KPMG: Cybersecurity 2025

As the digital landscape undergoes rapid transformation — fueled especially by the rise of artificial intelligence — cybersecurity has evolved from a niche technical concern into a global, society-wide challenge. No longer just a matter of IT infrastructure or business risk management, cybersecurity now plays a crucial role in safeguarding not only enterprises but the broader digital economy.

The latest KPMG Cybersecurity Considerations 2025 report outlines how businesses should rethink their security strategies this year and beyond. It addresses key questions: What priorities should companies adopt to defend against modern cyber threats? How can cybersecurity drive business growth? And what new responsibilities will Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) face in this dynamic environment?

A Pivotal Moment for Cybersecurity Leadership

Now in its sixth year, KPMG’s annual report identifies how enterprise security priorities have shifted dramatically over the past half-decade. The spread of remote working post-COVID-19 and the surge in AI- and cloud-based solutions have redefined expectations for cyber defense capabilities. As cyber risks grow in complexity, security leaders are being asked to make faster, real-time decisions — often with direct business impact.

Eight Strategic Areas for 2025

The report highlights eight key areas where organizations must act to mitigate risks, strengthen resilience, and support business objectives:

1. The Evolving Role of the CISO
   The CISO is no longer just an IT security gatekeeper. Today’s CISOs help shape corporate governance, influence strategic business decisions, and foster a security-aware corporate culture. Success will require clear accountability, cross-functional collaboration, and AI-driven protection systems.
2. Training to Minimize Human Risk
   People remain the weakest link in cybersecurity. Continuous training programs — covering both technical skills and general cyber hygiene — are essential. Coupled with flexible work policies and meaningful career opportunities, they also help retain top talent in a highly competitive market.
3. Building Trust in Artificial Intelligence
   The widespread adoption of AI hinges on transparency, ethical development practices, and reliable data usage. CISOs must take an active role in regulating and monitoring AI systems to maintain stakeholder trust.
4. AI as Both Asset and Risk
   AI can streamline and enhance cybersecurity operations — but only if built on solid foundations. Leaders must recognize AI’s limitations and vulnerabilities before making it central to their defense strategy.
5. Platform Consolidation: Efficient or Risky?
   Reducing the number of security platforms can improve oversight and lower costs. However, it may also increase reliance on single vendors. A hybrid approach, supplemented by risk assessments and tailored add-on solutions, can help maintain balance.
6. Reinventing Digital Identity Management
   As threats like deepfakes and biometric data abuse emerge, identity and access management (IAM) strategies must evolve. New authentication solutions should be flexible, innovative, and well-regulated to counter these risks effectively.
7. Securing the Internet of Things
   The proliferation of IoT devices introduces fresh security challenges, particularly as hardware and software quickly become outdated. Manufacturers and regulators must collaborate on scalable, proactive defense frameworks to safeguard connected devices.

Fostering a Cybersecurity Culture

Security cannot remain the responsibility of isolated departments. An organization-wide cybersecurity mindset — embedded from product development to day-to-day operations — is essential for resilience in 2025 and beyond.