7 Key Predictions for 2025: The Future of AI, Cybersecurity Regulations, and Organizational Resilience

As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, Splunk’s predictions for the coming year offer crucial insights into how businesses will adapt and grow. Below, we explore seven key trends that will shape the future of cybersecurity, AI, and observability.

1. Governments Will Finally Define Cybersecurity “Materiality”

Governments worldwide are beginning to address the challenge of defining cybersecurity materiality. In 2024, we can expect governments to make strides in creating frameworks that establish what constitutes a material cybersecurity threat. This will provide clearer standards for companies and enable better risk management strategies, particularly in sectors that are most vulnerable to cyber threats.

2. There Will Be No Digital Resilience Without Vendor Resilience

The resilience of digital infrastructures will rely heavily on the reliability and security of third-party vendors. With the increasing complexity of digital ecosystems, organizations will need to ensure that their vendors meet robust cybersecurity standards. In 2024, a stronger emphasis will be placed on vetting and maintaining vendor resilience to safeguard digital assets effectively.

3. Student-Powered SOCs Will Bridge Public Sector Talent Gaps

There is a growing gap in cybersecurity talent within the public sector. One solution that is emerging is the creation of student-powered Security Operations Centers (SOCs). By involving students in the monitoring and management of cybersecurity operations, governments and public institutions can tap into a fresh pool of talent while providing students with real-world experience.

4. Geopolitics Will Reshape Data Residency Regulations

As data security and privacy concerns continue to rise, geopolitical tensions are expected to play a significant role in reshaping data residency regulations. This means companies will have to navigate more complex rules regarding where and how their data can be stored and accessed globally. Understanding these regulations and compliance requirements will be essential for organizations operating internationally.

5. AI Exploration Will Give Way to AI Expectations

AI has been a hot topic of exploration for years, but as the technology matures, there will be greater pressure for companies to demonstrate tangible returns on AI investments. AI projects will no longer be exploratory, but will shift toward delivering specific, measurable results. Companies will focus on integrating AI in ways that directly enhance operational efficiency, drive productivity, and improve customer experiences.

6. The Future of Large Language Models (LLMs) Will Be Small

While large language models (LLMs) have revolutionized AI, there is a shift towards domain-specific, smaller language models (SLMs). These smaller models will not only reduce energy consumption and training costs, but they will also provide more accurate and relevant results for specific tasks. As organizations move toward more specialized applications, SLMs will play a key role in providing more efficient, focused AI solutions.

7. Observability Data Will Influence Product Roadmaps

The importance of observability in digital systems will continue to grow. In 2024, observability data—gathered from monitoring system performance, user interactions, and overall digital experiences—will shift from being reactive to proactive. Engineering and IT operations teams will use this data to inform product roadmaps, optimizing customer experiences and enhancing software development cycles. This approach will ensure that product development is always aligned with user needs and business goals.

Conclusion: The Future is Now

Splunk’s predictions paint a picture of a future where organizations leverage AI, cybersecurity, and data observability to navigate the complexities of an increasingly digital and interconnected world. To stay ahead of the curve, businesses will need to adjust their strategies to embrace these innovations, ensuring they are resilient, efficient, and responsive to both challenges and opportunities.

Note: The insights shared in this blog are based on Splunk’s thought leadership and do not represent the original work of the author.

We’d Love to Hear Your Thoughts!

What do you think about these predictions from Splunk? How do you see these trends shaping the future of your industry or organization? Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments below!