2025 Guide to Cybersecurity in Digital Transformation Projects

[ST # 71] Discover the 2025 guide to cybersecurity in digital transformation. Learn key threats, best practices, and strategies to protect your digital initiatives., some reference resources and more ✍️ [Securing Things by M. Yousuf Faisal]

Author

M. Yousuf Faisal
July 19, 2025

Disclaimer: All views presented here, in this newsletter, are my own.

Author or the newsletter are not liable for any actions taken by any individual or any organization / business / entity. The information provided is for education and awareness purposes only and is not specific to any business and or situation.

M. Yousuf Faisal

Hey, Yousuf here.

Hope you are doing well.

🔐📘- In 2025, the race for digital transformation is at full throttle — but so is the pace of cyber threats. As organizations embrace new technologies, the need for cybersecurity in digital transformation has never been more urgent.

This short guide including a short 20 min video training modules delivers practical advice, best practices, and the latest trends to help you protect your digital initiatives in a rapidly changing threat landscape.

You’ll discover why cybersecurity is foundational, what emerging risks you face, and how to build resilience into every stage of your journey.

Ready to take action?

Dive in to assess and strengthen your security posture for a future-proof transformation.🚨🔥

♻️if you know someone in your professional circle who will benefit from this guidance and or are interested in learning. Thanks 🌟 

Yours truly.

— Yousuf.

I see many of you visit the newsletter site, consume the content, however, a low percentage of you actually registers.

So before we begin, do me a favour and make sure you hit the “Subscribe” button to let me know that you care or liked what you’ve read and keep me motivated to publish more. Thanks!

Together with:

AI Notetakers Are Quietly Leaking Risk. Audit Yours With This Checklist.

AI notetakers are becoming standard issue in meetings, but most teams haven’t vetted them properly.

✔️ Is AI trained on your data?
✔️ Where is the data stored?
✔️ Can admins control what gets recorded and shared?

This checklist from Fellow lays out the non-negotiables for secure AI in the workplace.

If your vendor can’t check all the boxes, you need to ask why.

Digital Transformation & Cybersecurity Strategy📜

Yesterday I released a 20 mins masterclass session on steps involved for building an executing, both the - “Digital Transformation Strategy” and the “IT-OT Cybersecurity Strategy”.

In this ⏳20-minute short Masterclass, released yesterday, I explains steps for Digital Transformation and Cybersecurity Strategy execution and drawing parallels between the two.

Learn how to treat these not as separate projects but as a journey.

Are you part of a digital transformation or cybersecurity program? Ready to transform?

Every ambitious leader in digital and security needs this—don’t be the one who misses out.

Unlock the playbook in less than 20-min training, where I map out the striking similarities—and unique challenges—of building successful Digital Transformation and IT-OT Cybersecurity strategies.

From executive leadership to plant operations, this is your roadmap to create unstoppable momentum and bulletproof your operations.

I cover:
👉 Key steps in a digital transformation journey vs. a cybersecurity journey
👉 How CISOs, CTOs, CIOs and OT/IT teams can sync their objectives
👉 Aligns with industry-wide best practices via selection of appropriate framework.

What you'll get: Actionable advice from real-world experience.
This video sets the stage for our example IT & OT Cybersecurity Transformation Program Journey —

👉 Do Subscribe or click the🔔@SecuringThings

Transform your digital factory future with robust Digital Transformation & Cybersecurity.

Part of IT & OT CySEAT course -🔗 Learn more at Securing Things Academy and join the course waitlist for exclusive launch discount offer!

Cybersecurity in Digital Transformation Projects📜

The Critical Role of Cybersecurity in Digital Transformation

Digital transformation is redefining how asset owners / industrial orgs. operate, interact with customers, and deliver value.

It’s the process of integrating digital technology into every facet of a business, from back-end operations to customer-facing services.

This shift is not just about adopting new tools — it’s about fundamentally changing how value is created and delivered in an increasingly connected world.

Yet, as organizations embrace digital transformation, the importance of cybersecurity in digital transformation becomes undeniable.

Cybersecurity is not simply a technical add-on; it’s the bedrock that supports trust, protects digital assets, and ensures business continuity.

Without strong security measures, the very foundation of digital transformation initiatives is at risk.

Relying on digital systems — cloud platforms, mobile apps, IoT devices, and process automation — dramatically increases the attack surface.

Every new connection, API, or device is a potential entry point for attackers.

The threat landscape is evolving rapidly, with attackers using more sophisticated tactics than ever before.

According to Cybersecurity Governance in Digital Transformation, organizations that fail to integrate security governance into their digital strategies face a much higher risk of breaches and compliance failures.

Ignoring cybersecurity in digital transformation can have severe consequences.

Data breaches can expose sensitive customer or business information, leading to regulatory penalties, legal action, and loss of customer trust.

Operational disruptions from ransomware or DDoS attacks can halt critical services, causing financial losses and reputational damage that may take years to repair.

On the other hand, making cybersecurity in digital transformation a priority empowers organizations to innovate safely.

Secure environments enable the confident adoption of AI-driven solutions, cloud computing, and remote work models.

For example, healthcare providers targeted by ransomware have learned that robust security measures are essential for protecting patient data and maintaining service delivery.

Similarly, critical infrastructure operators facing DDoS attacks must rely on advanced defenses to keep vital systems running.

Ultimately, cybersecurity in digital transformation is not a barrier — it’s a powerful enabler.

By embedding security into every stage of digital initiatives, organizations can unlock new opportunities, foster innovation, and build lasting trust with customers and partners.

The evolving threat landscape of 2025 demands a proactive approach, ensuring that digital transformation is both transformative and secure.

Major Cyber Threats Facing Digital Transformation in 2025

The year 2025 brings unprecedented opportunities for organizations embracing digital transformation — but also a rapidly evolving threat landscape.

As more businesses migrate to the cloud, expand IoT deployments, and automate operations, cybercriminals are finding new ways to exploit vulnerabilities.

According to Cybersecurity Statistics and Trends 2025, attacks now happen every few seconds, with nearly half targeting small and midsize businesses.

Understanding the key threats is essential for strengthening cybersecurity in digital transformation efforts.

  • Ransomware and Extortion Attacks

  • Advanced Phishing and Social Engineering

  • Cloud Security Gaps

  • IoT and OT Vulnerabilities

  • Insider Threats and Human Error

  • Supply Chain and Third-Party Risks

Building a Cybersecurity Framework for Digital Transformation

  • Security by Design Principles

  • Data Protection and Privacy

  • Network and Endpoint Security

  • Incident Response and Recovery

  • Continuous Security Awareness and Training

Step-by-Step Guide to Securing Digital Transformation Initiatives

Embarking on digital transformation is a journey that demands more than just new technology—it requires a comprehensive, proactive approach to security. Organizations must address every layer of risk, from internal processes to external threats. By following this step-by-step guide, you can ensure that cybersecurity in digital transformation is not an afterthought but a strategic driver of success.

Checkout the steps defined in my 20 min video on parallels between Digital Transformation and IT-OT Cybersecurity training module - Link provided above.

Trends and Strategic Recommendations for 2025

As organizations accelerate digital initiatives, understanding future trends in cybersecurity in digital transformation is vital.

The threat landscape is evolving rapidly, and staying ahead requires embracing new technologies, frameworks, and strategic thinking.

Let’s explore the most important trends and actionable recommendations shaping cybersecurity in digital transformation for 2025.

  • AI and Machine Learning in Cybersecurity

  • Zero Trust and Beyond

  • Security for Edge Computing and 5G

  • Cybersecurity for Remote and Hybrid Workforces

  • Supply Chain Security Innovations.

Strategic Recommendations for CISOs and Business Leaders

To drive effective cybersecurity in digital transformation, leaders should invest in adaptive security architectures and cyber resilience.

Foster collaboration between IT, OT, and business units to build a unified defense. Developing talent is critical — enrol teams in specialized programs like the Cybersecurity training academy to instil a security-first mindset.

Reward secure behaviours and promote ongoing awareness.

Finally, prioritize a flexible approach to cybersecurity in digital transformation, enabling innovation while managing risk.

By embracing these recommendations, organizations can confidently navigate the evolving security landscape of 2025.

As we’ve explored, navigating digital transformation in 2025 means staying ahead of evolving threats and making cybersecurity a core part of your strategy.

If you’re ready to take your organization’s security to the next level,

let’s talk about how you can protect your digital initiatives — whether you’re looking for tailored advice, risk assessments, or help building a security-first culture across IT and OT.

I am here to support your journey every step of the way.

Have questions or want to discuss your unique challenges?

Contact Us — we’re here to help you innovate securely and confidently.

My Recent Most Viewed Social Posts:

In case you’ve missed - here are some of my recent most viewed social posts.

Ways in which I can help?

Whenever you are ready - I can help you with:

A - IT & OT Cybersecurity Advisory / Consulting services - for securing your business and or its digital transformation journey.

B - Security Awareness Training & Phishing Awareness Portal - Train your staff and build a Security awareness program through our subscription based service.

C - Securing Things Academy (STA) - Security trainings for IT & OT practitioners.

Visit the newsletter website for Links to above services and or reach out at info[at]securingthings[dot]com or DM me via LinkedIn.

D - Securing Things Newsletter - Sponsor this newsletter to showcase your brand globally, or subscribe to simply Get Smarter at Securing Things.

Reach out at newsletter[at]securingthings[dot]com or DM me via LinkedIn.

How are we doing?

I invite you as part of #SecuringThings community to share your feedback.

Rate the newsletter content

Did you find the content valuable?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Your feedback and input is invaluable to me as we work together to strengthen our cybersecurity defenses and create a safer and smarter digital society.

Let us know how we can improve this and or what you’d like to see in future?

Thank you for your trust and continued support.

Do register, validate your email, and request login link to submit poll to be able to enter a chance to win a future course giveaway.

Thanks for reading - until the next edition!

It’s a Great Day to Start Securing Things for a Smart & Safer Society.

Take care and Best Regards,

M. Yousuf Faisal (Advice | Consult Cyber & business leaders in their journey on Securing Things (IT, OT/ICS, IIOT, digital transformation, Industry 4.0, & AI) & share everything I learn on this Newsletter | and upcoming Academy). 

Follow Securing Things on LinkedIn | X/Twitter & YouTube.

Reply

or to participate.