Data protection advancements expected to shape 2025 security

Andrew Eva, Global CIO of Assured Data Protection, has forecasted several significant developments in the fields of backup, cybersecurity, and data protection leading up to the year 2025.

A primary focus for advancements in 2025 will be the integration of backup systems with ransomware detection and antivirus technologies. According to Eva, these developments will extend to intrusion detection systems capable of identifying known exploits and vulnerabilities, including expanding scan capabilities into metadata. "In 2025, we're likely to see continued integration between backup, ransomware detection and antivirus systems. This will extend into intrusion detection systems, which can identify known exploits and vulnerabilities," he stated.

An example of these innovations includes a partnership between Rubrik and Google, aimed at granting rubrik enterprise customers access to a database of known exploits. Eva explained, "This will give Rubrik enterprise customers insights that weren't previously possible, allowing them to quickly identify exploits that can lurk undetected in systems for months." The objective is to enhance early detection of malicious codes before antivirus software updates can address them.

Eva further elaborated on the role of disaster recovery systems in cyber threat management, emphasising their evolving frontline capabilities. He said, "This marks a very interesting development in the fight against cyber threats, with backup and disaster recovery systems taking on a more frontline role." This will involve using machine learning tools to assess daily data changes to detect potential viruses that traditional antivirus programs might miss.

Ransomware will remain a dominant concern, and organisations are increasingly prioritising disaster recovery and backup solutions. Eva noted, "Ransomware will remain the number one cyber threat in 2025. This is likely to see the continuation of a trend that has become well established this year, with organizations increasingly focusing on disaster recovery and backup and becoming more concerned with DR capabilities and understanding the importance of third party recovery sites, or "clean rooms."

In addition to ransomware, there are growing concerns about AI and data security as organisations are more wary about sharing data with third parties and the utilisation of AI by their partners. Assurances are sought to guarantee data security against potential misuse in AI models. "MSPs providing backup and disaster recovery services will need to be able to provide watertight assurances concerning customer data and their own AI usage," Eva added.

The criteria for cyber insurance are becoming increasingly stringent, and managed service providers (MSPs) are expected to play a crucial role in helping businesses meet these requirements. With the growing threat of ransomware, businesses find cyber insurance a critical need, and providers like Assured Data Protection are becoming instrumental in helping companies qualify. Eva commented, "Insurance companies are trying to mitigate their risk, and businesses need to know they have a reliable resource in place that will throw a protective layer over their data and be able to recover their digital assets in the event of a breach or incident as an insurance guarantor."

There is an expected surge in demand for Backup-as-a-Service (BaaS) amidst challenges such as resource constraints and the necessity to operationalise costs, particularly in sectors like healthcare. This trend is supported by a shift in the MSP sector from Capex to Opex, enhancing trust and encouraging customers to prefer consumption-based pricing models. "Ongoing pressure related to staff, resources and time, combined with directives to operationalise costs will see a surge in demand for Backup-as-a-Service in 2025," Eva explained.