Cloud computing provides speed, scale, and flexibility to businesses. Although cloud platforms provide convenience, the threats surrounding cloud security are now becoming a major concern for large companies and small businesses alike. These attackers are advancing faster than we can even process. They will leverage new technologies, weak configurations, and even employee mistakes. The year 2025 is already seeing more complex, sneaky, and damaging attacks.
So, what are the top emerging cyber threats that 2025 is bringing?
Here is a quick overview of the most serious emerging threats in cloud security, what they mean for your business, and how you can stay ahead of them.
1. Cloud Storage Misconfiguration
Cloud misconfiguration continues to be one of the biggest problems in the cloud. A simple misconfiguration, such as leaving storage buckets open, can make millions of files publicly available. Hackers typically scan the world wide web for these types of mistakes, and once they find them, they can quickly steal files, disseminate malware, or leverage your cloud account as a staging point for further attacks. Organizations often focus on deploying services as quickly as possible and do not adequately verify permissions. With different teams responsible for managing different parts of the cloud, mistakes are common. In some cases, small mistakes in the cloud can lead to bigger mistakes.
2. Identity and Access Management (IAM)
Identity and access management (IAM) refers to policies and procedures designed to ensure the right people have access to the right data. When IAM policies are weak or misapplied, IAM can pose an emerging security threat in the cloud. IAM policies are commonly used as precisely what attackers are targeting. In some instances, users have re-used old account login credentials that are left open as inactive and utilized these logins to access other accounts.
In 2025, attackers are leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to crack passwords and mimic existing user behavior. Once inside an account, the attacker can continue quietly and steal valuable data. Companies must enforce policies for multi-factor authentication (MFA) and monitor user roles regularly.
3. Supply Chain Attacks
Cloud environments commonly rely on third-party vendors and services. If a vendor experiences a compromise, what then happens to your security risk? It becomes yours. Emerging cyber threats now extend to deeper attack vectors within supply chain attacks. Cybercriminals are targeting the weakest chain link – once a vendor is infected – they can access several companies simultaneously. These attacks can be difficult to detect, and hard to stop once the intruder is active.
4. API Vulnerabilities
Cloud services depend on APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) that act as connections between systems digitally. If APIs are not properly secured they can give an easy way for hackers and cybercriminals to access systems. The ever-developing exploitation of APIs creates security vulnerabilities. Hackers test the APIs through trial and error always looking for ways to bypass controls. Poor documentation for APIs, exposed keys or hard coded credentials or limits on request rates are just three risks to consider. APIs need to be tested, secured and monitored on a regular basis.
5. Data Breaches from Insider Threats
Not all attacks come from outside. In fact, some of the worst damage happens when insiders misuse their access. These insiders can be disgruntled employees, careless users, or contractors.
In cloud environments, insiders often have access to large volumes of sensitive data. With fewer physical controls, detecting abuse is harder. Behavioral monitoring and least-privilege access are key to reducing these emerging threats to opsec.
6. Zero-Day Vulnerabilities in Cloud Software
Cloud solutions have many components of software, some of which you do not have direct control over. When systems have unknown vulnerabilities (also known as “zero-days”) attackers can exploit it quicker than you can get a patch to remediate it. These emergent threats from cyber attackers can be difficult to avoid. The best prevention is layered security practices, threat hunting, and using vendors that are able to patch vulnerabilities and share threat intelligence in a timely manner.
7. Ransomware in the Cloud
Ransomware has evolved yet again, increasing the attack surface from local machines to cloud-based solutions. Attackers pivot to cloud backups, applications, and file shares, locking them and demanding ransom for the decryption keys in the form of cryptocurrencies. The threat? If they had access to your Cloud solution, you could be out of business! This trend is rapidly increasing in 2025 and is a top emergent threat in the cloud security landscape. Ensure your backups are done correctly, have encryption in place, and a remediation response plan. Verify that your cloud service provider can support your recovery time and have strong ransomware protection in place.
8. Insecure DevOps Practices
DevOps provides more speed. But speed can come with some compromise. Developers may skip over security reviews to meet deadlines. They may embed secrets in code or forget to upgrade components that are now outdated. These behaviors allow a new set of threats in cyber security. Cybercriminals are increasingly using cloud-native attacks, which often target shipping pipelines. Organizations need to fully integrate security in the development process, also referred to as DevSecOps.
9. Multi-Cloud Complexity
Many businesses utilize more than one cloud service provider. This provides flexibility but can create challenges due to confusion. When it comes to managing multiple compute, storage, or software services, there are more tools, more settings, and more opportunities for mistakes. Cybercriminals are taking advantage of that complexity too. If a cloud service has weaker security controls, they are likely to exploit that service. Organizations must now focus on identity management, policy enforcement, and improving visibility across clouds.
10. Shadow IT and Unauthorized Apps
At times, people will use tools or services without authorization. Perhaps it is a file-sharing app or a data tool. Whatever it is, this is known as shadow IT. The downside? These tools may lack your security standards. They can create blind spots, and hackers love blind spots. Identifying and managing shadow IT is now a responsibility in any enterprise-grade cloud security strategy. Businesses need to educate their users and find secure alternatives.
Staying Ahead of the Curve
Beating the Curve The threats of emerging technology are real and growing, and businesses need to move beyond a reactive security strategy. You need a proactive strategy, which means:
- Always-on monitoring
- Scheduled auditing
- Threat intelligence
- Clear security policies
- Employee training
Centres for emerging threats and opportunities aren’t just terms – they are your internal team (or partner) which can assist you in identifying and managing new threats. Solutions like Cyble’s threat intelligence services enable organizations to understand the emerging threats in cyber security, analyze the dark web and take action to secure their organization and avoid data breach incidents. These tools can support better decision-making while also reducing the chances of raising alarm bells unnecessarily.
Conclusion
The growth of proofpoint emerging threats, starsector emergent threats, and even more complex hoaxes like bomb threat emergency action plans remind us how uncertain the threat landscape has changed to become today. Whether bomb threat emergency procedures are in place at the workplace, or emerging threats in cloud security must be managed, every organization must protect itself against whatever is to come. Cloud computing is here to stay. So are the threats. But with the right mindset, the right tools, and continued vigilance, we can create a safer environment for our digital future.
