Forecasting Tech Trends in 2025

This past year has seen a whirlwind of technological advancements, and more are on their way in 2025. There have been significant strides in various fields such as quantum computing to AI-driven cybersecurity, each promising to reshape industries. As we look ahead, the pace of innovation is clearly accelerating.

In 2025, quantum computing will move from theoretical to practical applications, having great impact on sectors like supply chain management and research and development. Early adopters such as large academic institutions and tech giants will lead the way for broader access through Quantum Computing-as-a-Service (QaaS), making this technology available to businesses of all sizes.

Cybersecurity will also see a transformation as companies use AI to prevent attacks offering a significant competitive edge. As AI becomes an essential tool in cybersecurity, companies that quickly adopt and publicise their efforts will gain trust and protection, while those that delay may find themselves more vulnerable. The future of technology is here, and to prepare for the road ahead, read BDO’s predictions for the tech industry in 2025 — and the key factor that could make all the difference.
 

1. Science Fiction No More - Quantum Computing is Here

  • Major breakthroughs are on the horizon for quantum computing, bringing it to the verge of practical or even daily use.
  • Its most immediate applications will likely be in areas like R&D or supply chain — accelerating research or enabling companies to respond quickly and dynamically to logistical challenges.
  • However, early adopters will face challenges. Quantum computing is difficult to scale and can be highly expensive due to extreme cooling requirements, and this also requires plenty of energy. Organisations will also have to overcome knowledge gaps, as employees will likely not be familiar with the technology.
  • Expect early adopters to be those with the resources and appetite to take it on: The military, large academic institutions, and large tech companies.
  • Large tech companies will shift to offering Quantum Computing-as-a-Service (QaaS), enabling companies of all sizes to take advantage of quantum computing capabilities.

"Quantum computing poses a significant threat to security, with the potential to break current encryption methods far faster than we ever anticipated. This isn’t just a distant future concern; industries, especially the financial sector, are deeply worried about its impact on safeguarding banking transactions and maintaining the integrity of communications. But it's not only the future that’s at risk, historically stolen encrypted data could also be decrypted in the future with quantum computing advancements, posing even greater risks to organisations that have been previously compromised.  

Organisations need to start preparing now. Quantum risk management, including the adoption of quantum-resistant cryptography, is crucial for protecting sensitive data. Hybrid cryptography, highlighted by various government centres, offers a potential solution. While existing encryption protocols have been open-source and secured by the secrecy of the keys, as encryption evolves to resist quantum computing, this dynamic may change. Asymmetric encryption is particularly at risk, whereas symmetric encryption remains more secure.  

The level of readiness organisations build today will define how well they can handle these emerging threats tomorrow. It's not just about staying ahead; it's about ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of critical data, from medical records to government-held intelligence. Quantum computing may still be theoretical, but the risk is real, and organisations need to be proactive in securing their future." 

Peter Connolly, CEO and Founder of Toro Solutions

Peter also co-founded TechVets,  a nonprofit that has built a bridge for UK military veterans, service leavers and families into Information Technology. Learn more here techvets.co.

2. Cyber Attackers Will Lose Ground as Companies Fight Back with AI

  • Cyber threat actors aren’t the only ones using AI — in 2025, companies will increasingly use AI to enhance their cybersecurity protections.
  • AI can enable predictive defence, allowing cybersecurity teams and systems to comb through vast amounts of data — including historical data and attack patterns — to identify threats before they happen.
  • Even when a business responds effectively to a data breach, they can still experience major damage to their stock prices, operations, and trustworthiness. Gaining the ability to identify and stop attacks before they happen will be a major competitive differentiator.
  • Organisations that move quickly to integrate predictive defence capabilities — publicise their efforts to do so — will benefit from better protection and greater trust than their slower-moving peers. Companies that delay could become more attractive targets as other companies harden their defences.
  • Over the next several years, AI will become a must-have tool in any company's cybersecurity toolkit. Threat actors will continue using AI, so companies of all sizes must use it as well. Find out more information on our Cyber Security Services hub.

"Cyberattacks are getting more sophisticated, and AI is becoming a crucial part of the defence. The problem is, a lot of SMEs can’t afford to invest heavily in it, which makes them easy targets for things like Ransomware-as-a-Service. My advice? Start small. Focus on affordable tools that automate basics like detecting and responding to threats. Advanced AI is great, but it’s not everything - you still need skilled people hunting threats and making sense of what’s happening. A mix of AI, human expertise, and tools like behavioural analysis is the best approach. Partnering with managed service providers can also help SMEs access these defences without blowing their budgets. I believe that ignoring AI is not an option because attackers are already using it. You’ve got to stay ahead to stay safe. 

That said, AI isn’t a magic fix. If you’re feeding it bad data, you’ll get bad results - false alarms, missed threats, and a lot of wasted time. Having solid plans for how to handle breaches is just as important. Good communication and a clear incident response strategy will go a long way in keeping everyone calm and confident if something does go wrong. 

For companies that do invest in AI, it’s not just about protection—it can be a way to build trust. Showing customers and investors, you’re using AI responsibly (without giving away too much detail) can set you apart. And remember, attackers often go after the easiest targets the “low hanging-fruit". Organisations that delay adopting AI defences, or cannot afford to, risk becoming easy targets. This will likely include SMEs, non-profits, smaller public sector organisations, and the public who become even more vulnerable to Organised Crime Groups and malign nation states."

Here are Peter’s Top Tips to Maximise the benefits of AI & Minimise the Risks: 
  
Strategy & Culture for Breakfast. AI defence should be part of a multi-layered strategy that includes employee training, strong access controls, and incident response plans…. along with embedding the culture, values and behaviours for security tooling thrive. 
  
Spend Wisely & Avoid the Snake Oil. There are a plethora of effective AI driven tools and some that will not be right for your organisation. Ensure AI tools integrate with existing systems and processes and consider their scalability and adaptability to evolving threats. 
  
A bad workman blames his tools. Cybersecurity teams will need ongoing training to use AI tools effectively. Many businesses we review have not effectively configured their security tooling; expecting it to be effective ‘out of the box’. 
  
AI-Amplified Accidental Breaches. AI systems require vast data to function. Businesses often consolidate sensitive I information into centralised datasets for AI training and analysis. If these repositories are accidentally exposed due to accidental human error (weak security controls or misconfiguration), the breach’s scope could be significantly larger. Fines under the EU AI Act for such a massive AI breach could reach 7% of global annual revenue per breach. 
  
Threat Intelligence. As attackers use AI for spear phishing, malware creation, and evasion tactics, organizations must ensure their defences evolve in tandem. 
  
Plan, Plan, Plan. Have plans to respond to cyber incidents. Test it and review it. Consider insurance to transfer some risk and offset losses. 
  
The basics matter. Organisations that cannot afford a suite of defensive tooling will need to focus on infosec best practice such as effective patching, Identity and Access Management (IAM), principles of least privilege and zero trust, segregation, encryption, testing and auditing, user awareness of phishing and social engineering, basic cyber hygiene and incident response. These remain a challenge for under resourced organisations and it is likely that data breaches will rise for this group. 

Peter Connolly, CEO and Founder of Toro Solutions

Peter also co-founded TechVets,  a nonprofit that has built a bridge for UK military veterans, service leavers and families into Information Technology. Learn more here techvets.co.

Peter’s Top Tips to Maximise the benefits of AI & Minimise the Risks: 

  • Strategy & Culture for Breakfast. AI defence should be part of a multi-layered strategy that includes employee training, strong access controls, and incident response plans…. along with embedding the culture, values and behaviours for security tooling thrive. 
  • Spend Wisely & Avoid the Snake Oil. There are a plethora of effective AI driven tools and some that will not be right for your organisation. Ensure AI tools integrate with existing systems and processes and consider their scalability and adaptability to evolving threats. 
  • A bad workman blames his tools. Cybersecurity teams will need ongoing training to use AI tools effectively. Many businesses we review have not effectively configured their security tooling; expecting it to be effective ‘out of the box’. 
  • AI-Amplified Accidental Breaches. AI systems require vast data to function. Businesses often consolidate sensitive I information into centralised datasets for AI training and analysis. If these repositories are accidentally exposed due to accidental human error (weak security controls or misconfiguration), the breach’s scope could be significantly larger. Fines under the EU AI Act for such a massive AI breach could reach 7% of global annual revenue per breach.   
  • Threat Intelligence. As attackers use AI for spear phishing, malware creation, and evasion tactics, organizations must ensure their defences evolve in tandem. 
  • Plan, Plan, Plan. Have plans to respond to cyber incidents. Test it and review it. Consider insurance to transfer some risk and offset losses. 
  • The basics matter. Organisations that cannot afford a suite of defensive tooling will need to focus on infosec best practice such as effective patching, Identity and Access Management (IAM), principles of least privilege and zero trust, segregation, encryption, testing and auditing, user awareness of phishing and social engineering, basic cyber hygiene and incident response. These remain a challenge for under resourced organisations and it is likely that data breaches will rise for this group. 

Peter Connolly, CEO and Founder of Toro Solutions

Peter also co-founded TechVets,  a nonprofit that has built a bridge for UK military veterans, service leavers and families into Information Technology. Learn more here techvets.co.

3. Hyper-Personalized Media Will Drive a Streaming Revolution

  • YouTube is currently the most-watched streaming platform by far. Its content is democratised and niche, and users can pay to access a huge library of content with no ads and highly specific recommendations based on user interests and activity.
  • As streaming platforms and applications increasingly seek to learn and adapt to user preferences, 2025 will see companies try to emulate this hyper-personalised   model.
  • Some existing platforms are already leaning into this shift to some degree, with Amazon Prime and Hulu offering different “channels” within their apps. 
  • This shift will accelerate and proliferate, as customers gravitate toward platforms that can host and direct users to content that perfectly matches their preferences.
  • The future of streaming platforms is ultimately less channel-based and more social-media based, with users choosing from a wide range of content types and accessing forums and chats to share their thoughts on what they’re watching.
  • This, in turn, will provide a more personalised route to the end consumer for advertisers looking to navigate the ever more complex landscape, leading to success for agencies and data analytical businesses that understand this space.


4. 5G Kicks Broadband to the Kerb 

  • Alternative means of internet connectivity will increase the pressure on traditional broadband companies in 2025.Alternate connectivity methods like Fixed wireless access have become so popular because 5G is able to replace home broadband connections without sacrificing speed and reliability. Without the need to lay cables or build other infrastructure, prices are lower.
  • The UK 5G services market is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 52.4% from 2024 to 2030.
  • The pressure on large broadband companies   will ramp up in 2025 as this shift accelerates, compelling the industry to innovate or join in.


5. Healthcare Without Limits - Emerging Technologies Empower Remote Care 

  • Healthcare companies already offer a range of telehealth services but expect to see these offerings expand to go beyond patient-doctor interactions to include smart, wearable devices that give real-time medical information.
  • Care providers will be able to get the best possible picture of a patients’ status by remotely tracking at-home medical equipment, from IVs and oxygen machines to glucose monitors and heart rate monitors.
  • Supported by advancements like enhanced 5G connectivity, these technologies will allow more patients — especially those who are elderly or are critically ill — to receive care from home. Providers will also be able to expand their services to geographic areas that may have been previously beyond their reach, as patients could require fewer in-office visits. 
  • Technologies like computer vision could even be used to monitor emergencies in cases where patients may be unable to call for help themselves, such as when a patient suffers a fall while alone at home.
  • That said, healthcare providers will need to be mindful of what data they are collecting, and how. They will need to devote more resources to data security in order to keep private medical information safe and maintain compliance with relevant regulations.


6. Esports Steal the Show

  • Streaming platforms like Twitch garner millions of viewers every single day, and video games have become a fully mainstream form of entertainment. The games industry’s yearly revenues are more than double that of the film and music industries combined. 
  • Esports events can draw in millions of eyes. Potentially fuelled by the continued rise of algorithmically driven streaming platforms (Twitch, YouTube, TikTok, etc.), and as viewership demographics get older and make up a larger share of viewing audiences, expect Esports to begin taking its place among mainstream sports news. 
  • This could mean more recognizable esports commentators, more widely viewed events — perhaps even hosted or broadcast by major networks or platforms — and increasingly valuable/expensive ad spots.


7. AI Goes from Possibility to Proven -  Kickstarting Adoption with Bottom Line Impact

  • The era of innovation for innovation’s sake is ending. Expect industries to start zeroing in on AI applications that are more targeted and bring real value and measurable benefits to businesses.
  • The past several years have seen companies exploring AI to understand its capabilities, limitations, risks, and use cases. Now that companies have a more complete understanding of what AI can bring to the table for them, the “unknown” factor is going away.
  • Companies will have better articulated use cases for AI, based around the tangible benefits of saving time and money. 
  • For example, telecommunications companies are seeing multiple percentage point improvements to their margins from AI and will continue applying AI to save costs.
  • Healthcare providers will use it to improve care delivery and patient outcomes.
  • Retailers will use AI to deliver tailored recommendations to customers, and to support other emerging technologies like digital mannequins. 
  • But more AI use also means more regulation. As companies gain a better understanding of how to use AI, governments and regulators will also gain a better understanding of when and how to regulate it. Companies employing AI will need to stay up to date on all applicable regulations, as the landscape will change quickly over the next year.
  • The EU AI Act and other regulations will play a significant role in shaping the future of AI. For more information, you can read our article on the EU AI Act and its implications. 

“We’re seeing a lot of organisations dive into AI adoption, but many aren’t setting up the proper frameworks to manage it securely. AI is no longer experimental; it’s driving real business value, but it also brings serious security and compliance risks. If your organisation is using AI, now is the time to take stock. Do you know where AI is being used and who’s responsible for it? Have you assessed the risks for each use case? Do you have a governance framework in place to ensure its deployed responsibly? And with regulations like the EU AI Act evolving rapidly, monitoring compliance is critical. Additionally, organisations must be mindful that intellectual property (IP) can be compromised when fed into AI for learning. It's essential to understand how your data will be used by the underlying AI engine and ensure that safeguards are in place to protect valuable assets. AI can deliver great results, but only if it’s managed with transparency, security, and accountability.” 

Peter Connolly, CEO and Founder of Toro Solutions

Peter also co-founded TechVets,  a nonprofit that has built a bridge for UK military veterans, service leavers and families into Information Technology. Learn more here techvets.co.

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