5 Encrypted Attack Predictions for 2025

Zscaler ThreatLabz forecasts a 2025 surge in encrypted threats, noting that in 2024 most malicious activity was concealed in TLS/SSL and that malware, phishing, cryptojacking, and APT operations increasingly abused trusted cloud platforms. Predictions include AI-fueled scaling of attacks hidden in encrypted channels, adversaries archiving data for future post-quantum decryption, expanded misuse of services like Dropbox/OneDrive/Telegram, intensified APT use of encrypted communications, and stealthier low-volume encrypted C2; recommended defenses emphasize zero trust architecture with comprehensive TLS inspection, granular segmentation, deception, and data loss prevention (e.g., Zscaler ZIA/ZPA) to reduce attack surface, prevent compromise, and disrupt C2.