Cybersecurity trends for Biotechs in 2025

In 2025, the biotechnology (biotech) sector will continue to be one of the most exposed to cyber threats.

Biotechs handle critical information such as genetic data, intellectual property research, and patient medical records. This type of data is not only essential for scientific advancement, but it also holds significant value on the black market (dark web), making the sector a prime target for cybercrime.

Cybersecurity in biotechs is not just a technical requirement driven by the law; it is also a strategic pillar when attracting investors, collaborators, or even building trust with patients and partners.

Context: cybersecurity in Biotechs

The biotech sector faces an ever-evolving threat landscape. According to recent studies, 70% of biotechs have experienced attempted cyberattacks in the last three years, with ransomware and industrial espionage being the most common threats. Additionally, the growing digitalization and integration of technologies such as medical IoT and remote work have significantly expanded the attack surface.

In 2025, biotechs must not only protect their internal systems but also ensure the security of their entire supply chain, including external vendors and collaborators. This is where managed cybersecurity solutions (proactive cybersecurity) come into play, allowing companies to delegate the protection of their systems to experts, optimizing resources, and minimizing risks.

Tendencias en ciberseguridad para el sector Biotech

Artificial intelligence and predictive cybersecurity

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming cybersecurity. In 2025, biotechs will adopt AI-powered tools to prevent threats before they occur. These systems can analyze millions of data points in real-time, identify anomalous patterns, and issue alerts for potential attacks.

For example, an AI system can detect unusual behavior on the network, such as unauthorized access to sensitive data, and automatically block the intruder. This technology not only improves threat detection but also reduces response times, a critical factor in mitigating the impact of cyberattacks.

At ESED, we work with endpoints that incorporate MDR technology for 24/7 automated threat detection and elimination.

Managed cybersecurity: The solution for Biotechs

Managed cybersecurity is becoming a key trend for 2025. This approach allows biotechs to outsource their security management to specialized providers who handle monitoring, detection, and response to threats 24/7.

The benefits of this model include:

• Acces to specialized: Biotech companies can benefit from the expertise of highly qualified professionals.
• Cost optimization: Reduces the need to maintain an internal team dedicated exclusively to cybersecurity.
• Constant updates: Managed providers ensure that security solutions are always updated against the latest threats.

Additionally, managed cybersecurity is particularly valuable for small and medium-sized biotechs that may not have large IT infrastructure budgets but still require robust protection.

Intellectual property and sensitive data protection

One of the biggest risks for biotechs is intellectual property (IP) theft. Cybercriminals aim to steal data from advanced research to sell it to competitors or foreign governments.

To protect IP, it is essential to implement strategies such as:

• Cifrado de extremo a extremo: Ensuring that data is protected both in transit and at rest.
  
  
• Control de acceso basado en roles (RBAC): Restricting access to sensitive data only to authorized employees.
  
  
• Soluciones de gestión de identidad y acceso (IAM): These tools ensure that only the right individuals can access critical systems.

Regulatory compliance as a Pillar of Cybersecurity

In Europe, compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a legal requirement for biotechs handling personal data. By 2025, regulations will be even stricter, with a particular focus on the healthcare and biotech sectors through the mandatory implementation of the NIS2 Directive.

Companies must ensure that their systems comply with regulations and conduct regular audits to identify potential compliance gaps. Additionally, non-compliance fines can be devastating, not only financially but also for corporate reputation.

Cyberattack prevention in the Era of Hybrid work

Remote and hybrid work will continue to be a reality in 2025. However, this work model presents unique cybersecurity challenges. Employees accessing corporate systems from home networks or personal devices increase the risk of attacks.

To mitigate these risks, biotechs should implement:

• Multifacto authentication (MFA): Adding an extra layer of security to login processes
• Secure VPNs: Protecting the connection between employees and corporate systems.
• Gestión de dispositivos móviles (MDM): Ensuring that all devices used by employees comply with the company's security policies.

Security in Medical IoT

The adoption of the Internet of Things (IoT) in biotechs and clinical environments is transforming the industry, but it also introduces significant risks. Poorly protected IoT devices can be used as entry points for cybercriminals.

Biotechs must prioritize IoT security by:

• Network segmentation: Separating IoT devices from the rest of the infrastructure.
• Regular firmware updates: Ensuring all devices are protected against known vulnerabilities.
• Constant monitoring: Monitoring network traffic associated with IoT devices to detect suspicious activities.

Employee education and awareness

The human factor remains the weakest link in cybersecurity. In 2025, biotechs must invest in ongoing training programs for their employees. Awareness of phishing, secure password practices, and identifying potential threats are critical to preventing cyberattacks.

Additionally, periodic attack simulations can be conducted to assess employee preparedness and adjust training strategies as needed.