Thales: AI and Quantum as Threats at the Top of the Agenda for Security in 2025
A New Era of Digital Threats
In an age now defined by digitisation and fast-paced technological change, global security priorities are shifting rapidly. One of the companies in the vanguard of this evolution is Thales, the multinational French enterprise focusing on aerospace, defence, transportation, and security.
In Thales’ 2025 Security Report, two rising issues dominate both corporate and government security agendas:
- The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in cyberattacks
- The looming impact of quantum computing on encryption and data security
Thales, with its advanced cybersecurity technologies and strategic foresight, has made it clear: AI-powered attacks and quantum decryption are no longer hypothetical—they are imminent threats requiring urgent action.
The AI Security Dilemma: A Double-Edged Sword
AI has become a double-edged sword in the realm of cybersecurity.
- On one hand, it offers unprecedented capabilities in threat detection, behavior analysis, and automated response systems.
- On the other, it empowers cybercriminals to execute faster, stealthier, and more targeted attacks.
Evolving Threats
According to Thales, AI-based attacks have moved beyond traditional malware and phishing. Today’s threats include:
- Deepfakes
- Self-propagating bots
- Smart ransomware
These technologies are used to deceive users, compromise critical infrastructure, and disrupt essential services.
Cybercriminals are using generative AI to craft highly believable social engineering campaigns, making it difficult even for experienced users to spot fraudulent content.
“The fact is, AI has reduced the entry barrier for cybercriminals,” says Jean-Bernard Lévy, Thales cybersecurity strategist.
“For very little technical expertise, bad actors can now deploy tools we used to see being used by huge teams of hackers.”
The Shift to Proactive Defense
To combat this, Thales is investing in defensive AI, using machine learning models that adapt and evolve in real time. But the company stresses:
“Proactive AI threat hunting is the new imperative,” Lévy emphasizes.
“Enterprises need to use AI not just to defend, but to predict.”
Quantum Computing: A Future Threat with Present-Day Impact
While AI threats are current and active, quantum computing poses a long-term existential threat to cybersecurity.
The Quantum Challenge
Modern encryption systems like RSA and ECC rely on the difficulty of solving certain mathematical problems—problems that quantum computers will eventually crack with ease.
Thales’ report warns of the “harvest now, decrypt later” strategy—where attackers steal encrypted data now, anticipating the ability to decrypt it in the quantum future.
Consequences of Quantum Decryption
If successful, this could jeopardize:
- National security secrets
- Financial transactions
- Intellectual property
- Any long-term confidential data
A breach today could lead to catastrophic consequences years down the line.
Leading the Post-Quantum Charge
To combat these risks, Thales is driving initiatives in:
1. Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC)
Developing encryption systems believed to be resistant to both classical and quantum computing attacks.
2. International Collaboration
Working with:
- Governments
- Academic institutions
- Industry leaders
to establish and deploy quantum-safe encryption practices.
3. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)
Thales’ QKD solutions, currently in testing, aim to create unbreakable communication channels using principles of quantum mechanics.
Cyber Resilience: A Strategic Imperative
With the combined pressure from both AI and quantum threats, Thales is advocating for a holistic cybersecurity strategy.
Key Components of Modern Cyber Resilience
- Zero Trust Architecture: No device or user is trusted by default—even inside the network.
- Continuous Employee Training: Security starts with informed individuals.
- Real-Time Monitoring: Instant detection and reaction to anomalies.
- Incident Response Drills: Preparedness is critical for reducing downtime and impact.
“Cybersecurity isn’t just an IT issue—it’s a strategic imperative,” says Lévy.
“Boards, CEOs, and policymakers should treat it as such.”
Global Response and Regulatory Momentum
Regulatory Developments:
- European Union’s Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA)
Effective 2025, mandates higher cybersecurity standards for financial services and critical infrastructure. - U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
Issued quantum readiness guidelines to help organizations assess and adapt their encryption systems.
Thales plays an active role in shaping these global responses through public-private partnerships and advisory roles.
The Road Ahead
The convergence of AI and quantum technologies represents the most significant shift in cybersecurity in decades.
But Thales remains optimistic. With a focused blend of:
- Research
- Innovation
- Global cooperation
…the company believes worst-case outcomes can be avoided—but only if we act now.
“We are at an inflection point,” the report concludes.
“Those organizations that wait for certainty will be left behind.”
As we advance further into 2025, it’s evident:
AI and quantum threats are not future problems—they are today’s realities.
Thanks to global leaders like Thales, the world still has a fighting chance to stay one step ahead in the digital arms race.
But time is running out, and the decisions we make today will shape the security of tomorrow.
