In 2025, the convergence of digital and physical threats makes cyber security more complex than ever. At Gratte Brothers | Security Systems & Software, we recognise the need for integrated security solutions that protect both digital and physical assets. With over 30 years of experience, we’ve used our expertise to put together our predictions to the rapidly changing cyber security landscape (along with some handy solutions). Read on to learn more.
The Changing Nature of Cyber Security Threats
Cyber threats have become more sophisticated and targeted, with advanced technologies like AI and ransomware increasingly exploiting both digital and physical vulnerabilities. For instance, the tech and telecoms sector saw a surge in attacks in Q3 2024, highlighting how cybercriminals now breach systems that affect both data and access to physical facilities (CrowdStrike, 2024). To address these risks, businesses must take a holistic approach that secures both their digital and physical infrastructure.
Ransomware: More Than Just Data Encryption
In 2024, over half of organisations were victims of ransomware attacks. 32% of these stemmed from unpatched vulnerabilities (CyberArk, 2024; Kroll, 2024). While these cyber security attacks remain a digital risk, their implications for physical security can’t be ignored. Cybercriminals now exploit weaknesses not only in software but in access systems too, potentially locking employees out of their facilities or manipulating entry systems. As a result, businesses must ensure their digital security measures are as robust as their physical ones. Gratte Brothers addresses this by providing air-gapped security controls to isolate physical systems and prevent the spread of ransomware. Furthermore, we help secure access management to block unauthorised tampering, ensuring both your data and premises remain safe.
The Rise of AI
As ransomware becomes more sophisticated, so too do the tools used to execute these attacks. AI is now central to many of these threats, enabling cybercriminals to develop complex malware with minimal expertise (Wall Street Journal, 2025). This rapidly evolving technology not only powers more frequent and targeted phishing attempts but also poses a unique challenge for physical security systems. AI can manipulate biometric systems or disable surveillance networks, undermining the effectiveness of traditional defenses. For organisations to stay ahead, they need to integrate advanced technologies to protect against AI-driven fraud and physical intrusions. Gratte Brothers can implement closed AI-CCTV systems to detect unusual behaviour, while also employing multi-factor authentication to safeguard access controls.
Insider Threats: The Internal Security Challenge
While external threats often get the most attention, insider threats are a growing concern. In 2024, 83% of organisations reported at least one incident involving an insider (Health-ISAC, 2025). Disgruntled employees or those misusing their access can cause substantial damage to both digital and physical infrastructure. Insiders can often be overlooked as threats, but they have the potential to bypass digital systems, introduce malware, or manipulate physical security controls, such as disabling alarms or exploiting access systems. By incorporating role-based access control (RBAC) and time-based restrictions, Gratte Brothers helps organisations monitor access and identify unusual patterns of behaviour, mitigating the risk of insider threats to both physical and digital security.
Geopolitical Dimensions of Cyber Warfare
Cyber operations are increasingly used as tools for geopolitical leverage, as demonstrated by groups like China’s Volt Typhoon, which targets critical infrastructure to advance national agendas (Associated Press, 2024). These attacks are not limited to just digital systems; they often extend to physical sabotage, such as manipulating security systems at data centres or energy grids. To defend against these threats, businesses must protect both their digital and physical infrastructure. Gratte Brothers offers solutions such as strengthening perimeter security and deploying high-security access control systems, designed to withstand and deter state-sponsored cyber attacks.
Cryptocurrency and Financial Threats
The growing value of cryptocurrencies has made them a prime target for cybercriminals. With the rise of digital currencies and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) (World Economic Forum, 2025), financial institutions face both digital and physical threats. Cybercriminals increasingly seek to infiltrate systems to steal digital assets, while physical security is often compromised through theft of crypto-wallets or private keys. In some cases, criminals attempt to disable security systems at crypto-exchanges to facilitate their operations. To combat this, Gratte Brothers are able to provide high-security physical access controls to protect critical assets, and advanced surveillance systems to secure sensitive storage areas stored.
Looking Ahead: 2025 and Beyond
Looking ahead, the trends acknowledged above are set to have several real-world implications for businesses in the UK and beyond. Drawing from our decades of experience and witnessing the emergence of key indicators, we’ve highlighted the following 3 observations as key areas for focus:
1: Ransomware, Cryptocurrencies, and the Financial Sector
The threat of ransomware presents risks for all industries, but a main target is the financial sector. The growing threat increases the risk of criminals returning to traditional forms of banking fraud, particularly targeting mobile banking and ATMs. In response, organisations must ensure that their digital defenses are as robust as their physical ones – addressing all potential vulnerabilities.
2: AI & Cybercriminals
As we know, AI is always learning, but sadly so are cybercriminals. As a result, we expect to see a rise in the use of advanced, AI-driven malware that evolves in line with law enforcement crackdowns. To stay ahead, businesses will need real-time anomaly detection systems that can anticipate and mitigate evolving threats.
3: Internal & External Threats
With the level of sophistication shown by cybercriminals, organisations must consider their weaknesses from both an internal and external perspective and plan their strategies accordingly. At Gratte Brothers, we tailor security solutions to our clients’ specific needs, taking into account their known threats, plus the threats they may have overlooked, to provide robust high-security systems.
Conclusion
The observations for 2025 emphasise the dynamic nature of cyber threats and the growing intersection of digital and physical security risks. As organisations adapt, integrating security measures across both domains will be crucial to mitigating these evolving threats. At Gratte Brothers, recognising these increasing trends early on helps us to give our clients peace of mind & help keep their assets secure.
Take Action Today
The evolving cyber-physical security (CPS) landscape demands immediate, decisive action. Don’t wait for a breach to expose vulnerabilities in your security infrastructure. If you are unsure as to which actions are the best to take, please don’t hesitate to contact us for support. We can help you to:
✅ Schedule a comprehensive security risk assessment.
✅ Identify and address gaps in your physical security systems.
✅ Receive a tailored security strategy to protect your business.
With over 30 years of experience in securing corporate offices, data centres, critical infrastructure, and high-security environments, Gratte Brothers | Security Systems & Software is your trusted partner in navigating today’s evolving security landscape.