Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has published its 2025 Cybersecurity Outlook, highlighting seven key areas businesses must focus on. The report addresses the growing risks from next-gen technologies like generative AI and shifting geopolitical landscapes. Ganesa Subramanian Vaikuntam, TCS’s Global Head of Cybersecurity, stressed that companies need proactive strategies to navigate the increasingly sophisticated threat environment and secure their digital operations for the future.
Generative AI: A Double-Edged Sword in Cybersecurity
Generative AI (GenAI) is rapidly changing the game for both cyber defense and offense. While it offers powerful tools for security operations, it also gives cybercriminals new ways to launch complex attacks.
Cybercriminals are leveraging GenAI for intricate attacks like deepfakes, phishing scams, and data manipulation. This technology allows them to create more convincing and harder-to-detect threats, putting businesses at greater risk.
TCS experts recommend fighting fire with fire. Companies should deploy their own GenAI-driven systems to detect and neutralize these advanced risks in real-time. This approach provides a crucial defense against the fast-paced evolution of cyberattacks, but managing the dual nature of GenAI will be a major challenge for 2025.
Strengthening Cloud and Supply Chain Defenses
The widespread adoption of cloud services has created significant security challenges. Many businesses still struggle with misconfigurations, weak access controls, and poor security protocols, leaving them vulnerable to data breaches.
To combat these issues in complex hybrid and multi-cloud setups, TCS advises a multi-faceted approach:
- Implementing strong encryption to protect data both at rest and in transit.
- Using continuous monitoring to identify and respond to system anomalies instantly.
- Adopting consistent security configurations across all cloud environments.
At the same time, supply chain security has become a critical concern. As global supply networks become more complex, so do the risks to data, compliance, and operations. Businesses must implement dynamic risk assessments and ensure secure communications across their entire supplier network to prevent disruptions.
The Shift Towards a Cybersecurity Mesh Architecture
A major trend shaping enterprise security is the move to a Cybersecurity Mesh Architecture (CSMA). This modern approach gets rid of the old-fashioned “castle-and-moat” security model and instead builds security around individual assets and users, no matter where they are located.
By 2026, most large enterprises are expected to embrace Zero Trust security models, which are a core component of CSMA. Zero Trust operates on the principle of “never trust, always verify,” requiring constant authentication for every user and device trying to access resources. This severely restricts the ability of malicious actors to move through a network even if they breach the perimeter.
CSMA provides a flexible, modular framework that allows security tools to work together seamlessly. TCS urges businesses to adopt these models early to build a more resilient and adaptable security posture against emerging threats.
Automation and Resilience as Core Business Imperatives
Automation is becoming essential for an effective defense. Managed Detection and Response (MDR) operations are incorporating advanced automation to handle the sheer volume and speed of modern cyberattacks. This allows security teams to focus on more complex threats that require human expertise.
Chief Security Officers are increasingly adopting automation-first strategies to counter risks from quantum computing and GenAI. Below is a summary of the key focus areas highlighted in the TCS report.
| Strategic Area | Key Focus |
| Generative AI | Balance offensive threats with defensive capabilities. |
| Cloud Security | Address misconfigurations and secure hybrid environments. |
| Supply Chain | Implement dynamic risk assessments for partners. |
| Cybersecurity Mesh | Adopt Zero Trust models for robust security. |
| Automation | Use automated MDR to improve response times. |
| Cyber Resilience | Focus on basics like backups and incident response. |
| Employee Training | Educate staff to recognize and report threats. |
Ultimately, cyber resilience is no longer just an IT issue—it’s a fundamental requirement for business survival. Revisiting basic cybersecurity practices, such as regular data backups, detailed incident response plans, and employee training, is critical. This ensures that a business can withstand a cyber incident and minimize operational downtime.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main focus of the TCS 2025 Cybersecurity Outlook?
The report highlights seven strategic areas for businesses to address emerging cyber threats, emphasizing proactive strategies against risks from GenAI, cloud vulnerabilities, and supply chain disruptions.
How is Generative AI affecting cybersecurity?
GenAI is a dual-use technology. Cybercriminals use it for sophisticated attacks like deepfakes and advanced phishing, while security teams use it for real-time threat detection and analysis to counter these evolving risks.
What is Cybersecurity Mesh Architecture (CSMA)?
CSMA is a modern security design that creates a flexible, composable security perimeter around individual assets rather than a single corporate network. It is a key enabler for implementing Zero Trust security models.
Why is supply chain security so important now?
Geopolitical shifts and increasingly complex global networks have made supply chains a major target. Securing them is vital to protect sensitive data, ensure regulatory compliance, and maintain operational integrity across business ecosystems.
What does TCS recommend for improving cloud security?
TCS recommends strong encryption for all data, continuous real-time monitoring for anomalies, and implementing consistent security configurations, especially in complex hybrid and multi-cloud environments.
