The top 10 tech trends to watch in 2025

As 2025 approaches, new technology and increasing security challenges are changing the priorities of IT leaders and organizations worldwide. Keeping updated on the latest tech trends is crucial to staying competitive. Developments like customized AI models and built-in security are set to transform how we live, work, and interact. These trends will have a big impact on industries and society. The coming year will require a proactive approach to innovation, efficiency, and risk management. 

In this article, we’ll dive into what our experts believe will be the top tech trends for 2025, highlighting what’s poised to make a big impact. 

1. The rise of ‘Bring Your Own’ AI models 

In 2025, "Bring Your Own" (BYO) models like “Bring Your Own Data Lake” or “Bring Your Own LLM” are expected to gain popularity, driven by clear benefits. According to Gartner, 75% of enterprises will shift from piloting to operationalizing AI in 2025, which requires scalable and cost-efficient tools. Rather than relying on pre-configured solutions, companies will be able to use proprietary large language models (LLMs) or data lakes, particularly in complex tech stacks.  

This shift simplifies workflows by removing repetitive AI model training. It allows businesses to seamlessly integrate customized AI tailored to their data. It also supports more personalized, efficient, and scalable AI use across enterprise applications. 

2. A shared responsibility for cybersecurity 

In 2025, with tech stacks becoming even more interconnected, security standards will need to evolve. The challenge will be protecting customer data as it moves through third parties in this ecosystem. In fact, a report by IBM shows that the average cost of a data breach in 2024 reached $4.88 million globally, with 61% of breaches involving third-party partners.  

Therefore, companies need to take a shared responsibility approach to data safety. This means using strong encryption, enforcing access controls, and auditing vendors. These steps help protect data while ensuring accountability for everyone involved. 

3. A growing impact of security failures on company reputation 

The risk of reputational damage from data leaks has never been greater. Today, both companies and their partners are held accountable by the public. If a vendor’s security fails, it can shatter customer trust and hurt your bottom line. A PwC survey revealed that 85% of consumers won’t do business with a company if they don’t trust its data practices. 

Tech and product leaders need to put customers first by making cybersecurity a key focus of their operations. By 2025, they should take control of data and meet customer expectations to build and maintain trust in a data-driven world. 

4. Using integrated security as a competitive edge 

In 2025, security must be integrated into the tech stack from the start, not as an afterthought. This "baked-in" approach not only enhances protection but also serves as a competitive edge. 71% of customers say they’re more likely to trust a company if it explains how it uses their data. And with AI and analytics managing vast amounts of sensitive information, 66% of tech leaders now rank cyber as their top risk for mitigation. 

The rise of BYO models and integrated systems is also driving the need for upskilling tech teams. Significantly, 56% of businesses plan to pursue training for their cybersecurity workforce to handle shared responsibility models more effectively. Companies that prioritize security as a core operation will stay ahead of evolving data and reputational risks, positioning themselves for long-term success. CTOs will play a key role in protecting data, building trust, and safeguarding brand reputation. 

5. Managing tight budgets and limited resources 

In 2025, CTOs face the challenge of driving innovation amid tighter budgets and smaller teams. A Spiceworks Ziff Davis report shows 92% of companies plan to adopt cost-saving measures across people, processes, or technology, with an average of four initiatives per organization. 

As a result, CTOs will need to focus on high-impact investments, such as scalable cloud solutions, to reduce infrastructure costs and develop transformative technology more efficiently. The focus will shift to lean development methods, encouraging CTOs to prioritize cost-effective strategies to achieve proof of concept before committing to full AI rollouts. 

6. Balancing AI innovation with cost management 

AI and analytics are set to continue playing a major role in 2025, with the global AI market projected to reach $190 billion. However, their high upfront costs are still a challenge, especially for budget-conscious companies. A report by CustomGPT.ai shows that nearly 60% of small businesses cite cost as a major hurdle to adopting new technologies like AI. 

To maximize value, businesses should prioritize AI investments that deliver measurable outcomes, such as automating processes or improving customer support. For example, McKinsey reports that AI-driven automation can reduce operational costs by up to 20%. Focusing on high-impact areas ensures better ROI, while applying AI to less critical tasks may not justify the investment. Avoiding a scattergun approach will be key to achieving meaningful results. 

7. The importance of iteration for success 

With global digital transformation spending projected to hit 3.9 trillion U.S. dollars by 2027, organisations are realising that large, one-off transformation projects often lead to failure. The risks of "big bang" transformations, including cost overruns and delays, are well-known. 

In 2025, businesses need to adopt a phased approach to digital transformation, focusing on smaller, manageable stages for continuous improvement. McKinsey reports that companies using iterative transformation approaches are 50% more likely to achieve their digital aims within two years. For CTOs, this means prioritizing risks from emerging technologies and AI to deliver value faster and build a more flexible, sustainable strategy. 

8. Identity verification over email will become critical 

Email has been around for decades and has seen improvements in security, but one major problem persists: it still doesn’t have built-in identity verification. This is a big issue, given that 91% of phishing attacks start with email. Without identity verification, email is still vulnerable, especially as cyberattacks, data breaches, and fraud become more advanced.  

Improving identity verification in email protocols could drastically reduce these risks. For businesses, making identity verification part of their email systems is crucial. It’s a key step in protecting sensitive information and ensuring safer, more reliable communication in both personal and professional settings. 

9. Finding the right balance between efficiency and security 

By 2025, more organizations will turn to email productivity tools that improve efficiency while protecting privacy and data. According to Statista, the global market for productivity software is projected to reach $81.2 billion in 2025, showing the increasing demand for these tools. While these tools streamline workflows, businesses must also ensure they follow strict security rules. New companies in this space will need to prioritize strong, enterprise-level security to succeed. 

Looking ahead, quantum computing could transform email security by disrupting current encryption standards. A report from the National Academy of Sciences warns that quantum computers could break today’s encryption methods within 10 to 20 years. Though still in its early stages, quantum technology could quickly render existing security measures obsolete, leaving sensitive communications at risk. Like the rapid progress of AI, advancements in quantum computing may arrive sooner than expected, making early preparation critical. 

10. The growing need for IT's input in shaping the martech stack 

In 2025, IT teams will play a crucial role in driving the shift toward more open and integrated ecosystems for email and martech tools. As businesses move away from relying solely on providers like Microsoft and Google, IT professionals will need to evaluate flexible solutions that meet both technical and operational needs. With 39% of organizations citing integrations as the top factor in choosing software, IT must ensure that new tools seamlessly connect with existing systems.   

For instance, IT teams may implement email signature management platforms to enhance branding and compliance, while ensuring compatibility with Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace. IT's involvement will be key to enabling this shift, balancing innovation with security and operational efficiency, and driving a more agile, collaborative martech ecosystem. 

Staying ahead in 2025 

While we can only predict the top tech trends for 2025, one thing is clear—IT professionals must keep innovating to stay competitive. Staying ahead will mean embracing solutions that save time, improve efficiency, and keep your company secure. 

Exclaimer will be a key player in the tech landscape of 2025, saving IT teams time and improving efficiency. Its advanced automation removes the need for manually managing email signatures across your organization. Built on secure cloud-based technology, Exclaimer ensures data protection and compliance while integrating easily with existing email systems. 

Embrace innovation in 2025 with Exclaimer. Sign up for a free trial or schedule a demo to see how we can drive your success.