability and demonstrate expertise to potential employers.

Collaboration With Other IT Functions

SAP security consultants are integral in ensuring holistic security strategies through their work with governance, risk management, and compliance (SAP GRC). The importance of GRC has increased due to rising cybersecurity and data privacy regulations, trade regulations and sanctions. SAP security consultants closely collaborate with various business functions to assess system security and provide solutions for application layer weaknesses, bridging the gap between GRC and security management. SAP security consultants promote security awareness within the organization, emphasizing that security is a shared responsibility. Fostering collaboration and awareness ensures that all stakeholders are committed to maintaining a secure environment.

Future Challenges in SAP Security

Organizations face increased complexity as they use a variety of applications alongside core SAP systems. The move to the cloud, faster application development, and broader technology distribution contribute significantly to SAP systems security challenges. SAP security consultants are experiencing an increasing volume of work and expanding complexity of challenges.

On-premise ERP teams face challenges. The complex landscapes they deal with impact their SAP security capabilities. Ensuring custom code security will continue to be required as organizations adapt their SAP environments to new needs. Adapting to the continuous business integration of new technologies into existing SAP systems will present ongoing security challenges for professionals in the field.

Opportunities for Remote Work and Global Careers

SAP security professionals can leverage remote work opportunities to enhance their work-life balance and job satisfaction. The rise of cloud-based solutions in SAP allows for increased remote collaboration among security teams worldwide. With SAP’s global presence, security professionals can work in diverse international markets, gaining valuable experience and exposure to different business environments. Remote work, international assignments, and cross-border collaboration offer valuable opportunities for SAP professionals to build a fulfilling career. Embracing these opportunities allows SAP security professionals to broaden their horizons and gain a competitive edge in the job market.

Preparing for the Future: Actionable Steps

Networking is crucial; engaging with industry professionals can open new career opportunities. Participating in SAP community groups and events can lead to new job opportunities and valuable connections. Leveraging resources such as web seminars and online courses helps individuals enhance their knowledge and expertise in SAP security. Participating in SAP instructor-led training at a training institute provides hands-on experience and direct access to expert guidance. Clarifying your specific area of SAP specialization is vital for career success, as it helps align your skills with market needs. Practicing problem-solving scenarios can better prepare you for interviews, as employers often assess your ability to handle real-world challenges. Tailoring your resume and LinkedIn profile to highlight your SAP skills and achievements can improve your chances of standing out to employers. By taking these actionable steps, you can ensure that you are well-prepared for a successful career in SAP security.

In summary, the future of SAP security is bright, with numerous career opportunities and advancements. Skilled SAP security experts will continue to be in high demand as organizations prioritize the security of their systems and data. By staying informed about the latest trends, continuously developing your skills, and embracing new opportunities, you can ensure a successful and rewarding career in SAP security.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is SAP systems, and why is it essential for business operations?

SAP, or Systems, Applications, and Products in Data Processing, is crucial for business operations as it streamlines processes across finance, sales, and supply chain management, enhancing organizational efficiency and decision-making.

Why is there an increasing demand for skilled SAP security experts?

The increasing demand for skilled SAP security experts is primarily driven by a shortage of qualified experts and the heightened importance of securing SAP systems as organizations embrace digital transformation and cloud solutions.

What are the key responsibilities of SAP security professionals?

SAP security professionals are primarily responsible for advanced access management, risk management, data privacy, and regulatory compliance. Their roles are crucial in safeguarding sensitive business data and maintaining operational continuity.

What training and certifications are necessary for a career in SAP security?

To pursue a career in SAP security, obtaining relevant SAP certifications is essential, alongside continual training and hands-on experience, to maintain competitiveness in the field. This foundational knowledge will enhance your skills and credibility in SAP security roles.

What are the future challenges in SAP security?

Future challenges in SAP security will revolve around managing application complexity, adapting to cloud migrations, accelerating application development, and safeguarding custom code security as organizations embrace new technologies. Addressing these issues is essential for maintaining robust security in evolving environments.

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Marvin “Ben” Haiman Brings Impressive Background, Decades of Experience to RIIG

Charlottesville, VA (1/14/2025) — RIIG, an AI driven risk intelligence and cybersecurity solutions provider, announces the addition of Marvin “Ben” Haiman to its advisory board.

Haiman was tapped to serve on the board for his vast experience in public safety. Currently, he is the Executive Director for the Center for Public Safety and Justice at the University of Virginia and an Assistant Professor. He is also a Visiting Fellow and Research Scholar with Rutger’s University. In addition, Haiman served as the Chief of Staff for the Metropolitan Police Department of Washington, D.C. where he oversaw daily operations of the Executive Office of the Chief of Police and was responsible for broad agency management and implementing strategic agency objectives.

Previously, Haiman served as Director for the Homeland Security Advisory Council for the United States Department of Homeland Security, where he established several key task forces for the Secretary (e.g., Foreign Fighters, Integrity & Use of Force).

Haiman graduated from The Johns Hopkins University with a master’s degree in management through the Police Executive Leadership Program. He earned his undergraduate degree in mathematics from the University of Iowa and received designation as a Certified Public Management Program through George Washington University, as well as certification in Strategic Project Management. Haiman is also a graduate of the Naval Postgraduate School Center for Homeland Defense and Security’s Executive Leadership Program. He received recognition by the International Association of Chiefs of Police in 2020 as a 40 under 40 recipient and the prestigious Gary P. Hayes Award by the Police Executive Research Forum.

“We are excited to welcome Ben to our advisory board,” said Denver Riggleman, CEO of RIIG. “With his remarkable background in public safety and proven leadership, Ben brings a wealth of expertise that will be instrumental in helping RIIG tackle today’s complex AI challenges. His insights will guide us in developing cutting-edge risk intelligence solutions that address evolving threats and empower organizations to stay ahead in an increasingly dynamic landscape.”

Continues Riggleman, “We spent 2024 building a strong foundation by securing funding and assembling an exceptional board of advisors. As we move into 2025, we are excited to leverage these resources to expand our client base and deliver cutting-edge technology solutions. By providing high-quality, verifiable data and advanced intelligence solutions, we aim to ensure robust security and effective risk management for our clients.”

Specializing in white hat data trust services, RIIG offers open-source intelligence solutions.  With collaboration with public, private and academic partners, RIIG empowers organizations with high-quality, verifiable data and advanced intelligence solutions that enable robust security and effective risk management.

Led by a team of industry professionals with deep expertise in AI, cybersecurity, and intelligence analysis, RIIG’s experienced leaders and skilled team members are committed to providing innovative solutions that address the complex challenges of today’s ever-changing cybersecurity landscape.

In December, RIIG appointed Cody Sanford and Dr. Philip Bourne to its advisory board. Sanford was previously T-Mobile’s Executive Vice President, Chief Information Officer and Chief Product Officer while Dr. Bourne currently serves as the Founding Dean of the School of Data Science and Professor of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Virginia.

 

 

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In recent years, the cybersecurity landscape has witnessed a series of high-profile vulnerabilities affecting popular VPN solutions, including two major vendors. These incidents have underscored the limitations of traditional VPN architectures and accelerated the adoption of Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) principles.  

Vulnerabilities

  • Vendor A: Multiple critical vulnerabilities, including remote code execution flaws, have been discovered in Vendor A’s firewall software. Threat actors have actively exploited these vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to sensitive systems and data.
  • Vendor B: Several critical vulnerabilities have also been identified in Vendor B’s VPN appliances, enabling attackers to remotely execute code and compromise vulnerable systems. These vulnerabilities have been widely exploited, resulting in significant security breaches across various organizations.

The Devastating Cost of Breaches

The financial and reputational damage caused by these breaches is staggering and continuously escalating.  

Direct Costs:

  • Incident Response: Costs associated with investigating the breach, containing the damage, and restoring systems can be immense. This includes hiring forensic investigators, legal counsel, and cybersecurity consultants.
  • Ransomware Payments: Organizations may feel pressured to pay ransoms to regain access to critical data, further enriching cybercriminals.  
  • Data Recovery and Restoration: Recovering lost or corrupted data and restoring systems to their pre-breach state can be time-consuming and expensive.
  • Legal and Regulatory Fines: Non-compliance with data privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA) can result in hefty fines and legal penalties.  

Indirect Costs:

  • Loss of Business: Disruptions to operations, downtime, and loss of productivity can significantly impact revenue.  
  • Reputational Damage: Data breaches erode customer trust, damaging brand reputation and potentially leading to customer churn.  
  • Increased Insurance Premiums: Following a breach, insurance premiums for cyber liability coverage often rise significantly.  
  • Lost Business Opportunities: Damaged reputation can hinder new business deals and partnerships.  

The Impact on VPN Security

These vulnerabilities have highlighted several key weaknesses of traditional VPN solutions:

  • Large Attack Surface: VPN appliances often have a large attack surface due to their complex configurations and numerous features.  
  • Difficulty in Patching: Keeping VPN software and firmware up to date with the latest security patches can be challenging, especially in large organizations with diverse IT environments.
  • Reliance on Perimeter Security: Traditional VPNs rely heavily on perimeter security, which can be easily bypassed by sophisticated attackers who have already infiltrated the network through other means.  

The Rise of ZTNA

In response to these challenges, Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) has emerged as a promising alternative to traditional VPNs. ZTNA is based on the principle of “never trust, always verify,” meaning that access to resources is granted based on the identity and context of the user or device, rather than their location on the network.  

Key Benefits of ZTNA:

  • Reduced Attack Surface: ZTNA solutions have a smaller attack surface compared to traditional VPNs, as they only expose specific resources to authorized users on a need-to-know basis.  
  • Enhanced Security: ZTNA incorporates multiple layers of security controls, including multi-factor authentication, device posture checks, and least privilege access. This minimizes the blast radius of a successful compromise.  
  • Enhanced Visibility and Control: ZTNA solutions provide granular visibility into user activity and access patterns, enabling organizations to detect and respond to threats more quickly. 

The Future of Network Security

The vulnerabilities in the affected vendors have served as a wake-up call for organizations to re-evaluate their network security strategies. While VPNs will continue to play a role in some use cases, ZTNA is poised to become the de facto standard for secure remote access.

Organizations that adopt ZTNA can significantly reduce their risk of cyberattacks and improve their overall security posture. As the threat landscape continues to evolve and the cost of breaches continues to rise, ZTNA will be critical for ensuring that organizations can protect their sensitive data, maintain business continuity, and thrive in an increasingly digital world.  

Time to Recover: A Critical Factor

The time it takes to recover from a cyberattack can significantly impact an organization’s bottom line.

  • Disruption to Business Operations: Every hour of downtime can translate to substantial financial losses due to lost productivity, missed sales opportunities, and damage to customer relationships.  
  • Reputational Damage: The longer a breach remains unresolved, the greater the potential for reputational damage to spread and erode customer trust.
  • Increased Costs: The longer an attack persists, the higher the costs associated with incident response, data recovery, and business disruption.  

Conclusion

The vulnerabilities in the affected vendors have highlighted the critical need for organizations to adopt a more secure approach to network access. ZTNA offers a promising alternative to traditional VPNs, providing enhanced security, flexibility, and reduced risk. 

As organizations continue to embrace digital transformation, ZTNA will play a crucial role in ensuring that their networks remain secure and resilient in the face of evolving cyber threats.  

 

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According to research, the number of data breaches is increasing year over year. Worse yet, for businesses, data loss may not be the most considerable cost associated with an IT incident — it could result in a lawsuit from customers, investors, employees, or whatever party’s data was exposed in the breach. Thus, many businesses wonder how they can reduce their liability.

Challenges in IT liability

Unfortunately, understanding liability when it comes to matters of IT, such as data breaches, is not cut and dry. Of course, the wrongdoer is the primary culprit for the incident, but the organization responsible for protecting the data may also be held liable. In many instances, the actions (or lack thereof) of an organization and its employees contribute to the severity of a breach, and as such, they are held at least partially liable.

Recent technological developments have made IT liability even more complex. While the rise in remote and hybrid work structures has introduced more access points and vulnerabilities to networks, artificial intelligence technology has simultaneously allowed cyber attackers to become more sophisticated in their attacks. Businesses must include these considerations in their IT contracts, or they could risk significant consequences, such as lawsuits, fines, or worse.

How to reduce IT liability

One of the first steps a business can take to reduce its IT liability is to implement strong cybersecurity measures. In the case of a data breach that leads to legal consequences, an organization wants to show that it has done everything reasonable and within its power to protect the data. Some essential cybersecurity measures that organizations must implement include:

•Multi-factor authentication: Passwords alone are no longer enough to secure sensitive data. Multi-factor authentication (MFA), which requires an additional verification code via email or text or a third-party authentication app, allows organizations to verify users’ identities more confidently.

•Secure endpoints: Another essential cybersecurity measure businesses should implement to reduce their IT liability is securing endpoints — any devices used to access the organization’s networks and data. Basic antivirus and anti-malware software are inexpensive and essential investments, especially in an era when employees are increasingly relying on personal devices for work.

•Network security: Organizations should also ensure that cybersecurity measures are implemented on a network level. Defense measures like firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and intrusion prevention systems provide the minimum protection needed to keep data secure. Without these features, organizations could be found neglecting their data security.

However, even businesses that have the most stringent cybersecurity measures in place could fall victim to attacks that get past these measures of defense. Because of this, it is vital to have an incident response plan in place to address potential breaches and limit liability for incidents. If a business fails to appropriately address a breach that causes further consequences, it could be held liable for its negligent response in addition to its negligence in creating the conditions that caused the attack to occur. 

By having an IT incident response plan in place, businesses and their IT teams can act quickly to patch flaws. Once a vulnerability is identified and exposed by a wrongdoer, others can follow suit and take advantage of this weakness. Unfortunately, even for some of the most well-known security risks, many organizations neglect to patch their vulnerabilities, exposing them to massive cyberthreats. This can be the difference between a minor data breach that is easily recoverable and a massive breach that has catastrophic consequences for an organization.

Protecting against IT incidents

However, as important as it is to be prepared for a cybersecurity incident, it’s even better to take a proactive approach and prevent these incidents from occurring in the first place. It’s crucial to ensure that all software and hardware are kept up to date because updates often include essential patches that fix vulnerabilities exploited by wrongdoers. Failing to stay current with these changes could leave you susceptible to an attack that could have been easily prevented.

The other aspect of a proactive cybersecurity approach that can help reduce a business’s IT liability is educating employees. Ultimately, your employees are your first and best line of defense against cyberattacks. Employees should be trained to identify and report cyber threats. 

The actions of a well-trained employee can stop a cyberattack before a perpetrator ever gets a chance to access valuable data.

Indeed, the best way for an organization to minimize its IT liability is to prevent IT incidents from happening in the first place. By implementing cybersecurity measures, having a strong IT incident response plan, being proactive about keeping hardware and software up to date, and educating employees, businesses can reduce their risk of severe consequences and, in turn, their liability.

 

 

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With continued advancements in AI, the threat landscape is evolving quicker and more regularly than ever before. Combining this with persistent macro-economic pressures and a change in leadership across multiple countries, the world around us is undergoing huge changes. In turn, CISOs are faced with the ever-expanding task of protecting their organisations against a new frontier, in a world that is undergoing massive shifts. 

As cybersecurity and geopolitics continue to converge, governments and public sector organisations are going to need to reprioritise cyber resilience and improve legacy infrastructure across the board. Our research earlier this year found that governments saw a nearly 50% increase in ransomware extortion attacks in 2024. The general public expect – and deserve – their data to be properly protected. So, now more than ever, cybersecurity professionals must be tapped into the world around them and understand the nuances of a shifting geopolitical landscape. 

With this in mind, here are five predictions that I think will take shape throughout 2025. 

1) Nation-state and ransomware attacks will intensify their focus on the OT side; and data centers will fight back

As we look ahead to 2025, critical infrastructure and the manufacturing sector will face an increased volume of threats from both nation-states and ransomware operators. These threat actors will also look to target industries reliant on newer technologies, such as cloud computing and AI systems. And nation states are clearly looking to get ahead of this trend, evidenced by the UK designating data centers as critical infrastructure earlier this year, and I suspect others will follow suit. 

2) Geopolitics and cybersecurity will become increasingly inseparable as National Critical Infrastructure (NCI) becomes one of the biggest focuses for attackers

The intensifying geopolitical climate and the major global elections that have punctuated 2024 will absolutely drive transformation with regards to cybersecurity policies and regulations in 2025. With cyberattacks increasingly targeting political processes and attempting to influence election outcomes, businesses must adapt their operations to navigate geopolitical tensions and sanctions. Organisations should seek to deploy flexible security architectures that can quickly isolate threats and adjust to evolving political regulatory requirements. 

While advancements in digital transformation offers significant benefits, it acts somewhat as a double-edged sword and makes infrastructure more vulnerable to attacks. Given cyberattacks often precede physical ones, protecting critical infrastructure from exposure is crucial and organisations must take responsibility for their security beyond mere regulatory compliance. Over the coming year, we will see a heightened focus on critical infrastructure from both defensive and offensive perspectives. 

3) Economic pressures will drive cybersecurity consolidation and optimisation 

The broader macro-economic landscape, and persistent inflationary environment has resulted in many industries taking a more measured approach to their spending, and cybersecurity is no different. In fact, in 2025, we’re going to see the effects of economic pressures ending the era of unlimited cybersecurity spending. Instead, organisations are going to be forced to optimise their security investments, driving a trend toward the consolidation of security tools. In addition, we’re going to see the adoption of integrated platforms, and businesses embracing cloud solutions to simplify complex security infrastructures. The added bonus here is that the shift to automated, consolidated platforms will also help to address issues around the security skills shortage, given that service-based models reduce the burden of hardware maintenance. 

4)  Connectivity sovereignty will reshape global IT architectures 

In 2025, connectivity sovereignty will emerge as a crucial factor in global IT planning, building on 2024’s data sovereignty focus. As nations increasingly implement digital borders through national firewalls, organisations will turn to distributed cloud and edge computing to maintain control over data and networks within national boundaries. 

As a result, this trend will transform large data lakes into smaller “data puddles”, as data becomes increasingly localised. While organisations will still need to integrate data across geographical and organisational boundaries, data will need to be organised into smaller, location-specific datasets. This data segmentation could offer security advantages, as it may limit Machine Learning models access to comprehensive datasets that could attract attackers. 

5) Cyber resilience will become a mandatory design principle

In 2025, the concept of cyber resilience will evolve from being a buzzword to becoming a fundamental design principle for organizations. As cyber threats become more sophisticated and disruptions more frequent, it will become more a matter of “when” not “if” a cyber incident will happen. Organizations will be forced to move beyond traditional prevention approaches to embrace true, embedded reaction and response capabilities in every aspect of their operations. Consequently, we will see organizations turn their attention to more proactive risk management and threat hunting practices to help contain the blast radius of an incident. This necessary shift will ensure that organizations not only withstand attacks, but continue functioning during them, with security and business continuity becoming inseparable concepts.

The year ahead

As 2025 begins to take shape, and with new political leaders either already in role or commencing their leadership soon, CISOs and IT leaders are going to have to weather the storm that naturally accompanies change. To do this, they must tap into the world around them, engage the C-suite, simplify IT architectures, and ensure that even if budget constraints persist, that good cybersecurity practice remains at the forefront of their organization’s agenda. 

 

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Oxylabs experts predict AI-driven web scraping, multi-agent systems, and evolving regulations will reshape industries and drive automation in 2025

The development of artificial intelligence (AI) depends on public web data, which is used in large volumes for training algorithms. Experts from Oxylabs, a global leader in creating solutions for gathering such web intelligence, discussed their predictions for major AI and machine learning (ML) developments in 2025 in their industry and other spheres.

The company’s CEO, Julius Černiauskas, said, “Web scraping professionals are generally happy with the results of AI adoption. Thus, we might see a proliferation in AI and ML-based web scraping solutions for target unblocking, proxy management, parsing, and other tasks.”

“I believe the usage of CDP browser tools will grow in 2025. These tools allow scraping with real-like browsers not easily detectable by the ever-improving anti-bot systems. Quite a few companies use AI to automate these browsers, and their number will probably grow,” specifies Černiauskas.

Tomas Montvilas, chief commercial officer at Oxylabs, said, “We will see a proliferation of AI agents and multi-agent systems as companies aim to develop AI architectures that can perform tasks autonomously or semi-autonomously. Automation of tasks performed on the web will be a big focus next year, leading to a growing need for browser management and web crawling technologies.”

“Nevertheless, building agentic architectures in-house, without external help, will be challenging, as McKinsey predicts that three out of four such attempts will fail,” he added, emphasizing the importance of finding reliable partners in tech.

Juras Juršėnas, Oxylabs’ chief operations officer, agrees that AI tools will be increasingly crucial for IT professionals, “A new generation of AI-assisted tools for developers will go mainstream. This will affect many industries, including web scraping, where we are already introducing such tools this year and certainly not planning to stop moving in that direction.”

“Another area where AI usage will be accelerating rapidly is the cybersecurity cat-and-mouse game. There will be a lot more cases where AI is used for both fraud and countering it. AI-powered web scraping technology will also play a role here, helping cybersec professionals identify risks faster and on a larger scale.”

As with any other industry related to data and AI, web intelligence gathering will be affected by the developments in AI regulation. Denas Grybauskas, head of legal at Oxylabs, watches these developments closely.

According to Grybauskas, “As AI regulation matures and the first comprehensive AI law, the EU’s AI Act, comes into power, we will see how different regulatory frameworks affect the development of AI and ML solutions in business and other areas. Lessons learned from practice might inform future lawmaking in the EU and jurisdictions that are yet to enact AI laws of similar scope. This year, we might also see how AI governing bodies throughout the globe interpret AI laws and the kind of decisions we might expect in the future.”

“Additionally, the improving AI algorithms enable hyper-personalization of online offers and ads, possibly tailoring them to the unique specifications of individual users. These growing powers of algorithms raise privacy concerns that lawmakers will have to look into, possibly leading to new developments in how data and AI are regulated.”

Considering broader AI implications on the market, Juršėnas said, “I expect local generative AI (Gen AI), like Apple Intelligence, that runs on PCs and cell phones to leave a growing mark on everyday user experience. Furthermore, similarly to how image generation models boomed a few years ago, we might see video generation models booming in 2025.”

Meanwhile, Montvilas points to the workforce dynamics, “The evolution of the workforce will continue, including an improved division of labor between humans and AI, as companies gain some insight into which tasks and to what extent can be delegated to AI for the most benefit. In our industry, web scraping tool developers will certainly utilize these insights to apply AI where it can add the most value.”

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With the ever-increasing rise of software supply chain attacks, 2025 marks a pivotal year for organizations to step up and lead in managing third-party risks rather than falling behind. According to Verizon’s “2024 Data Breach Investigations Report” attackers increased their use of vulnerabilities to initiate breaches by 180% in 2023 compared to 2022. 15% involved a supplier or third party, such as data custodians, hosting partner infrastructures, or software supply chains.  

So, the question remains, “Why aren’t organizations better at managing security risks in the third-party software supply chain?” 

Here are my insights and predictions on how organizations can move to a proactive posture over the next year. 

Understand The Challenges First 

Reflecting on third-party software-related attacks in 2024, several persistent challenges highlight areas where organizations must focus to strengthen resilience: 

• Lack of Comprehensive Software Inventory – Many organizations lack visibility into their third-party software: where it’s installed, the key business processes it supports, and its security posture. This absence of context hinders secure configuration, the application of compensating controls, and a risk-based approach to mitigation, leaving software open to exploitation. 

• Struggles with Vulnerability Management and Accountability – Keeping pace with newly disclosed software vulnerabilities remains a challenge, exacerbated by unclear accountability between IT teams (managing desktops, servers, and cloud environments) and third-party software users (end users, developers, and business teams). This gap delays patching and limits understanding of software’s role in critical business processes. Until organizations can shift software risk management left—beyond reactive patching—they will remain vulnerable to attackers. 

• Challenges with Software Sprawl and Governance – Software sprawl continues to expand the attack surface, making it unpredictable and difficult to defend. Without governance and rationalization of their software inventory, organizations will struggle to manage risk effectively, perpetuating a cycle of reactive defenses against an ever-growing threat landscape. 

Now that some of the challenges have been defined, here are a few strategies that organizations can take to tackle third-party software risk in the new year. 

Develop A Common Operating Picture Across Various Teams – Without a shared view, teams like Third Party Risk Management, vulnerability management, security architecture, and cyber defense lack alignment and an operational perspective that would: 

  • Define the problem for specific pieces of software 
  • Identify collaboration points for managing it 
  • Quantify risk outcomes in ways that are measurable, testable, and reportable 

Visibility alone isn’t enough to get ahead of software security risk, but it’s essential for moving from reactive responses—like vendor notifications and emergency patches—to an organized, proactive posture. While cybersecurity is full of overused military analogies, here’s one that holds true: a common operating picture is essential for effective combined operations. With a unified view, teams can collaborate effectively, and leaders can build structures that enable a coordinated, predictable, and sustainable approach to managing software supply chain risks. None of this is revolutionary thinking for those with experience in enterprise security, but unique insights are needed to power it. 

Don’t Rely Solely on Reactive CVE Analysis 

Organizations relying heavily on reactive CVE analysis often find themselves overwhelmed by the constant stream of vulnerabilities, many of which lack critical context or relevance to their specific environments. CVE-focused tools, while useful for tracking known issues, can inadvertently contribute to alert fatigue and inflate vulnerability management workloads. Instead of fostering proactive risk reduction, these tools may divert attention from prioritizing the most impactful threats. Shifting to a more strategic approach that focuses on behavioral analytics to uncover hidden security issues in software, can empower teams to address vulnerabilities that matter most and bolster overall security posture. 

Enhance Software Security Through Comprehensive Management and Monitoring 

• Adopt Rigorous Software Inventories: Maintain comprehensive visibility into all software used within the organization, including third-party and niche applications. 

• Embrace Continuous Risk Monitoring: Regularly evaluate software for vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and behavioral risks. 

• Demand Vendor Transparency: Work with software suppliers who prioritize secure SDLC practices and provide detailed Software Bills of Materials (SBOMs) that focus on what vulnerable components are actually in use by the software so that exploitable vulnerabilities can be mitigated. 

• Leverage Behavioral Analytics: Monitor software activity to detect abuse of excessive permissions or insecure functionality early, even before exploitation spreads. 

Conclusion 

In 2025, the ability to understand, rationalize, and govern software risk will become essential for staying ahead of attackers. Organizations that embrace a proactive, unified approach to managing third-party software risks—grounded in visibility, accountability, and strategic prioritization—will not only reduce vulnerabilities but also foster greater resilience. 

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In 2024, advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have led to increasingly sophisticated threat actor exploits, such as deepfake technology used in misinformation campaigns and AI-driven phishing attacks that mimic legitimate communications. As we approach 2025, significant transformations in the use of AI in threat detection, threat intelligence, and automated response/remediation will reshape the tools, strategies, and collaborative efforts used in combating sophisticated threat actors and their AI-powered attacks. 

According to a recent report by Cybersecurity Ventures, there has been a 35% increase in the adoption of advanced threat detection tools among Fortune 500 companies. Also, Gartner predicts that 70% of organisations will have integrated AI-driven threat intelligence systems by 2025, enhancing their ability to identify and mitigate threats before they manifest into major incidents. 

Threat detection and response is likely to evolve over the next year, emphasising the necessity of using AI-driven threat intelligence to fight fire with fire. This includes preemptive, early warning strategies, which emphasise proactive measures to identify and neutralise threats before they can inflict damage.

Strategic Incident Prevention and Response Planning with Early Warning

Organisations are increasingly focusing on early warning strategies to detect and prevent threats before they materialise. By leveraging actionable intelligence, they can proactively address common vulnerabilities, reducing the likelihood of attacks at their source. Identifying the root weaknesses behind these vulnerabilities and addressing them comprehensively allows organisations to prevent entire categories of similar attacks. For instance, many organisations employ multi-factor authentication (MFA) to prevent account takeover attacks, exemplifying a “left of boom” approach.

In military terms, “left of boom” refers to actions taken to disrupt adversary plans before an explosive event occurs. In cybersecurity, it signifies a proactive stance to detect and mitigate threats before they penetrate defences. Just as intelligence gathering is essential in military operations to foresee and thwart attacks, cyber threat intelligence plays a similar role in identifying potential weaknesses and threat vectors early on.

More organisations and government agencies will likely conduct internal tabletop exercises for various attack scenarios. These exercises and regularly updated incident response playbooks, will ensure preparedness against current threats. These proactive approaches will help minimise potential damage and speed recovery in the event of an attack.

Rise of Detection-as-Code     

Today’s Security Operations Center (SOC) detections often lack robust validation for accuracy, resulting in limited effectiveness against real threats. This is largely due to the ad-hoc implementation of detection processes, where rules are hastily added to SIEM systems without rigorous testing. However, the widespread adoption of detection-as-code (DaC) is expected to transform SOC capabilities. This methodology will allow SOC teams to program, version control, and deploy detection logic with the precision and efficiency of continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipelines in software development.

DaC will empower SOCs to rapidly respond to evolving threats, enabling automated and continuous updates to detection rules aligned with the latest threat intelligence. Integrating CI/CD principles will allow for continuous testing of detection logic, reducing false positives and enhancing detection accuracy while fostering collaboration between security engineers and developers. Moreover, embedding AI within the detection pipeline will enhance the adaptive capabilities of SOCs, allowing for advanced threat detection and response. Ultimately, DaC will bring agility to SOC operations, enabling organisations to stay ahead of fast-evolving adversaries with real-time, validated detections and highly adaptable detection strategies tailored to emerging attack vectors.

Synthetic Data for AI Training

In 2025, the growing concerns around data privacy and regulatory constraints will drive a significant increase in the use of synthetic data for training AI models in cybersecurity. Synthetic data will enable AI systems to learn patterns, detect threats, and improve defences without accessing sensitive or personally identifiable information (PII). This approach ensures compliance with privacy laws like GDPR while allowing for robust AI-driven security measures to be developed.

Open Source Software Libraries

Open-source software libraries will remain a prime target for threat actors, as they are integral to many commercial and enterprise applications. The inherent transparency of these libraries offers attackers an accessible entry point to exploit vulnerabilities, insert malicious code, or compromise supply chains. As dependency on open-source components grows, securing these libraries becomes paramount. Threat actors persistently scrutinise popular libraries for weaknesses, using them as launchpads for widespread attacks. Consequently, ensuring software supply chain security is becoming an imperative priority for both developers and security professionals. By implementing rigorous assessment and monitoring strategies, organisations can fortify their defences against these pervasive threats.

Generative AI in Cybersecurity

Generative AI models are poised to play a critical role in cybersecurity for attackers and defenders. On the defensive front, these models will aid in crafting advanced playbooks, formulating security policies, generating test cases for security solutions, and streamlining processes such as patch management. Conversely, adversaries may harness generative AI to refine social engineering techniques or automate the development of malicious code. Cybercriminals could utilise AI to tailor phishing attacks, weaponise existing vulnerabilities, and create AI-driven malware that adapts dynamically to bypass security measures. Consequently, cybersecurity experts will require robust AI-powered tools to identify and counteract these evolving threats, underscoring the importance of staying ahead in the AI arms race to secure digital environments.

SOAR with AI: The Future of Cybersecurity Operations

The promise of SOAR (Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response) has been significant in streamlining cybersecurity operations. However, it has yet to fully deliver on its potential. The integration of AI into SOAR platforms promises to revolutionise this landscape, transforming these systems into the intelligent, responsive tools they were always envisioned to be. By utilising AI for dynamic and adaptive defence strategies, SOAR can enhance its capabilities to automate complex threat detection, analysis, and response processes with unprecedented efficiency and precision. This evolution will realise the true potential of SOAR, establishing it as a critical component in contemporary cybersecurity defence frameworks. With AI-driven reasoning, organisations can achieve faster mean time to detect (MTTD) and mean time to respond (MTTR), streamlining incident response processes and bolstering overall threat management.

In the cybersecurity landscape in 2025, organisations must adopt proactive measures and leverage AI-driven tools to stay ahead of evolving threats. By focusing on understanding and implementing early threat detection, real-time intelligence, and cutting-edge technologies, businesses can fortify their defences and ensure robust protection against cyber adversaries.

 

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What’s Old is New: Network and Web Application Vulnerabilities

The first newsworthy AI breach of 2024 didn’t come from a mind bending prompt injection, it came from classic exploit tactics. As we see organizations everywhere testing LLM and AI products to see how they fit into their business, they are rapidly introducing new software and attack surface into environments. This is especially true as organizations attempt to limit public cloud based AI models (e.g. OpenAI) and instead use open source software, open source models or custom on-premise deployments. As a penetration testing team, we are beginning to see these products deployed on internal and external networks. Organizations should take care as these products often inherit all the classic vulnerabilities we’ve exploited on engagements in the past. Even more so because everything is moving so quickly.

The AI ecosystem’s continuing explosive growth in 2025 will dramatically expand the attack surface while inheriting traditional cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Supply Chain Concerns

Unfortunately, supply chain concerns hit on two fronts for AI. First, we see the same supply chain concerns that we are already dealing with throughout the industry; malicious packages, vulnerable dependencies, and insufficient Software Bills of Materials (SBOMs). For example, n8n (https://github.com/n8n-io/n8n), which is arguably the most popular agentic framework and has 50.8K stars on Github, has a dependency package lock file with 25,780 lines in it. While line count isn’t a perfect complexity metric, it illustrates a critical issue: these rapidly evolving tools depend on libraries from hundreds of different authors. In aggregate, with all of the tools being tested out across environments, this is an obvious ticking time bomb.

Second, there are supply chain risks with the models themselves. That is, a malicious actor who can poison a model and adjust the model’s decision making or privacy permanently destroys the products the model depends on. For example, ByteDance currently has a 1.1 million dollar lawsuit in place against an ex-intern who poisoned a large number of their models. Organizations need to be carefully verifying the providence of any models they deploy, as compromised or maliciously trained models could introduce backdoors or biases that are difficult to detect through conventional testing.

Both of these issues are so concerning they are already on the 2025 OWASP Top 10 for Large Language Model Applications (LLM05: Supply Chain Vulnerabilities). We are sure to see more of this in the coming year. Prompt Injection Evolution

While prompt injection attacks are well-documented, they’re likely to become more sophisticated. As LLMs are integrated into more complex systems, attackers will likely find new ways to craft inputs that manipulate the model’s behavior or extract sensitive information from its training data. At Sprocket we have already found this on a few different assessments. This is particularly concerning when LLMs are connected to internal systems, databases, and agentic frameworks.

Prompt injection is largely an unsolved problem and it’s going to get worse before it gets better. In 2025, we will see prompt injection used for more impactful and newsworthy exploits. Resource Consumption Attacks

LLMs face a critical yet overlooked vulnerability: resource consumption attacks. These threats extend beyond computational load to target financial resources, exploiting the per-token pricing models of LLM services. These systems are expensive to operate from a computational perspective and API cost issue. This is very different from most other cloud-based deployments. Cost related threats in 2025 are likely to become more real than in other deployed application stacks.

AI and LLM products are expensive to operate. We will see a rise threat model around cost and cost mitigation for AI deployed products. 

 

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During the winter months, the fog hangs heavy over San Francisco, mirroring the shroud of uncertainty that often accompanies discussions around cybersecurity. As I prepare to attend RSA 2025, the city’s iconic backdrop, Alcatraz, casts a long shadow, offering an unexpected yet profound lens through which to view the evolving landscape of digital security.

Alcatraz, the infamous “Rock,” stands as a testament to a bygone era of security – one built on isolation, suspicion, and the absolute denial of trust. Inmates deemed the most dangerous criminals of their time, were incarcerated within its formidable walls, cut off from the outside world, and subjected to rigorous surveillance. This extreme model of security, while effective in its own context, is a stark contrast to the contemporary cybersecurity paradigm, where the emphasis has shifted towards enabling secure and efficient operations within a dynamic and interconnected world.

Zero Trust, the dominant security framework of our time, embodies this shift. At its core lies the fundamental principle of “never trust, always verify.” This paradigm rejects the traditional network perimeter model, where trust is implicitly granted to entities within the network boundary. Instead, it mandates that every user, device, and application, regardless of location, must be rigorously authenticated and authorized before accessing any resource.

The parallels between Zero Trust and Alcatraz, while seemingly disparate, run deeper than initial impressions might suggest. Both, in their own ways, embody a philosophy of strict control and meticulous verification. Alcatraz, with its impenetrable walls, armed guards, and constant surveillance, mirrored the layered security approach advocated by Zero Trust. Multiple layers of defense, from physical barriers to intricate security protocols, were designed to thwart any potential escape attempts.

Similarly, Zero Trust emphasizes a multi-layered approach to security, incorporating technologies like:

  • Identity and Access Management (IAM): Rigorous authentication and authorization mechanisms, including multi-factor authentication, biometrics, and continuous risk-based authentication, ensure that only authorized entities can access sensitive data and systems.
  • Data Loss Prevention (DLP): Technologies that monitor and control the movement of sensitive data across the network, preventing unauthorized access and data breaches.
  • Endpoint Security: Robust security measures are implemented on endpoints such as laptops, desktops, and mobile devices, including antivirus, anti-malware, and intrusion detection systems.
  • Network Segmentation: Dividing the network into smaller, more secure segments to limit the impact of potential breaches.
  • Cloud Security: Implementing security controls within cloud environments, including infrastructure as code (IaC), encryption, and access controls.
  • Security Information and Event Management (SIEM): Centralized logging and analysis of security events across the organization, enabling proactive threat detection and response.

Beyond these technical measures, Zero Trust also emphasizes the importance of:

  • Continuous monitoring and threat intelligence: Proactively identifying and responding to emerging threats through continuous monitoring, threat intelligence feeds, and security assessments.
  • Data classification and labeling: Classifying data based on sensitivity and implementing appropriate security controls accordingly.
  • Security awareness training: Educating employees about security best practices, such as phishing awareness and password hygiene.

However, the parallels between Alcatraz and Zero Trust also highlight a critical distinction: the ultimate goal. Alcatraz, with its focus on containment and punishment, prioritized security above all else. In contrast, modern cybersecurity frameworks, while prioritizing security, must also prioritize user experience, productivity, and business agility.

This distinction underscores the evolving nature of security. While the need for robust defenses remains paramount, the rigid, prison-like approach of the past is no longer tenable in today’s dynamic and interconnected world. Businesses must strive to create secure environments that enable innovation, collaboration, and seamless business operations.

As I walk the floor of RSA 2025, I will be keenly observing how vendors are addressing this evolving landscape. Are they focusing on user experience and ease of implementation? Are they providing solutions that address real-world challenges, such as the rise of hybrid work and the increasing complexity of the threat landscape? Are they helping organizations build a culture of security that empowers employees and fosters a sense of trust within the digital realm?

The challenge lies in striking a delicate balance between security and freedom, between control and empowerment. We must move beyond the rigid, fortress-like mentality of Alcatraz and embrace a more nuanced approach to security, one that enables innovation, collaboration, and a thriving digital ecosystem.

RSA 2025 provides a crucial platform for industry leaders, security professionals, and innovators to share insights, discuss best practices, and collectively address the evolving cybersecurity challenges of our time. As we navigate this complex landscape, let us strive to build a future where security not only protects but also empowers, where trust, though earned, can flourish.

This journey, from the stark isolation of Alcatraz to the dynamic, interconnected world of Zero Trust, reflects the evolution of our understanding of security. It serves as a reminder that true security lies not in rigid confinement but in a balanced approach that prioritizes both protection and freedom.

 

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