KPMG Unveils Key Cybersecurity Challenges for Businesses by 2025

The Cybersecurity Landscape in 2025: Insights from KPMG Consulting

KPMG Consulting, headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, has recently released a crucial report titled "Cybersecurity Key Issues 2025". This comprehensive document outlines eight significant challenges that Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and corporate security teams should address by 2025, particularly in an increasingly AI-driven business environment.

As digital technologies continue to evolve at an unprecedented pace, the spectrum of potential cyber threats has expanded significantly. With the rise of artificial intelligence and the proliferation of smart devices and IoT-related products, businesses find themselves at a crossroads. The globalization of enterprises adds further complexity, raising geopolitical risks that CISOs and security teams must navigate. This environment calls for a cross-disciplinary approach to tackle the challenges ahead.

The Eight Critical Cybersecurity Challenges

The report identifies the following eight pivotal issues based on insights gathered from various studies, including the "KPMG Global CEO Survey 2024". KPMG's cybersecurity professionals have carefully selected these topics to serve as guiding points for security teams:

1. Evolving Role of the CISO
As cybersecurity functions become ingrained within organizations, it is essential for CISOs and their teams to adapt their focus and involvement in organizational affairs continuously. This evolution can help deepen understanding and awareness of cybersecurity issues within the organization.

2. Harnessing the Power of Human Talent
While digital transformation is reshaping business models, many organizations grapple with increased operational burdens and deepening skill gaps in cybersecurity talent. The impact of AI and automation offers potential solutions, but the ongoing concern of a talent drain poses a significant risk for many organizations struggling to find and retain skilled individuals.

3. Building Trust in Rapid AI Adoption
As AI increasingly permeates organizational operations, it also raises cybersecurity and privacy concerns. Organizations must keep a close eye on regulatory trends, promote AI governance, and build trust with stakeholders while mitigating associated risks. Doing so will enable them to maximize AI's potential effectively.

4. IT vs. Security: Balancing Speed and Safety
The introduction of AI brings a multitude of concerns, including the risk of falling behind due to a lack of training. It is vital for organizations to weigh the benefits and risks of integrating AI into cybersecurity and privacy functionalities.

5. Platform Integration: Embracing Opportunities and Acknowledging Risks
Global companies are increasingly working to reduce the complexity and cost of technology. However, those pursuing tool and service integration must also identify and manage the risks that come along with this consolidation.

6. The Importance of Digital Identification
While various countries are ramping up their initiatives around digital ID, concerns surrounding regulation, risk appetite, and public opinion about handling personal data and biometric information persist. Establishing interoperability between systems and reinforcing authentication, especially amid the emergence of deepfake technology, remains a crucial challenge.

7. Smart Security for the Smart Ecosystem
With the global proliferation of smart devices, traditional approaches to security are being reevaluated and modified. Many regulators are pushing for basic security requirements for smart devices and products to safeguard against unforeseen vulnerabilities.

8. Resilience by Design: Cybersecurity for Corporations and Society
For CISOs, resilience is vital. Cyber attacks such as ransomware can significantly disrupt industries and threaten data and lives. Thus, CISOs must consistently monitor and address resilience from a security perspective.

For a comprehensive reading of the report, you can download the full PDF version: Cybersecurity Considerations 2025.

About KPMG Consulting

KPMG Consulting operates as a member firm of KPMG International, providing consulting services in business transformation, technology transformation, and risk & compliance. The consulting firm boasts a wealth of expertise in strategic planning, organizational and human resource management, digital transformation, governance, and risk management. They offer broad consulting services across various industries including finance, insurance, manufacturing, automotive, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, energy, media, and the public sector.