Splunk Global Security Advisor Mick Baccio talks about the challenges and opportunities that will come with AI in cybersecurity in 2025.
As we approach 2025, the cybersecurity landscape is set to undergo transformative changes, fuelled by the rapid evolution of AI and machine learning technologies.
These advancements bring not only promising opportunities but also an escalation in the complexity and frequency of cyber threats.
Organisations will face a heightened need to adapt to these shifts, safeguarding their operations, data, and customers in an increasingly volatile digital environment.
To understand these upcoming changes and how businesses can best prepare, we spoke with Mick Baccio, Global Security Advisor at Splunk.
The rise of AI-enhanced cyber threats
In 2025, cybercriminals will leverage AI to an unprecedented degree, using it to automate and escalate their attacks.
“Cybercriminals will increasingly weaponise the technology to automate and escalate attacks, making them more sophisticated and harder to predict. Critical infrastructure, supply chains, and even government bodies will be prime targets,” says Mick.
This stark warning underscores the growing complexity of digital threats. Traditional security measures, once effective against broad, non-targeted attacks, will likely prove inadequate against AI-driven intrusions.
Mick emphasises the importance of adaptability in defence, stating, “Organisations need to supercharge their threat detection with AI and machine learning. Cyber resilience will need to be at the forefront and organisations should treat cybersecurity as a strategic priority, not an afterthought.”
By embedding real-time security practices and fostering resilient vendor ecosystems, businesses can better anticipate and respond to evolving threats.
AI redefining threat detection and response
AI’s influence on cybersecurity extends beyond threats; it also reshapes how organisations detect and respond to them. Mick describes a future where security operations are revolutionised: “AI will allow us to predict threats before they even happen. Think of the technology as your 24/7, always-on cybersecurity watchdog that’s continuously learning and adapting.”
By reducing false positives and prioritising real threats, AI-driven tools will enable security teams to focus on proactive measures. Mick explains, “Real-time, proactive responses will become the norm, not the exception.” This shift means cybersecurity strategies will evolve from reactionary defence to anticipatory action, changing the fundamental question from “Are we secure?” to “How fast can we respond?”
These advancements not only enhance operational efficiency but also reinforce trust with stakeholders by ensuring that threats are mitigated before they escalate into significant disruptions.
Navigating the regulatory maze
Alongside technological advances, businesses must also prepare for a more stringent regulatory environment.
“We’re going to see governments around the world double down on data sovereignty and control. It will be a compliance minefield for global businesses,” says Mick.
Adapting to a fragmented regulatory framework will demand collaboration across departments.
Mick stresses, “CISOs, CIOs, and legal teams will be working closer together than ever before. Effective communication and shared responsibility will be the foundation for successfully managing new laws.”
By fostering cross-functional teamwork, businesses can navigate these challenges effectively while minimising costs and risks.
In addition, regulatory changes will likely expand to address emerging technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) and biometrics. Organisations that proactively invest in adaptable governance systems will be best positioned to manage compliance while seizing opportunities for innovation.
AI in offense and defence in 2025
The cybersecurity landscape in 2025 will be defined by both unprecedented challenges and ground-breaking advancements.
From the rise of AI-enhanced threats to the potential for predictive security measures, organisations must remain agile, strategic, and collaborative.
As Mick summarises, it’s about more than just surviving—it’s about thriving in a world where the digital and physical realms are increasingly intertwined.
By embracing AI-driven tools, fostering resilience, and staying ahead of regulatory developments, businesses can position themselves not only to withstand the risks of tomorrow but to lead in a complex and interconnected future.
