AI & Quantum: CyManII CEO Talks its Effects in Cyber in 2025

With the threat landscape evolving faster than ever, it can seem hard to take the pulse of the cybersecurity industry and understand what to watch out for. 

Yet, with advancements in quantum computing and AI presenting both unprecedented opportunities and significant risk, the focus sharpens on equipping critical infrastructure and organisations with the tools necessary to counter these complex challenges.

But just how exactly is industry attempting to address this? To explore the key developments shaping cybersecurity in 2024 and beyond, we spoke with Howard Grimes, CEO of the Cybersecurity Manufacturing Innovation Institute (CyManII). 

Preparing for the quantum era

Quantum computing looms as both a transformative force and a potential disruptor to current cybersecurity frameworks. 

Reflecting on the year’s progress, Howard emphasised, “We’re in a critical preparation era for quantum computing—to be ready to secure our digital infrastructure against quantum computers, which are expected to nullify some of today’s cryptographic safeguards.”

This preparation took a significant step forward in August 2024, when the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) introduced three post-quantum cryptography standards. 

These standards, built after eight years of global collaboration with top cryptographers, aim to secure systems against future quantum threats. 

While Howard acknowledges the importance of this milestone, he points to a key challenge ahead: “The next big challenge is deploying quantum-resistant encryption at scale, especially in critical sectors like manufacturing and supply chains.”

The urgency lies in transitioning legacy and next-generation systems to these standards. Howard notes that such large-scale deployment will require automated solutions, as manual updates across endpoints would be untenable. 

By prioritising this transition, industries can mitigate the risks posed by quantum-powered cyberattacks.

The AI threat landscape

AI, while integral to many modern innovations, also introduces heightened risks to cybersecurity. 

Howard highlighted a sobering trend for 2025: “Malicious actors will harness the power of AI to orchestrate ever more sophisticated and targeted attacks.” 

This escalation necessitates a proactive response, with organisations integrating AI-enabled threat detection and automated response capabilities into their cybersecurity frameworks.

This dual use of AI—as both a tool for defenders and attackers—demands a shift from traditional defensive approaches to dynamic, AI-driven systems capable of identifying and neutralising threats in real time.

Building resilience across infrastructures

Beyond quantum computing and AI, the security of critical infrastructures such as 5G networks and supply chains remains paramount. 

“5G network vulnerabilities are already enormous, and as more networks are deployed, these vulnerabilities increase almost exponentially,” Howard explains. 

Embedding robust security measures into these infrastructures will be essential to reducing attacks and enhancing resilience.

Supply chain security, a recurring challenge, also requires renewed attention. Howard predicts innovations such as “trust-based” supply chains will emerge, allowing organisations to vet each component comprehensively. 

Combined with stronger vendor risk assessments and incident response planning, these measures aim to bolster overall system integrity.

A proactive path forward

As cybersecurity threats grow in complexity, the need for a proactive and defensive mindset becomes non-negotiable. 

Howard’s key takeaway for organisations moving into 2025 is clear: “Take cybersecurity seriously and develop proactive, defence-first strategies to minimise risk and limit damage.” 

Whether through adopting zero-trust architectures or transitioning to post-quantum cryptography, the foundation for future resilience lies in strategic preparation.

With advancements in quantum computing, AI, and network technologies continuing to redefine the digital landscape, organisations must adapt swiftly. 

The future of cybersecurity will depend on how effectively industries and governments can anticipate threats and implement robust, forward-thinking solutions.

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