Advancements in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the rapid adoption of cloud computing, and the proliferation of connected devices have significantly expanded the attack surface for enterprises. These innovations have simultaneously created new opportunities and increased vulnerabilities, necessitating a robust focus on cybersecurity. According to PwC’s 2025 Global Digital Trust Insights, enterprises face critical gaps that must be addressed to achieve effective cyber resilience. The report sheds light on the evolving threat landscape and offers strategies for organizations to strengthen their defenses. Read on to know more.
Top cyber risks faced by organizations
As digital transformation accelerates, organizations must move beyond reactive approaches to cybersecurity. Proactive strategies and continuous adaptation are crucial for navigating an increasingly complex threat environment. Leaders need to prioritize cybersecurity as a core business function and foster a culture of resilience to stay ahead of potential threats.
Top risks include:
- Cloud-related threats.
- Attacks on connected devices.
- Social engineering tactics.
- Software supply chain compromises.
Security executives acknowledge feeling underprepared in these areas, emphasizing the need for heightened investments and fortified response capabilities.
In India, where the cybersecurity landscape is also under significant pressure, organizations are prioritizing these risks over the next 12 months: cyber risks (61%), digital and technology risks (60%), inflation (48%), and environmental risks (30%).
These priorities highlight the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures, reliable technological infrastructure, and strategic plans to address rising costs while ensuring continued resilience and growth. 8% of security leaders in India have experienced data breaches that cost their organizations over USD 20 million, and more than 33% of serious data breaches in the past three years have resulted in losses of at least USD 1 million.
Generative AI: Opportunities and risks
Generative AI (GenAI) has emerged as a double-edged sword in the cybersecurity landscape. While it bolsters cyber defenses, it also amplifies risks by lowering entry barriers for threat actors. Security leaders report challenges such as:
- A lack of trust in GenAI among internal stakeholders (49%).
- Insufficient internal controls and risk management (40%).
- The absence of standardized policies governing its use (38%).
Despite these hurdles, 86% of executives have significantly increased their investments in GenAI, focusing on governance and ethical implementation. Forward-thinking organizations are leveraging GenAI to enhance their defenses while addressing its associated risks.
Regulatory measures drive cybersecurity investments in 2025
Cybersecurity regulations continue to drive significant advancements. According to PwC’s findings, every executive surveyed acknowledged that compliance mandates have necessitated increased investments in security measures. Nearly three-fourths of respondents indicated that regulations have upgraded or strengthened their cybersecurity posture. This trend highlights the pivotal role of regulations in fostering cybersecurity maturity.
93% of organizations expect their cybersecurity budgets to grow in the coming year. Among business leaders, 42% are focusing their primary investments on enhancing data protection and improving remediation strategies to address recent cyber breaches. Meanwhile, 40% of technology leaders are prioritizing cloud security as the top area for their cybersecurity spending in the year ahead.
While smaller organizations focus on establishing foundational security measures, larger firms are more concerned with addressing emerging threats and building long-term resilience.
Business executives emphasize safeguarding sensitive information to maintain stakeholder trust, while technology leaders focus on addressing cloud security concerns and leveraging AI and machine learning to enhance defenses.
How leaders can bridge the cyber-resilience gap
Despite growing awareness, many organizations struggle to implement consistent cybersecurity practices. Only 20% of executives report comprehensive implementation of resilience measures, with just 18% regularly anticipating future risks and 27% adequately allocating budgets to top risks.
To bridge these gaps, organizations must transition from reactive to proactive cybersecurity strategies. This requires a commitment to continuous improvement, strategic foresight, and better risk anticipation.
Building trust is also critical. Cybersecurity extends beyond data protection—it safeguards an organization’s reputation. Rapid and decisive responses to threats are essential to maintain stakeholder confidence and minimize disruptions.
Strengthening leadership and collaboration
The involvement of Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) in decision-making processes is vital for effective cybersecurity management. Their expertise ensures that critical assets are protected, and resilience initiatives are aligned with organizational goals.
Unified alignment across leadership teams is essential for fostering a strong cybersecurity culture. This includes prioritizing resilience initiatives, enhancing information sharing, and supporting strategic vision.
Looking ahead: The future of cybersecurity
As emerging technologies continue to evolve, the cybersecurity landscape will become increasingly complex. Business executives, in partnership with security teams, must stay ahead of evolving threats and leverage new technologies, such as quantum-resistant solutions, to future-proof their security strategies. GenAI and other innovations hold great promise for enhancing cybersecurity defenses, but organizations must also be prepared to manage the risks associated with these technologies.
Ultimately, the key to success in the cybersecurity arms race is a unified and strategic approach. By aligning leadership teams across business functions, organizations can build a resilient cybersecurity culture that is well-prepared for the challenges ahead. With the right investments, processes, and governance, businesses can navigate the complex threat landscape and ensure their long-term success in an increasingly digital world.
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