From SASE to GenAI: network and security trends to watch in 2025

If you thought 2024 was a wild ride in technology, just wait until you see what 2025 has in store.

From the growth of GenAI to the rise of unified network and security platforms, massive shifts in the world of technology have changed the way we work and laid the foundation for even more exciting developments to come.

First up, AI

Remember when AI was just a buzzword thrown around by futurists? So much related to AI has now moved from hype to reality, especially in the fast-growing fields of GenAI and AI agents. AI is changing everything, and organizations are using these technologies to automate routine tasks, improve user experiences and handle potential security breaches before they cause damage.

Take network traffic as an example. GenAI is instantaneously creating videos, immersive experiences and hyperpersonalized content, which leads to higher and more consistent volumes of data traffic.

It’s not surprising, therefore, that more than 90% of CIOs and CTOs are reviewing their network architecture (including edge) because of the demand for GenAI, according to NTT DATA’s Global GenAI Report. 

Of course, there’s also the need to secure all this data traffic and its consumers. AI-enabled network-monitoring tools detect anomalies in real time to keep your users connected and your data secure. It’s like having a super-smart assistant who never takes a break and always has your back.

• ALSO READ → Playtime is over: why GenAI is now an investment priority

Also, unified platforms and SASE

These are also taking center stage. Organizations have to juggle multiple tools and services to manage their operations, but now disciplines like data governance, network management and security are increasingly being combined into one cohesive system to make life manageable for IT teams and helps to eliminate data silos (which, in turn, is good for enterprise-wide AI implementations).

The concept of unified platforms has accelerated the adoption of secure access service edge (SASE), a cloud-based model that combines network and security functions into a single, flexible service. It is particularly relevant in remote and hybrid work environments where traditional security perimeters are no longer sufficient. Zero trust network access (ZTNA) — which forms part of the SASE framework — is becoming more prevalent, and SASE is leveraging edge computing to provide faster, more secure access to applications and data.

• ALSO READ → SASE: a guide to secure access service edge

And don’t forget cyberthreats

In the past 12 months, the ongoing surge in sophisticated attacks has left organizations scrambling to protect their data, and cybersecurity leaders like Palo Alto Networks expect 2025 to be the “year of disruption” as cyberattacks worsen. From ransomware that can lock down entire systems to AI-powered phishing scams, the threats are getting smarter and more dangerous. Deepfake phishing, where cybercriminals use AI to create convincing fake videos and audio messages, has become a real concern.

• ALSO READ → No more excuses: get your security house in order

So, what does all this mean for 2025? The digital landscape is evolving at breakneck speed, and organizations that want to thrive must keep finding innovative ways of adapting. The key is to stay informed and flexible while being ready to embrace the next big thing.

3 big trends to monitor in 2025

1. AI-driven cybersecurity capabilities

If you’ve ever felt like you’re playing a never-ending game of cat-and-mouse with cyberthreats, 2025 will be the year AI truly steps up to the plate and becomes the star player in cybersecurity. These smart systems analyze massive datasets in real time, spot anomalies that human eyes might miss and act to prevent attacks from happening. This proactive approach speeds up response times and makes your network more resilient.

Agentic AI is a trend to watch, as it revolutionizes network security by autonomously detecting and responding to threats in real time. Integrating agentic AI with zero trust security principles allows you to continuously verify and monitor network access, prevent unauthorized access and reduce the risk of data breaches. Additionally, agentic AI enables adaptive network management by dynamically adjusting your network configuration based on real-time traffic and threat analysis.

For example, in the manufacturing sector, agentic AI can monitor equipment health in facilities and optimize maintenance schedules. AI systems can also predict when machinery is likely to fail and schedule maintenance before issues arise, reducing downtime and improving the overall efficiency of a manufacturing facility.

The combination of these advanced AI capabilities and zero trust security principles creates a robust, adaptive and resilient cybersecurity framework that’s one step ahead of evolving threats.

2. Unified platforms, SASE and zero trust

As I’ve mentioned, unified platforms break down silos and provide IT teams with a single pane of glass to monitor everything from network traffic to security policies. The benefits are substantial: better visibility of network activities, streamlined management that saves time and reduces errors, and faster incident responses. Expect this technology to keep improving over the next 12 months.

SASE will gain even more traction in 2025. It’s the perfect solution for securing hybrid workforces and cloud environments because it keeps your data protected no matter where it’s accessed from. NTT DATA works with partners like Palo Alto Networks to offer robust SASE solutions that are easy to implement and manage.

“Never trust, always verify” isn’t just a catchy slogan; it's the new mantra for security strategies. Zero trust architectures will continue to proliferate in 2025, especially in hybrid work environments. Every access request, whether from an employee in the office or someone working remotely, is thoroughly authenticated and authorized. This approach eliminates the assumption that someone inside your network is safe by default.

• ALSO READ → Zero trust, SASE and AI: the power trio that keeps your network safe

3. Edge-to-cloud integration and 5G

The edge and the cloud are coming together to create powerful synergies in data processing and management.

Edge computing brings data processing closer to where data is generated at the edge of the network, reducing latency and improving real-time data handling. This makes it ideal for latency-sensitive tasks such as real-time analytics in healthcare, quick decision-making in manufacturing or any other applications that rely on immediate processing (think autonomous vehicles, smart cities and industrial automation). Meanwhile, the cloud takes care of centralized storage and large-scale processing.

But how are these synergies being realized? 5G technology provides the high bandwidth, low latency and increased capacity that edge-computing applications need, leading to faster decision-making and more efficient operations.

The rollout of 5G networks will therefore revolutionize connectivity in 2025, bringing higher speeds, lower latency and greater capacity to the table — but security measures need to evolve, too. New vulnerabilities will emerge, and organizations will have to be more vigilant than ever to secure their communications. It’s like upgrading your car to a super-fast sports model that still needs the latest safety features to keep you safe on the road.

Bring it all together

How do you make sense of all of these exciting developments for your organization? It is a complicated, never-ending task. That’s where an expert service provider like NTT DATA comes in: our full-stack experience covers everything from networks and the cloud to GenAI and security — and, importantly, how to make these all work together harmoniously.

Backed by more than five decades of expertise, we’re more than a partner — we’re an extension of your team. Dedicated to transforming and securing your network, we help you scale while delivering a faster time to improvement, superior experiences and the best technology for your organization.

Get in touch, and let’s enter 2025 together with confidence.