The World Economic Forum (WEF) released the Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025 report. The report highlights the growing cyber threats to critical infrastructure due to geopolitical tensions, obsolete systems and lack of cybersecurity skills and emphasizes the need for enhanced security and resilience.
World Economic Forum (WEF)
- The World Economic Forum (WEF) is an international organization for public-private cooperation. This forum/platform includes leading political, business, cultural and other actors of society to give dimension to the global, regional and industry agenda.
- Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
- Establishment: It was founded in the year 1971 by German professor Klaus Schwab. Its original name was European Management Forum.
Note
- The Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) is released by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and evaluates and ranks countries based on their commitment to cybersecurity.
- India has achieved a major milestone in cybersecurity by achieving Tier 1 status in the 5th edition of GCI 2024.
Key issues highlighted in the report
- Vulnerability of critical infrastructure: Critical infrastructure sectors such as water, biosecurity, communications, energy and climate are vulnerable to cyber attacks due to outdated technologies and interconnected systems. Cybercriminals and state actors target operational technology, including undersea cables, posing threats to global data flows. There was a sharp increase in phishing and social engineering attacks in 2024, with 42% of organizations reporting such incidents. Example: A cyberattack on a US water utility company in 2024 disrupted operations, exposing the vulnerabilities of water treatment facilities.
- Geopolitical tensions: Geopolitical conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war have increased cyber and physical attacks on critical sectors such as energy, telecommunications and water. Nearly 60% of organizations say geopolitical tensions have influenced their cybersecurity strategy.
- Biosecurity threats: Advances in artificial intelligence (AI), genetic engineering and biotechnology have increased biosecurity risks, with cyberattacks on biolabs threatening research and security protocols. The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued warnings about these risks, as evidenced by attacks on laboratories in South Africa and the UK in 2024.
- Cybersecurity Skills Gap: The report highlights a significant cybersecurity skills gap. 4.8 million professionals globally lack the required qualifications. Two-thirds of organizations face significant skills gaps, with only 14% having the skilled personnel needed for the current cyber landscape.
- Cyber-Friendly: 35% of small organizations believe their cyber-friendliness is inadequate. Public sector organizations face greater challenges, with 38% reporting low resilience and 49% experiencing a shortage of cybersecurity talent, an increase of 33% compared to 2024.