If there’s one thing that’s clear to me based on how the threat landscape has shifted between 2024 and 2025, it’s that IT/Security leaders are facing increasingly sophisticated adversaries who operate with unprecedented agility.
Threat actors are capitalizing on technological advancements and new attack techniques to exploit vulnerabilities in ways that often outpace the defenses organizations have in place. For IT/Security leaders, navigating this complexity requires a strategic mindset, an acute awareness of emerging trends, and the ability to prioritize investments that will deliver tangible cyber risk reduction.
The findings in eSentire's 2024 Year in Review, 2025 Threat Oulook report, based on research conducted by our Threat Response Unit (TRU), provide insights that all organizations should consider for the upcoming year:
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Malware delivery methods are shifting away from email to browser-based threats.
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Ransomware remains relentless, with new operators filling the gaps left by takedowns of established groups.
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Threat actors are increasingly abusing valid credentials and out-of-scope endpoints, leaving organizations struggling to close visibility gaps.
Adding to the challenge is the growing complexity of defending against these threats in the face of constrained budgets and staffing. Many organizations are tasked with consolidating tools and doing more with smaller in-house teams, forcing them to focus on efficiency without sacrificing effectiveness.
Meanwhile, threat actors are growing more sophisticated; the rise of social engineering attacks that target employees on unmanaged devices only compounds the issue, since these blind spots leave security teams vulnerable to costly intrusions.
As a CISO myself, TRU’s observations showcases why IT/Security leaders need to fundamentally re-evaluate how cybersecurity investments are planned and executed.
For leaders, the question is no longer if an attack will happen but when. To stay ahead, they must adopt proactive, multi-layered prevention strategies that address these emerging challenges head-on.
2025 Initial Access and Ransomware Deployment Trends
Browser-based Threats
One of the most significant is the growing reliance on browser-based threats as an initial access vector into corporate environments. These threats now account for 70% of malware cases, eclipsing email as the dominant delivery method.
Threat actors exploit malvertising, fake browser updates, and Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Poisoning tactics to lure unsuspecting users into downloading malicious payloads. As email defenses harden, attackers are pivoting to softer targets, using the broader internet as their entry point.
Credential Abuse
Meanwhile, valid credential abuse has become a cornerstone of modern cybercrime. In fact, this trend was a dominant factor in 2024; TRU’s research shows that compromised user credentials played a role in nearly all significant intrusions.
The Dark Web has made user credentials readily available, with attackers able to purchase access to high-value accounts for as little as $10. These credentials are often used to bypass security measures like VPNs or RDPs, giving attackers a stealthy foothold within an organization’s network.
Ransomware
Ransomware remains a persistent and evolving threat. Despite law enforcement efforts to dismantle major groups like Lockbit, the ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) model continues to thrive. New players like Ransomhub are emerging to fill the void, targeting SMBs and critical infrastructure with alarming frequency.
The report highlights that many of these attacks originate from unmanaged devices, such as contractor systems, highlighting the ongoing challenge of endpoint visibility.
Strategic Recommendations for IT/Security Leaders
I cannot stress enough that IT/Security leaders must focus on building cyber resilience through proactive measures and strategic investments.
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Closing visibility gaps is critical, particularly when it comes to endpoints. Comprehensive endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools, combined with phish-resistant MFA and mobile device management (MDM), are essential to securing unmanaged and contractor devices. These measures ensure that every potential entry point is accounted for, reducing the likelihood of blind spots being exploited.
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The growing use on browser-based threats also calls for organizations to revisit their security awareness training programs, especially those that use real-world scenarios. Employees must learn to recognize tactics like malvertising and fake browser updates, while organizations should leverage Dark Web Monitoring to identify credential leaks early. This is much more critical for their senior and executive leadership team as well as user accounts with admin privileges.
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Building, and improving, cyber resilience against ransomware must remain a top priority. This means having a multi-layered cyber defense strategy with 24/7 threat detection and response capabilities to make sure that even the most subtle suspicious behavior is detected in real time. Moreover, by partnering with a true 24/7 multi-signal MDR partner that takes response on your behalf, you enable your security team to focus on strategic initiatives rather than being overwhelmed by alerts.
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Lastly, although regular assessments of third-party applications and cloud configurations can help identify vulnerabilities before they’re exploited, it’s not enough. Security leaders need to focus on developing a comprehensive incident response plan that includes business continuity and disaster recovery efforts to mitigate the impact of an attack.
Preparing for the Road Ahead in 2025
The cybersecurity landscape of 2025 will demand more from organizations than ever before. Threat actors are not only becoming more sophisticated but also more opportunistic, exploiting every available vulnerability to achieve their objectives. This constant evolution requires security leaders to adopt a proactive, forward-looking approach to defense.
Hybrid attacks, driven by geopolitical tensions, are on the rise and it’s unlikely that we’ll see a downturn of these attacks. State-sponsored actors are increasingly targeting critical infrastructure sectors like energy, manufacturing, and government, combining digital operations with physical disruptions to create widespread chaos.
Staying ahead requires a deep understanding of emerging trends. These threats aren’t isolated incidents but part of a broader shift in how adversaries operate, making it essential for organizations to stay informed through regular threat intelligence updates and proactive threat hunting.
The human element cannot be overlooked. As attackers refine their social engineering tactics, fostering a culture of vigilance among employees is critical. Security awareness training must evolve alongside these threats, empowering users to act as the first line of defense against sophisticated attacks.
So, what does this mean for security leaders? Well, we need to adopt tailored solutions for cyber defense. Every organization operates within a unique risk environment, influenced by factors such as industry, geography, and operational structure. By aligning defenses with these specific risks, we can maximize the impact of our security investments while minimizing exposure.
In the face of today’s cyber threats, resilience is key. We need to adopt a multi-layered defense strategy and invest in the right technologies and processes so we can not only withstand the threats of 2025 but emerge stronger and more secure.
To learn more about how eSentire’s Next Level MDR can help you build resilience and prevent business disruption, connect with an eSentire cybersecurity specialist today.
