World Economic Forum 2025: Navigating Cybersecurity in an Era of Complexity

As global attention this past week focused on President Donald Trump’s second inauguration in Washington, D.C., business leaders gathered again in Davos, Switzerland, for the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF). Indeed, President Trump even spoke to the WEF audience virtually.

And while trade and interest rates topped the president’s list of priorities, cybersecurity challenges and priorities were important issues at the WEF meeting.

CYBERSECURITY AT DAVOS

There were several cybersecurity sessions on the agenda in Davos, and this conversation is an excellent example of the stories offered regarding cyber threats:
Meanwhile, the WEF released several new white papers and reports on the global cybersecurity outlook for 2025. Here are a few samples:

Securing innovation: A leader’s guide to managing cyber risks from AI adoption:

• "Leaders must embed cybersecurity at every stage of artificial intelligence (AI) adoption to safeguard sensitive data, ensure resilience and enable responsible innovation.
• "A risk-reward approach aligns AI adoption with organizational goals by identifying vulnerabilities, mitigating risks and reinforcing stakeholder trust.
• "Multistakeholder collaboration among AI experts, regulators, and policymakers is essential to addressing AI-driven vulnerabilities and building confidence in AI technologies."

Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025 – Insight Report:
Abstract: “Amid a business landscape that is increasingly focused on responsible innovation, this report offers a clear executive perspective on managing artificial intelligence (AI)-related cyber risks. It empowers leaders to invest and innovate in AI with confidence and exploit emerging opportunities for growth. A central question is explored throughout the report: How can organizations reap the benefits of AI adoption while mitigating the associated cybersecurity risks?

"This publication was developed in collaboration with the University of Oxford’s Global Cyber Security Capacity Centre to steer global leaders’ strategies and decision-making on cyber risks and opportunities regarding AI adoption. It is part of the AI Governance Alliance’s AI Transformation of Industries initiative that seeks to catalyze responsible industry transformation by exploring the strategic implications, opportunities and challenges of promoting AI-driven innovation across business and operating models.”

According to the report, cybersecurity is entering an era of unprecedented complexity. Geopolitical tensions are intensifying, new technologies are emerging at breakneck speed and threats are evolving into ever-more sophisticated attack vectors. At the same time, expanding regulatory demands, vulnerabilities in interwoven supply chains and a widening cyber skills gap are compounding the challenges organizations face in staying secure. The stakes have never been higher.

The entire WEF white paper series can be found here.

MEDIA AND INDUSTRY COVERAGE

I want to highlight a few excellent media reports that were released related to the WEF meetings in Davos.

First, we have this summary article of priorities: "5 Key OT Cybersecurity Strategies from the WEF Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025":

1. Prioritize OT security amid geopolitical tensions to protect critical infrastructure

"WEF’s solution: Cybersecurity should be a board-level priority, integrated into every operational facet. Cross-functional teams that align IT and OT strategies can better address evolving threats. For example, regular risk assessments and penetration testing of OT systems can identify vulnerabilities before they are exploited.

2. Manage supply chain dependencies and third-party risks to enhance resilience

"WEF’s solution: Organizations should enforce vendor compliance, conduct regular audits, and use tools like SBOMs to monitor third-party dependencies. Continuous monitoring and real-time visibility across the supply chain can help detect and mitigate risks early.

3. Asses all AI tools and related vulnerabilities before deployment

"WEF’s solution: Organizations should implement anomaly detection tools and AI-driven cybersecurity measures to safeguard OT networks from malicious activities. For example, predictive maintenance tools powered by AI should be rigorously tested for security vulnerabilities before deployment.

4. Overcome regulatory compliance challenges by aligning with global frameworks

"WEF’s solution: Compliance with global standards such as NIS2 and CIRCIA not only ensures regulatory adherence but also enhances resilience. By aligning cybersecurity strategies with governance structures, organizations can streamline compliance processes and reduce resource strain.

5. Close the cyber skills gap through training and collaboration with key partners

"WEF’s solution: Addressing the cyber skills gap involves upskilling existing employees and fostering a culture of security awareness. Industrial organizations can partner with academic institutions to develop specialized training programs focused on OT cybersecurity."

Second, "Davos 2025: Dutch PM welcomes Trump’s Russia threat; Jamie Dimon compares Elon Musk to Einstein."

Third, we have this Business Today article: "AI, geopolitics, and workforce gaps: WEF Cybersecurity Report 2025."

“The report also reflects on the 2022 cyberattacks on Costa Rica, which served as a wake-up call. Paula Bogantes Zamora, Costa Rica’s Minister of Science, Innovation, Technology, and Telecommunications, remarked: “We’ve recognised the need to view cybersecurity as a critical investment, not merely an expense. Strengthening ecosystems through regional collaboration is essential.”

FINAL THOUGHTS

As I shared on LinkedIn this past week, "as an American who lived in England for 7 years in the 90s, I am always fascinated with how the UK sees world events. In that context, this BBC podcast is worth listening to and very helpful to understand their view of the U.S. as Trump 2.0 begins: 'Trump and the Era of the Deal.'"

I especially liked the perspective shared in the podcast that we have now reached a new era in cybersecurity and world geopolitical alignments, and gaining an understanding of these global perspectives can help you in your cyber defense journey.