Compliance has long grown beyond another chore to check off a to-do list, becoming a key part of operational integrity and strategic foresight. In 2025, the business world operates in a world of shifting goalposts created by evolving global data privacy laws, newly developed frameworks of AI governance, and cross-border data transfers. Non-compliance comes with considerable financial penalties, loss of reputation, and disruption to business operations. That’s why organizations must remain on top of their compliance requirements.
This article explores the key compliance trends shaping 2025, including data privacy and AI regulations, and outlines actionable strategies to help your business remain compliant while safeguarding your operations against cyber threats.
The tightening grip of data privacy regulations
Data privacy laws have generally become stricter worldwide in recent years. Laws like the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and California’s Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) have set a high bar regarding privacy standards, and new regulations in countries like India, Brazil, and even China add layers of complexity. The trend in 2025 seems quite clear: governments are enacting more comprehensive laws that demand increased accountability and transparency from businesses.
For example, regulations now focus on user consent, secure data storage, and stricter breach notification timelines. Companies will also have to consider the regional nuances in the way laws are applied. Cross-border data transfers, especially between jurisdictions with differing standards, have come under increasing scrutiny.
Specifically, regulations such as PCI and HIPAA are cracking down on consumer privacy laws. By March 25, 2025, PCI will require the implementation of advanced defense solutions such as WAF for compliance, while HIPAA enforces harsh penalties on non-compliance that can reach up to $1.5 million a year. Non-compliance with other regulatory bodies can also result in large fines. For example, CCPA fines generally range between $2500 to $7500 per single violation, and GDPR fines can reach a staggering €20 million, or 4% of the organization’s total global turnover.
Businesses need robust mechanisms that can help them comply with diverse laws and avoid the consequences of non-compliance while maintaining seamless data operations across borders. Another option is to outsource compliance by using a global technology infrastructure provider like Gcore, automating adherence to local storage laws.
AI governance enters the spotlight
The integration of AI into daily business processes has led to the development of AI governance frameworks. These frameworks handle ethical concerns, reduce algorithmic biases, and increase transparency. For companies, this means following a set of guidelines that dictates how AI processes sensitive data and interacts with users.
In 2025, organizations that have been using AI-powered tools for analytics, customer service, or threat detection must be ready for audits that scrutinize AI-driven decision-making processes. Compliance will involve documenting AI workflows, assessing the fairness of algorithms, and avoiding the misuse of AI technologies in ways that might infringe on individual privacy rights.
AI governance is far more than just a regulatory requirement; it’s a trust-building measure. As customers grow wary of how their data is used, demonstrating ethical AI practices can enhance customer confidence and loyalty.
Navigating cross-border data transfer laws
Globalization has integrated the economy digitally, but there are still some challenges in managing data transfer between regions with different compliance standards. Regulations such as GDPR do not allow data transfers to countries with relatively weak data protection laws, compelling businesses to create additional safeguards.
Geopolitical dynamics will complicate these challenges in 2025. An increasing number of countries are developing data residency laws and other localized data storage mandates that require data to stay within their borders. Businesses must start investing in region-specific infrastructure or finding service providers that can meet these local mandate requirements.
The role of security in compliance
Security and compliance are interrelated. The threat landscape changes daily, and organizations must prove their rigorous security standards to counter emerging threats in order to meet regulatory expectations. The development of ransomware, phishing campaigns, and AI threats places greater burdens on organizations to safeguard their systems.
Modern no-touch security solutions are at the heart of compliance today, from encryption, which protects sensitive data, to intrusion detection systems that flag unauthorized access attempts. Such solutions help organizations take legal standards into account when planning their self-defense efforts. This can be further enhanced through real-time monitoring and mechanisms for automated response to better cope with dynamic threat landscapes.
Why non-compliance is not an option
By 2025, the implications of non-compliance will extend beyond sanctions and fines. Data breaches and violations result in damaged reputations, disruptions of customer trust, and interference with business processes. To survive in competitive markets, organizations will need competitive differentiators such as compliance. Compliance shows that an organization is ethical and serious about its customers’ security, which will benefit customers, investors, and other stakeholders.
5 proactive strategies for staying compliant
While changing regulations may make compliance feel more arbitrary than ever and tough to understand, proactive strategies can help organizations stay ahead of fast-evolving regulations.
1. Continuous monitoring and auditing
The complexity of modern compliance requires constant monitoring. Companies should establish tools that can facilitate real-time visibility into the flow of data, permissions for access, and the realization of vulnerabilities. Regular audits help ensure that all systems and processes are within the confines of regulatory standards and can withstand investigations into possible infractions.
2. Adaptive security technologies
Compliance meets the legal requirements demanded by regulating bodies and creates a secure environment that prevents breaches and unauthorized access. Advanced security, such as risk-based access control and behavioral monitoring, significantly improves protection and compliance. These technologies adapt to emerging threats while automatically enforcing security policies across systems.
3. Automation
Automation has become key to maintaining compliance. By automating most routine tasks, such as record-keeping, reporting, and monitoring access, compliance processes can be made less prone to error and simpler. Automation also means an organization can easily scale its security and compliance as it expands.
4. Employee training and awareness
Human error remains a major cause of data breaches. Regular training ensures that employees are compliant when it comes to protecting sensitive information and able to recognize phishing attempts. Compliance training needs to be a continuous process, with updates as laws and standards evolve. For example, AI phishing presents a new challenge to businesses, likely requiring employee re-training.
5. Trusted service providers
Vendors or service providers that prioritize global compliance can significantly reduce a business’ workload. Choosing a platform with already-developed compliance features and edge capabilities—like Gcore—means your organization is one step ahead in preparing for regulatory challenges. This can reduce the human resources required to comply, automating most compliance processes across regions.
How Gcore simplifies global compliance
Companies facing compliance challenges need trustworthy, scalable solutions to address security and regulatory demands simultaneously. To that end, Gcore developed a variety of advanced security solutions.
- Gcore WAAP protects organizations from the most relevant threats while securing data integrity
- Gcore DDoS Protection reduces the risk that could lead an organization to non-compliance with incident response timelines
- Gcore CDN enables seamless data transfers, conforming to cross-border requirements thanks to a global network of 180+ points of presence
By combining some of the world’s most progressive security technologies with a commitment to user experience, Gcore enables organizations to reduce compliance complexity while staying one step ahead of emerging threats. With the right tools and a proactive approach, businesses can turn compliance from a challenge into an opportunity for growth and innovation.
Get a complimentary consultation about your business’ global compliance requirements
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The rise of DDoS attacks on Minecraft and gaming
The gaming industry is a prime target for distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, which flood servers with malicious traffic to disrupt gameplay. These attacks can cause server outages, leading to player frustration, and financial losses.Minecraft, one of the world’s most popular games with 166 million monthly players, is no exception. But this isn’t just a Minecraft problem. From Call of Duty to GTA, gaming servers worldwide face relentless DDoS attacks as the most-targeted industry, costing game publishers and server operators millions in lost revenue.This article explores what’s driving this surge in gaming-related DDoS attacks, and what lessons can be learned from Minecraft’s experience.How DDoS attacks have disrupted MinecraftMinecraft’s open-ended nature makes it a prime testing ground for cyberattacks. Over the years, major Minecraft servers have been taken down by large-scale DDoS incidents:MCCrash botnet attack: A cross-platform botnet targeted private Minecraft servers, crashing thousands of them in minutes.Wynncraft MC DDoS attack: A Mirai botnet variant launched a multi-terabit DDoS attack on a large Minecraft server. Players could not connect, disrupting gameplay and forcing the server operators to deploy emergency mitigation efforts to restore service.SquidCraft Game attack: DDoS attackers disrupted a Twitch Rivals tournament, cutting off an entire competing team.Why are Minecraft servers frequent DDoS targets?DDoS attacks are widespread in the gaming industry, but certain factors make gaming servers especially vulnerable. Unlike other online services, where brief slowdowns might go unnoticed, even a few milliseconds of lag in a competitive game can ruin the experience. Attackers take advantage of this reliance on stability, using DDoS attacks to create chaos, gain an unfair edge, or even extort victims.Gaming communities rely on always-on availabilityUnlike traditional online services, multiplayer games require real-time responsiveness. A few seconds of lag can ruin a match, and server downtime can send frustrated players to competitors. Attackers exploit this pressure, launching DDoS attacks to disrupt gameplay, extort payments, or damage reputations.How competitive gaming fuels DDoS attacksUnlike other industries where cybercriminals seek financial gain, many gaming DDoS attacks are fueled by rivalry. Attackers might:Sabotage online tournaments by forcing competitors offline.Target popular streamers, making their live games unplayable.Attack rival servers to drive players elsewhere.Minecraft has seen all of these scenarios play out.The rise of DDoS-for-hire servicesDDoS attacks used to require technical expertise. Now, DDoS-as-a-service platforms offer attacks for as little as $10 per hour, making it easier than ever to disrupt gaming servers. The increasing accessibility of these attacks is a growing concern, especially as large-scale incidents continue to emerge.How gaming companies can defend against DDoS attacksWhile attacks are becoming more sophisticated, effective defenses do exist. By implementing proactive security measures, gaming companies can minimize risks and maintain uninterrupted gameplay for customers. Here are four key strategies to protect gaming servers from DDoS attacks.#1 Deploy always-on DDoS protectionGame publishers and server operators need real-time, automated DDoS mitigation. Gcore DDoS Protection analyzes traffic patterns, filters malicious requests, and keeps gaming servers online, even during an attack. In July 2024, Gcore mitigated a massive 1 Tbps DDoS attack on Minecraft servers, highlighting how gaming platforms remain prime targets. While the exact source of such attacks isn’t always straightforward, their frequency and intensity reinforce the need for robust security measures to protect gaming communities from service disruptions.#2 Strengthen network securityGaming companies can reduce attack surfaces in the following ways:Using rate limiting to block excessive requestsImplementing firewalls and intrusion detection systemsObfuscating server IPs to prevent attackers from finding them#3 Educate players and moderatorsSince many DDoS attacks come from within gaming communities, education is key. Server admins, tournament organizers, and players should be trained to recognize and report suspicious behavior.#4 Monitor for early attack indicatorsDDoS attacks often start with warning signs: sudden traffic spikes, frequent disconnections, or network slowdowns. Proactive monitoring can help stop attacks before they escalate.Securing the future of online gamingDDoS attacks against Minecraft servers are part of a broader trend affecting the gaming industry. Whether driven by competition, extortion, or sheer disruption, these attacks compromise gameplay, frustrate players, and cause financial losses. Learning from Minecraft’s challenges can help server operators and game developers build stronger defenses and prevent similar attacks across all gaming platforms.While proactive measures like traffic monitoring and server hardening are essential, investing in purpose-built DDoS protection is the most effective way to guarantee uninterrupted gameplay and protect gaming communities. Gcore provides advanced, multi-layered DDoS protection specifically designed for gaming servers, including countermeasures tailored to Minecraft and other gaming servers. With a deep understanding of the industry’s security challenges, we help server owners keep their platforms secure, responsive, and resilient—no matter the type of attack.Want to take the next step in securing your gaming servers?Download our ultimate guide to preventing Minecraft DDoS
How AI enhances bot protection and anti-automation measures
Bots and automated attacks have become constant issues for organizations across industries, threatening everything from website availability to sensitive customer data. As these attacks become increasingly sophisticated, traditional bot mitigation methods struggle to keep pace. Businesses face a growing need to protect their applications, APIs, and data without diminishing the efficiency of essential automated parts and bots that enhance user experiences.That’s where AI comes in. AI-enabled WAAP is a game-changing solution that marries the adaptive intelligence of AI with information gleaned from historical data. This means WAAP can detect and neutralize malicious bot and anti-automation activity with unprecedented precision. Read on to discover how.The bot problem: why automation threats are growingJust a decade ago, use cases for AI and bots were completely different than they are today. While some modern use cases are benign, such as indexing search engines or helping to monitor website performance, malicious bots account for a large proportion of web traffic. Malicious bots have grown from simple machines that follow scripts to complex creations that can convincingly simulate human behaviors.What makes bots particularly dangerous is their ability to evade detection by mimicking human-like patterns. Simple measures like CAPTCHA tests or IP blocking no longer suffice. Businesses need more intelligent systems capable of identifying and mitigating these evolving threats without impacting real users.Defeating automation threats with AI and machine learningToday’s bots don’t just click on links. They fake human activity convincingly, and defeating them involves a lot more than just simple detection. Battling modern bots requires fighting fire with fire by implementing machine learning and AI to create defensive strategies such as blocking credential stuffing, blocking data scraping, and performing behavioral tagging and profiling.Blocking credential stuffingCredential stuffing is a form of attack in which stolen login credentials are used to gain access to user accounts. AI/ML systems can identify such an attack by patterns, including multiple failed logins or logins from unusual locations. These systems learn with each new attempt, strengthening their defenses after every attack attempt.Data scraping blockingScraping bots can harvest everything from pricing data to intellectual property. AI models detect these through the repetitive patterns of requests or abnormally high frequencies of interactions. Unlike basic anti-scraping tools, AI learns new ways that scraping is done, keeping businesses one step ahead.Behavioral tagging and profilingAI-powered systems are quite good at analyzing user behavior. They study the tendencies of session parameters, IP addresses, and interaction rates. For instance, most regular users save session data, while bots do not prioritize this action. The AI system flags suspicious behavior and highlights the user in question for review.These systems also count the recurrence of certain actions, such as clicks or requests. The AI is supposed to build an in-depth profile for every IP or user and find something out of the ordinary to suggest a way to block or throttle the traffic.IP rescoring for smarter detectionOne of the unique capabilities of AI-driven bot protection is Dynamic IP Scoring. Based on external behavior data and threat intelligence, each incoming IP is accorded a risk score. For example, an IP displaying a number of failed login attempts could be suspicious. If it persists, that score worsens, and the system blocks the traffic.This dynamic scoring system does not focus on mere potential threats. It also allows IPs to “recover” if their behavior normalizes, reducing false positives and helping to ensure that real users are not inadvertently blocked.Practical insights: operationalizing AI-driven bot protectionImplementing AI/ML-driven bot protection requires an understanding of both the technology and the operational context in which it’s deployed. Businesses can take advantage of several unique features offered by platforms like Gcore WAAP:Tagging system synergy: Technology-generated tags, like the Gcore Tagging and Analysis Classification and Tagging (TACT) engine, are used throughout the platform to enforce fine-grained security policies and share conclusions and information between various solution components. Labeling threats allows users to easily track potential threats, provides input for ML analysis, and contributes data to an attacker profile that can be applied and acted on globally. This approach ensures an interlinked approach in which all components interact to mitigate threats effectively.Scalable defense mechanisms: With businesses expanding their online footprints, platforms like Gcore scale seamlessly to accommodate new users and applications. The cloud-based architecture makes continuous learning and adaptation possible, which is critical to long-term protection against automation threats.Cross-domain knowledge sharing: One of the salient features of Gcore WAAP is cross-domain functionality, which means the platform can draw from a large shared database of user behavior and threat intelligence. Even newly onboarded users immediately benefit from the insights gained by the platform from its historical data and are protected against previously encountered threats.Security insights: Gcore WAAP’s Security Insights feature provides visibility into security configurations and policy enforcement, helping users identify disabled policies that may expose them to threats. While the platform’s tagging system, powered by the TACT engine, classifies traffic and identifies potential risks, separate microservices handle policy recommendations and mitigation strategies. This functionality reduces the burden on security teams while enhancing overall protection.API discovery and protection: API security is among the most targeted entry points for automated attacks due to APIs’ ability to open up data exchange between applications. Protecting APIs requires advanced capabilities that can accurately identify suspicious activities without disrupting legitimate traffic. Gcore WAAP’s API discovery engine achieves this with a 97–99% accuracy rate, leveraging AI/ML to detect and prevent threats.Leveraging collective intelligence: Gcore WAAP’s cross-domain functionality creates a shared database of known threats and behaviors, allowing data from one client to protect the entire customer base. New users benefit immediately from the platform’s historical insights, bypassing lengthy learning curves. For example, a flagged suspicious IP can be automatically blocked across the network for faster, more efficient protection.Futureproof your security with Gcore’s AI-enabled WAAPBusinesses are constantly battling increasingly sophisticated botnet threats and have to be much more proactive regarding their security mechanisms. AI and machine learning have become integral to fighting bot-driven attacks, providing an unprecedented level of precision and flexibility that no traditional security systems can keep up with. With advanced behavior analysis, adaptive threat models, and cross-domain knowledge sharing, Gcore WAAP establishes new standards of bot protection.Curious to learn more about WAAP? Check out our ebook for cybersecurity best practices, the most common threats to look out for, and how WAAP can safeguard your businesses’ digital assets. Or, get in touch with our team to learn more about Gcore WAAP.Learn why WAAP is essential for modern businesses with a free ebook
How to choose the right technology tools to combat digital piracy
One of the biggest challenges facing the media and entertainment industry is digital piracy, where stolen content is redistributed without authorization. This issue causes significant revenue and reputational losses for media companies. Consumers who use these unregulated services also face potential threats from malware and other security risks.Governments, regulatory bodies, and private organizations are increasingly taking the ramifications of digital piracy seriously. In the US, new legislation has been proposed that would significantly crack down on this type of activity, while in Europe, cloud providers are being held liable by the courts for enabling piracy. Interpol and authorities in South Korea have also teamed up to stop piracy in its tracks.In the meantime, you can use technology to help stop digital piracy and safeguard your company’s assets. This article explains anti-piracy technology tools that can help content providers, streaming services, and website owners safeguard their proprietary media: geo-blocking, digital rights management (DRM), secure tokens, and referrer validation.Geo-blockingGeo-blocking (or country access policy) restricts access to content based on a user’s geographic location, preventing unauthorized access and limiting content distribution to specific regions. It involves setting rules to allow or deny access based on the user’s IP address and location in order to comply with regional laws or licensing agreements.Pros:Controls access by region so that content is only available in authorized marketsHelps comply with licensing agreementsCons:Can be bypassed with VPNs or proxiesRequires additional security measures to be fully effectiveTypical use cases: Geo-blocking is used by streaming platforms to restrict access to content, such as sports events or film premieres, based on location and licensing agreements. It’s also helpful for blocking services in high-risk areas but should be used alongside other anti-piracy tools for better and more comprehensive protection.Referrer validationReferrer validation is a technique that checks where a content request is coming from and prevents unauthorized websites from directly linking to and using content. It works by checking the “referrer” header sent by the browser to determine the source of the request. If the referrer is from an unauthorized domain, the request is blocked or redirected. This allows only trusted sources to access your content.Pros:Protects bandwidth by preventing unauthorized access and misuse of resourcesGuarantees content is only accessed by trusted sources, preventing piracy or abuseCons:Can accidentally block legitimate requests if referrer headers are not correctly sentMay not work as intended if users access content via privacy-focused methods that strip referrer data, leading to false positivesTypical use cases: Content providers commonly use referrer validation to prevent unauthorized streaming or hotlinking, which involves linking to media from another website or server without the owner’s permission. It’s especially useful for streamers who want to make sure their content is only accessed through their official platforms. However, it should be combined with other security measures for more substantial protection.Secure tokensSecure tokens and protected temporary links provide enhanced security by granting temporary access to specific resources so only authorized users can access sensitive content. Secure tokens are unique identifiers that, when linked to a user’s account, allow them to access protected resources for a limited time. Protected temporary links further restrict access by setting expiration dates, meaning the link becomes invalid after a set time.Pros:Provides a high level of security by allowing only authorized users to access contentTokens are time-sensitive, which prevents unauthorized access after they expireHarder to circumvent compared to traditional password protection methodsCons:Risk of token theft if they’re not managed or stored securelyRequires ongoing management and rotation of tokens, adding complexityCan be challenging to implement properly, especially in high-traffic environmentsTypical use cases: Streaming platforms use secure tokens and protected temporary links so only authenticated users can access premium content, like movies or live streams. They are also useful for secure file downloads or limiting access to exclusive resources, making them effective for protecting digital content and preventing unauthorized sharing or piracy.Digital rights managementDigital rights management (DRM) refers to a set of technologies designed to protect digital content from unauthorized use so that only authorized users can access, copy, or share it, according to licensing agreements. DRM uses encryption, licensing, and authentication mechanisms to control access to digital resources so that only authorized users can view or interact with the content. While DRM offers strong protection against piracy, it comes with higher complexity and setup costs than other security methods.Pros:Robust protection against unauthorized copying, sharing, and piracyHelps safeguard intellectual property and revenue streamsEnforces compliance with licensing agreementsCons:Can be complex and expensive to implementMay cause inconvenience for users, such as limiting playback on unauthorized devices or restricting sharingPotential system vulnerabilities or compatibility issuesTypical use cases: DRM is commonly used by streaming services to protect movies, TV shows, and music from piracy. It can also be used for e-books, software, and video games, ensuring that content is only used by licensed users according to the terms of the agreement. DRM solutions can vary, from software-based solutions for media files to hardware-based or cloud-based DRM for more secure distribution.Protect your content from digital piracy with GcoreDigital piracy remains a significant challenge for the media and entertainment industry as it poses risks in terms of both revenue and security. To combat this, partnering with a cloud provider that can actively monitor and protect your digital assets through advanced multi-layer security measures is essential.At Gcore, our CDN and streaming solutions give rights holders peace of mind that their assets are protected, offering the features mentioned in this article and many more besides. We also offer advanced cybersecurity tools, including WAAP (web application and API protection) and DDoS protection, which further integrate with and enhance these security measures. We provide trial limitations for streamers to curb piracy attempts and respond swiftly to takedown requests from rights holders and authorities, so you can rest assured that your assets are in safe hands.Get in touch to learn more about combatting digital piracy
Your ultimate guide to WAAP is here—get the ebook
Our latest ebook Beyond WAF: the ultimate guide to WAAP explores the next generation of cybersecurity and how WAAP can help businesses protect their digital assets.In 2025, a standard WAF (web application firewall) is no longer enough to detect threats and protect companies from malware and other malicious attacks. The rise of artificial intelligence, in particular, is increasing the volume and severity of cyberattacks. Businesses need to adopt WAAP to stay protected, and this ebook explains exactly how and why.What does the ebook cover?Here’s a quick overview of what you can look forward to when you download the ebook.The evolution of cyber threats: It can be hard to keep up with the latest advancements in cyberattacks, particularly with the increasing prevalence of AI—which can be both a boon and a menace. The ebook gives an overview of the cyberthreat landscape and how WAAP, which uses advanced AI to detect threats, consistently monitors and mitigates new and evolving types of attacks.The most common types of threats in 2025: To keep your web applications and APIs protected, it’s important to know what the risks are. The ebook explores different methods that hackers use—such as SQL injections, zero-day attacks, and DDoS attacks— as well as the consequences of such breaches.The non-negotiables of a cybersecurity solution: When looking for a security solution, it may be tempting to cut corners but the potential damage in terms of financial and reputational harm is too big to risk. The ebook explores what’s not up for debate when deciding on a security solution.You’ll also discover real-world use cases, expert security tips, and advice on just how easy it is to implement WAAP into your existing security setup.Discover more about how WAAP can help your businessTo learn more about the ins and outs of WAAP and delve deeper into how cyber threats are changing, how security solutions have evolved, and how you can best protect your business from attacks, get the ebook here.Download the ebook now to stay ahead of evolving cyber threats
7 outdated cybersecurity tips … and what to do instead
With the rise of cyberattack methods such as zero-day attacks, phishing attempts, and ransomware threats, it can be a challenge to keep your digital assets secure. While there’s much you can do to implement cybersecurity solutions, businesses should also consider an element of security that’s harder to control: the human factor. Sometimes, hackers are unable to bypass robust security measures, so they try to “phish” their way into an organization’s infrastructure by taking advantage of employees’ trust or lack of knowledge.If security isn’t part of their day-to-day role, it’s easy for people to get behind on best practices or rely on outdated training from their onboarding, which could be years ago. To help protect your business from the “people risk”, here’s a quick guide highlighting seven commonly believed but outdated practices—along with suggestions for what to do instead.#1 You should change your passwords regularlyWe’ve long been told to change our passwords regularly. However, in some cases, this advice may actually do more harm than good. If a user changes their passwords often, they may be more likely to write them down so they don’t forget them. This is especially true now that employees are working from home more and businesses have less oversight of how sensitive information is managed.In addition, the requirement to change passwords every 90 days can be a waste of time. If hackers can figure out the old password, it’s likely they can figure out the new one. Moreover, AI now gives hackers even more advanced tools to crack passwords in a matter of hours, no matter whether the password was changed yesterday or last year.Passwords are vulnerable to theft in a data leak, and since people might be using the same password in multiple places—both at work and at home—this creates security gaps that businesses have no control over.What to do instead: Consider adopting passwordless authentication, which uses factors like biometrics or hardware tokens for authentication. If passwordless methods are not an option, combining passwords with multi-factor authentication (MFA) strengthens security by adding an extra layer of protection. Identity Threat Protection and Response (ITDR) solutions can detect anomalies in user behavior analytics and check that passwords are not part of known leaks or prohibited patterns, further strengthening protection.#2 If an email attachment is encrypted, it’s automatically safeJust because an email attachment is encrypted doesn’t automatically make it secure. Cybercriminals increasingly use sophisticated phishing techniques to distribute malware, even in encrypted attachments. Employees can be easily fooled into thinking something is legitimate when it isn’t.Many organizations tag external emails with labels like [EXTERNAL] or “This email comes from outside the organization” to warn employees of potential risks. Over time, people tend to ignore the tag or overlook the fact that it is in a different place than usual (not in the subject but in the message body, for example). ATO (account takeover attacks)—in which cybercriminals gain unauthorized access to a legitimate user’s account, often through phishing or stolen credentials— are often designed to bypass such security measures.What to do instead: Encourage employees to interrogate emails that they weren’t expecting or where they cannot confidently verify the authenticity of the sender’s email address.While the vast majority of companies will have implemented email filtering software that flags suspicious attachments and links, there is always the risk that a sophisticated scammer will get through. This means that businesses need to guarantee that employees know that just because an attachment is encrypted, that doesn’t mean it’s safe.#3 If a website starts with HTTPS, that means you can trust itIn the past, users trusted that HTTPS and a padlock in a browser meant a website was secure. However, advances in cyber criminality mean this assumption is no longer safe.While HTTPS, which shows a website has an SSL certificate and uses TLS encryption, encrypts the data between your browser and the site, it doesn’t mean the website is secure. Cybercriminals can still create malicious sites with HTTPS encryption. While this may have been a sign of safety years ago, it can no longer be relied on.What to do instead: Since a website cannot be verified solely based on its HTTPS status, companies can encourage employees to use dedicated tools to check URLs or contact their technical team for validation. In addition, employees should never input sensitive information unless they are sure the site is legitimate. Fake websites with a URL containing one or two letters different from the original are another tactic to watch out for.#4 Clicking on a suspicious link will always trigger malwareWhile people are right to be suspicious about clicking on links they’re not sure about, if they do so, it doesn’t automatically mean that their computer has been hacked. However, that doesn’t mean it’s safe to click recklessly. Cybercriminals now use tactics like fake calendar invites, which can look very convincing.What to do instead: Educate employees on how to spot suspicious links and phishing attempts. Encourage them to hover over links to check their legitimacy before clicking. Businesses can also implement web filtering tools to block known malicious sites.#5 Never use public WiFiConnecting to public WiFi should be done cautiously, but sometimes, there is no other option, particularly if an employee is traveling. The risk of someone intercepting your data over public WiFi is similar to the risk of interception on a GSM (mobile) network. Intercepting mobile or WiFi network traffic requires specialized, expensive tools, making it a complex and resource-intensive attack method. Using public WiFi is often necessary but should be used with caution. Businesses should also ensure that their guest WiFi is secure for visitors to their organization.What to do instead: Encourage employees to use VPNs when accessing public WiFi. A commercial VPN might not always be the safest (see point below), but a corporate VPN with strong encryption and endpoint security is a much more secure option. In addition, businesses can implement zero trust network access, which enforces strict access controls based on the principle that no one, whether inside or outside the organization, can be trusted.#6 It’s safe to use commercial VPNsUsing a commercial VPN (virtual private network) can seem like a great way to secure your internet connection, but it’s not always the best solution for businesses. Many commercial VPN services log your data and are less secure than they claim; they don’t always offer strong encryption or protection against modern threats. VPNs can store all your data, so don’t assume everything you do on a VPN is private. In some extreme cases, VPNs can also be used to install malware on a device.What to do instead: Opt for a corporate VPN that offers stronger encryption and doesn’t log user activity. Ideally, choose a VPN that integrates seamlessly with your existing security protocols, offers split tunneling, and allows for zero-trust architecture—guaranteeing data stays secure, no matter where it’s accessed from.#7 Be overly cautious and suspiciousWhile vigilance is key, an overabundance of caution can create a false sense of security and waste time. Employees should be encouraged to cultivate a healthy sense of vigilance to protect themselves and the business. Excessive fear can hinder productivity and lead to security fatigue, where employees become desensitized to warnings and ignore critical threats. For instance, the advice to log out of accounts after each use is more suited to an era of shared public computers in internet cafes than to today’s norms of personal laptop use and dedicated company devices. In fact, Microsoft recently announced it would keep users permanently logged in, along with switching to a passkey password system.Similarly, advice such as turning off your laptop camera can be helpful, but employees should be aware that these types of hacks are usually highly targeted. They only need to take serious proactive measures if they’re handling high-security information.What to do instead: Prioritize educating employees about actual risks like phishing, ransomware, and zero-day attacks, and new attack types like AI-enabled cyberattacks. By helping your team identify genuine threats, you can foster a more focused and effective security culture.Employees should also be realistic about their own personal risk. For instance, it’s more likely they will be personally targeted if they work in a sensitive industry or have access to the upper levels of a business. For instance, sophisticated zero-click exploits—where merely opening a message can cause harm to a device—tend to target high-profile people or those with access to extremely sensitive information.Protect your digital assets with GcoreCybersecurity threats evolve constantly, making it challenging to stay ahead—especially when human error is involved. That’s why having cutting-edge security technology in place is essential, making it more likely that human error won’t lead to damaging and expensive consequences. It’s also important that employees are trained to focus on real threats and understand the difference between actual risks and harmless events.At Gcore, we offer a suite of AI-driven security solutions designed to protect your assets from advanced threats, including zero-day attacks, DDoS, and more. Contact our team of experts to learn more about our WAAP and DDoS protection solutions.Download our WAAP ebook for more cybersecurity tips
How to balance security and user experience
The greatest security paradox likely to be faced by businesses in 2025 and beyond is maintaining cybersecurity strong enough to be effective without negatively impacting user experience. Digital-first landscapes require strong measures against sophisticated threats, while customers and employees alike want ease of interaction when using online services. Finding a balance between these apparently conflicting requirements is key to maintaining industry reputation, building trust, and satisfying customers.To address this challenge, organizations are turning to emergent technologies and forward-thinking strategies. Passwordless authentication, adaptive security models, and invisible AI-driven threat detection are just a few examples of solutions that are rewriting the way businesses secure their systems without compromising user-friendly experiences.Why security versus usability is a growing challengeThe trade-off between security and usability is today a higher priority concern than ever before. Security needs to meet strict regulatory demands with new AI regulations on top of existing data protection laws, a continued rise in cybercrime including AI-powered attacks, and a low tolerance for breaches on the part of both businesses and their customers. For these reasons, organizations have traditionally favored strong defense, often at the expense of user experience.But in an increasingly consumer-driven world, frustrating logins, excessive authentication, and chunky security measures can turn users off, leading to revenue loss and eroded trust. Users have little patience for friction, demanding intuitive and near-instant access whether to a banking app, e-commerce site, or corporate platform. Security measures that are too intrusive or cumbersome chase away both customers and employees while inflating support costs.This dual pressure calls for a paradigm shift: security must be seamless, proactive, and integrated into the user journey rather than an obstructive layer.3 practical methods for balancing security and usabilityThe balance between user satisfaction and security is being calibrated in the context of new technological advancements. Implementing sophisticated but user-friendly solutions can improve an organization’s security and enhance usability. Organizations can look to implement passwordless authentication, adaptive authentication and risk-based access, and AI-powered threat detection to help balance cybersecurity with customer experience.1: Passwordless authenticationPasswords are frequently a weak link in security. Reused, forgotten, or phished credentials open businesses to a huge amount of risk. Password management creates friction for users, from frequent resets to complex requirements.Passwordless authentication negates this problem entirely. Biometrics—such as fingerprints, facial features, hardware tokens, or single sign-on mechanisms—promise convenient and secure user authentication.Beyond usability, passwordless systems are, by design, resistant to credential theft, phishing, and brute-force attacks. They also cut IT support costs related to password recovery. But as these systems become more widely deployed, it will be paramount for businesses to make sure that biometric data and token mechanisms uphold trust via secure storage and transmission.2: Adaptive authentication and risk-based accessNot all users or actions are created equal, and not all are worthy of the same amount of scrutiny. Adaptive authentication dynamically adjusts security measures in real time based on context. For example, a user accessing an account from their usual device and location may only need to take a single login step. If the user logs in from an unfamiliar country or unrecognized device, other verification steps can be called on, such as one-time passcodes or even a biometric check.Risk-based access further analyzes behavioral patterns, device reputations, and other signals to gauge the chance of malicious activity. With these systems, AI flags anomalies with minimal or no disruption to the legitimized users. Adaptive models minimize friction for the great majority of users while keeping security high.3: AI-powered threat detectionAI is revolutionizing threat detection and mitigation. Advanced systems monitor a vast amount of data, identify patterns, and predict attacks before they happen. The distinguishing feature of modern security tools driven by AI is that this can all be done invisibly without touching the user experience.For example, AI can detect credential-stuffing attempts through login pattern analysis or block DDoS (distributed denial-of-service) attacks by identifying spikes in anomalous traffic. These solutions fit nicely behind the scenes in your current infrastructure and provide protection without requiring user input or knowledge.This invisible layer of AI defense is increasingly helpful for enterprises serving a diverse array of users, from retail customers to corporate employees, all of whom expect security to be a back-end process, not a barrier to use. Third-party AI cybersecurity tools, like Gcore WAAP, are making the adoption of this technology increasingly available and simple.Practical steps for implementationThe key to the successful integration of these solutions is being strategic in implementing technology so that it aligns with organizational goals. The following steps can get your company started.Current system audit: Review current security measures regarding pinpointing specifically where the measures are hurting user experience by accounting for feedback from users in production, along with incident response times.Prioritize investments: Your organization must decide which will have the most impact—passwordless authentication or an AI-driven monitoring toolset, for example—and whether they will scale with existing infrastructure.Train employees regularly: Employees should be trained on the latest cybersecurity measures implemented within the company. This includes developing an awareness of where new tools are being implemented and how they fit into existing systems. Human error is the top breach vector, so awareness is critical.Engage stakeholders: IT and security teams must work closely with business leadership to ensure alignment with organizational priorities.Balance security and UX with Gcore Edge SecurityBalancing security and usability isn’t about compromise; it’s about finding synergy. Advanced tools, such as passwordless authentication, adaptive access control, and AI-driven threat detection, are proving that strong defenses don’t have to come at the expense of user experience. As companies invest in these technologies, they also need to invest in integration and scalability. Security measures should grow with emerging user needs and threats. Only then can success be achieved in the long run.We offer solutions designed to overcome these challenges. By coupling AI-powered and machine learning technologies with solutions to minimize user inconvenience, Gcore WAAP and DDoS Protection can provide your business with the confidence to secure your systems without disrupting users.Discover Gcore WAAP, powered by AI
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