Outlook 2025: Critical Infrastructure Protection Will be a Growing Area in Cybersecurity

Ilya Leonov, Regional Director for MENA at Positive Technologies, says there will be significant demand for operational technology (OT) security to protect critical infrastructure
How did the industry and your company fare in 2024, and what were the key highlights?
In 2024, the cybersecurity industry experienced significant growth driven by new regulations across various sectors, particularly in finance. These regulations emphasized the importance of compliance, which became a key driver for organizations investing in robust security solutions.
At Positive Technologies, we observed increasing demand for complex security services tailored for ATMs, Point-of-Sale, and core banking infrastructure. Additionally, there was a notable rise in awareness about integrated cybersecurity strategies. Our compliance focus and innovative service offerings positioned us as a reliable partner in this evolving landscape. These developments highlighted the industry’s shift toward more advanced, regulation-driven cybersecurity models.
What opportunities do you foresee for 2025, and how do you plan to leverage them?
In 2025, critical infrastructure protection will become one of the most important and rapidly growing areas in cybersecurity. Governments and industries will increasingly seek solutions that safeguard essential assets, including energy, transport, and financial systems. Positive Technologies plans to leverage its expertise in critical infrastructure security by offering tailored solutions that meet specific client needs.
A key component of our strategy is MaxPatrol O2, a comprehensive AI-driven platform designed to enhance cybersecurity capabilities. MaxPatrol O2 can automatically build the attack kill chain, providing cybersecurity experts with a complete and detailed view of the attack process. This enables organizations to respond proactively to complex and targeted attacks, ensuring a more robust defence.
Our ability to integrate automation, AI-driven tools like MaxPatrol O2, and compliance-ready frameworks will be key differentiators in this space. We also see opportunities to expand partnerships with regional leaders to align with their priorities and regulatory requirements. We aim to be a trusted partner in protecting critical assets by staying ahead of technological and regulatory trends.
What major challenges did you encounter in 2024, and how did you address them?
One of the major challenges in 2024 was helping clients optimize their cybersecurity costs while maintaining high levels of protection. Organizations faced budget constraints and rising expectations to demonstrate the effectiveness of their cybersecurity investments. Positive Technologies addressed this by implementing a Result-Driven Cybersecurity approach.
This strategy focuses on balancing cost-efficiency with robust protection by aligning investment with measurable outcomes. It ensured that our clients received optimal value while meeting evolving security requirements. By tailoring solutions to specific needs and continuously innovating, we successfully helped clients overcome these challenges and improve their overall cybersecurity posture.
Which emerging technologies do you believe will be in high demand in 2025, and why?
AI-driven technologies will dominate the cybersecurity landscape in 2025, offering smarter and faster threat detection. Tools like Positive Technologies’ PT Dephaze—a Breach Attack Simulation platform—will be highly sought after. This solution provides continuous, automated security assessments by simulating hacker tactics, giving organizations a real-world view of their vulnerabilities.
Additionally, there will be significant demand for operational technology (OT) security to protect critical infrastructure. Automation will also play a crucial role in enhancing efficiency and reducing the reliance on manual processes. These technologies will help organizations proactively address emerging threats in an increasingly complex cybersecurity environment.
What will be your primary focus areas and strategic priorities for 2025?
In 2025, our primary focus will be on the comprehensive protection of critical infrastructure on a national level. We plan to deliver solutions that address the unique needs of industries like energy, transportation, and finance, ensuring their resilience against advanced cyber threats. Innovation will remain a top priority as we continue to develop AI-powered tools and expand our cybersecurity platform offerings.
We are also committed to strengthening partnerships with governments and private organizations to provide tailored solutions that align with regional regulations and priorities. Another key area will be advancing workforce development through specialized training programs. By addressing both technical and human factors, we aim to build a robust cybersecurity ecosystem.
Are there plans to explore new markets or introduce new products/applications to your portfolio in 2025?
Yes, geographical expansion is a key focus for Positive Technologies in 2025. We are actively entering new regions, particularly in the MENA market, where we see significant potential for growth. Recent partnerships with key cybersecurity players in these regions will help us offer comprehensive, localized solutions.
Additionally, we plan to enhance our product portfolio with innovations like PT Dephaze, which addresses the growing need for automated breach simulations. Expanding into these markets and introducing advanced products will allow us to cater to diverse industries, from finance to critical infrastructure. Our goal is to deliver end-to-end security solutions tailored to the unique challenges of each region and industry.