As 2024 comes to a close, it’s time to reflect on the key IT and cybersecurity trends that defined the year and look ahead to what’s on the horizon for 2025. From emerging threats to innovative solutions, we’ve gathered insights and observations to help you stay prepared. Explore this comprehensive roundup from your friends at Ontech Systems, Inc.—Milwaukee’s trusted partner in Managed IT Support!
2024: The Year of AI
In 2023, we experienced the public unveiling of cyber-AI in the form of integrations and tools for personal and business use. Now in 2024, many individuals and companies have familiarized themselves with the new tools and options on the market that offer various advantages such as customer service, research, automation, and more. This has led to a wide adoption of AI, opening up new job opportunities, skillsets, and of course, increased risk.
What we’ve seen over the past year on the cybersecurity front is unmatched. Attacks on both local and cloud-based systems have increased by 75-110% with most attacks being targeted at North America. While AI has many advantages, it has also increased the likelihood of low-skilled adversaries easily entering the cybercrime game. This means, now more than ever, it is vital for individuals and businesses to take their cybersecurity measures seriously and launch a heavily armored defense infrastructure to combat the increasing threats. “Good enough” cybersecurity will not get you through 2025 unscathed. It is time to bump this matter to the top of your agenda and invest in the right cybersecurity measures, systems, teams, and tools to protect your valuable assets both personally and professionally. As we saw in 2024, no one is “untouchable”, meaning big corporations and small businesses alike share similar cyber vulnerabilities. Read Ontech’s latest blog to see what you can do to prevent a cyber-attack, or get Managed IT Support from our expert team today!
With that said, we have seen an uptick in preventive cybersecurity measures. Companies that wish to remain nimble on this front are leading the way with heightened legal compliance and documentation, disaster recovery planning, employee training and education around cybersecurity and common threats, liability insurance, and more. Increased communication, protections, compliance measures, and fail-safes are just a few of the steps top businesses are taking to mitigate the issue. This has had a ripple effect on business sectors such as local, state, and federal governments, healthcare, professional services, and the trades, by creating a new standard of business security in these industries. Companies that do not consider these measures and follow through with action are at significant risk of attack, stolen data, reputational damage, and more.
Now is the time to prioritize your cybersecurity. Ontech Systems offers cybersecurity and managed IT services catered to your business needs. We start with a free Network Discovery Call to determine your cyber vulnerabilities and build out a custom plan and maintenance program to implement right away. Get started by booking your free Network Discovery Call.
Looking Ahead to 2025
The pace of change in today’s cyber and technological landscape is unprecedented. It mirrors the late 1990s and early 2000s when computers, the internet, and cell phones revolutionized daily life. Now, with advanced devices and limitless information at our fingertips, the possibilities are both exhilarating and daunting. This incredible power brings immense opportunities—but also significant risks, as it can easily fall into the wrong hands.
While there can be a lot of fear around this, one thing we are seeing as we head into 2025 is an increase in local and global regulations. While this effort will take time to refine, especially as these advancements roll out and expand quickly, current laws and regulations continue to be updated and challenged to ensure the best security for individuals, businesses, Wisconsin, and the world.
With that, you’ll want to make sure your business remains compliant. If you don’t know where to start or what information to gather to assess if your business is in current good standing with compliance and cybersecurity, give our team at Ontech Systems a call! We’d be happy to help you navigate this project in 2025.
Another prominent trend shaping 2025 is the surge in AI as a critical skillset. The demand for specialized technology experts is rapidly growing across industries, including healthcare, professional services, trades, and government. Organizations are increasingly relying on skilled IT and AI professionals to navigate evolving technologies and address their impacts. The role of Chief Information Security Officer is experiencing significant growth, driven by the expanding need for cybersecurity expertise. Notably, 98% of respondents in Foundry/CSO’s Security Priorities Study 2024 reported substantial benefits from AI-enabled security technologies, a sharp increase from 72% in 2023—further fueling demand for talent in this field.
While some large-scale companies can afford this type of investment and overhead, many small-medium-sized businesses are turning to outsourced Managed IT solutions. This option allows your business to gain access to IT and cybersecurity experts who specialize in your industry and continue to hone valuable skills and knowledge as the tech landscape expands, all at a fraction of the cost of what it would cost to create a dedicated in-house position or team.
Finding the right partner will give your business a well-rounded, top-knot protection infrastructure, disaster plan, and staff training that are rooted in real-life, real-time expertise from working with a large collection of clients, business sectors, and IT needs. Ready to see if Ontech Systems is the right outsourced partner for you? Book a free Network Discovery Call to get started.
Lastly, in today’s fast-paced landscape, efficiency is essential for staying ahead—especially as cybercriminals become more sophisticated. The question is: are businesses keeping pace? By implementing efficient systems, robust protocols, automation, and strategic checks and balances, your organization can outmaneuver cyber threats with a proactive approach. Looking at your business continuity plan and taking action on areas that are most vulnerable is an important first step that can be taken alongside a skilled and educated IT Company in Milwaukee like Ontech Systems. Connect with a cybersecurity expert to get your question answered and to get started.
Final Thoughts
While many patterns and trends have emerged over the past year, the future remains uncertain. The best way to navigate this unpredictability is to be prepared. Testing your cybersecurity infrastructure can uncover hidden vulnerabilities, allowing you to take swift action to address them. Start with a Free Network Discovery Call with Ontech Systems. Our experts will assess your current setup and provide tailored recommendations to enhance your security—covering everything from data backups to firewalls, server security, and more. Don’t wait—book your free call today and take the first step toward a stronger, more secure network.
