Cybersecurity Predictions: Insights from a Digital Leader

By:  Ryma Abassi 

Cybersecurity is at the core of every technological innovation. By 2030, the cybersecurity landscape will be shaped by disruptive advancements such as quantum computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and the growing complexity of interconnected networks. While these developments bring opportunities, they also introduce risks that challenge traditional security paradigms. In the following some of these predictions are detailed. 

1. AI: The Double-Edged Sword

AI has become a transformative force in cybersecurity. On one hand, it enhances threat detection and automates responses. On the other, it equips attackers with tools for AI-driven phishing, deepfake fraud, and automated exploits.

Considering that 69% of organizations globally recognize AI as critical for countering cyber threats, yet the same technology fuels an increase in sophisticated attacks by 30% annually.

2. Ransomware: Escalating and Diversifying

Ransomware continues to dominate headlines. The rise of Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) has commoditized cybercrime, enabling novice attackers to deploy sophisticated ransomware. Losses are predicted to surpass $30 billion globally by 2025.

Hence, organizations must go beyond prevention and adopt resilience strategies: robust backup systems, multi-factor authentication, and employee awareness campaigns remain pivotal.

3. Quantum Computing: A Paradigm Shift

The power of quantum computing, while promising, brings significant challenges. Traditional encryption methods risk obsolescence in the face of quantum decryption capabilities. Transitioning to quantum-resistant cryptography is no longer optional.

I firmly advocate for the adoption of proactive strategies to address emerging cybersecurity challenges. Collaborating closely with educational institutions and industry leaders is essential for nurturing quantum-ready talent and developing innovative solutions. These partnerships are pivotal in equipping the next generation with the skills to navigate the complexities of quantum computing’s impact on encryption and cybersecurity. By prioritizing these efforts, we lay the foundation for secure and resilient digital ecosystems that can withstand the transformative shifts of tomorrow.

4. IoT: A Pandora’s Box of Vulnerabilities

The Internet of Things (IoT) is rapidly growing, with over 30 billion devices projected by 2025. However, 57% of these devices are susceptible to high-severity cyberattacks due to weak security protocols, default configurations, and irregular firmware updates. To address this, stronger regulations and enforceable industry standards are essential, emphasizing secure-by-design principles like encryption and regular updates. Organizations must also adopt IoT-specific security strategies, including device authentication, network segmentation, and real-time monitoring, to safeguard interconnected systems and maintain trust in IoT technologies.

5. Bridging the Cybersecurity Talent Gap

A 3.4 million shortfall in cybersecurity professionals globally underscores an urgent need for action. Bridging this gap requires collaboration between academia, industry, and government. Academic institutions should align their curricula with real-world cybersecurity needs, emphasizing practical skills through internships, hands-on training, and hackathons. Industry partners can help by offering ongoing training, certifications, and initiatives to upskill employees. Governments can support the effort with scholarships, apprenticeships, and diversity programs to widen the talent pool. These combined actions aim not only to fill the workforce gap but also to cultivate a generation of skilled professionals equipped to secure the digital future.

6. Resilience Over Prevention

The move toward cyber resilience reflects a critical understanding: breaches are not a matter of if but when. The real test lies in an organization’s ability to respond swiftly, recover effectively, and adapt to evolving threats.

By integrating incident response drills and proactive threat-hunting programs into both educational and organizational frameworks, we build systems and teams prepared to face disruptions head-on. These practices foster a culture of preparedness, ensuring operational continuity even in the face of sophisticated attacks.

Focusing on the “when” rather than the “if” reinforces the importance of minimizing downtime, protecting critical assets, and maintaining trust. This mindset equips individuals and organizations to navigate breaches with confidence, transforming potential crises into opportunities for growth and fortification.

In a future marked by constant change, success will rely on the ability to anticipate risks and innovate solutions before threats materialize. Cybersecurity leaders must remain proactive, leveraging technology and partnerships to protect not just infrastructures but the trust and resilience of the digital world itself. By preparing today, we can secure a safer, smarter tomorrow.

 About the Author   

Dr Ryma Abassi is Associate Professor at ISETCOM and the Director of the Institute, too (the first female ever). She is also a researcher at SUP’COM, Tunisia. 

Dr Ryma Abassi obtained the SSHN (Séjour Scientifique de Haut Niveau) grant two times in 2014 and 2017 and was a visiting professor at University of Limoges, France. In 2017, Dr Ryma Abassi received the prestigious Fulbright visiting scholarship at Tufts University, MA, USA. 

In 2024, she was listed in the 2024 SIA Women in Security Forum (WISF) Power 100 Honorees  as well as in the Security’s Top Cybersecurity Leaders 2024. In November 2022, she was recognized as one of the TOP 3 researcher in cybersecurity in the Middle East by the WiCSME, in July 2020, she was recognized as one of the TOP 50 women in cybersecurity in Africa and in September 2020 as the best young researcher in Computer science in Tunisia by the Tunisian Academy of Sciences, Letters and Arts.

Her current research work is focusing on cybersecurity, MANET/VANET security, trust management, security protocols validation, IoT security, artificial intelligence, etc. 

She has more than 70 publications in impacted journals and classified conferences and is currently co-supervising six PhD students. In 2018, Dr Abassi edited her first book entitled “Security Frameworks in Contemporary Electronic Government” and the second “Artificial Intelligence and Security Challenges in Emerging Networks” was published in January 2019. A third book concerned with “Cybersecurity Crisis Management and Lessons Learned From the COVID-19 Pandemic” was published in April 2022.