We’re halfway through 2025 and the tech world is screaming: AI agents! Quantum threats! Smart sensors!

But behind the scenes, there are some important takeaways for organisations of all sizes. This article breaks down what the latest tech trends actually mean, why they matter and how you can respond.

1. AI Agents Are Becoming More Hands-On

You’ve probably heard of chatbots. But now, we have autonomous AI agents: tools that don’t just answer questions. They act on your behalf.

Example:

Imagine an AI assistant that can book meetings, check calendars, find the best time, send invitations and reschedule appointments, all without you having to lift a finger.

These “agents” are already being tested in customer service, administration and even IT support. Analysts predict that, by 2028, one in seven business decisions could be made by AI.

What this means for you:

Try automating small, repetitive tasks such as sending reminders or creating reports. But keep a human in the loop. AI should assist, not make decisions behind your back.

2. AI Needs Rules And You’re Responsible

As AI becomes more powerful, it becomes harder to monitor. That’s why AI governance is no longer optional. It simply means having rules in place to make sure your AI is used safely, fairly and legally.

Example:

If you’re using AI to screen CVs, how can you be sure that it isn’t unintentionally rejecting certain groups of candidates? Without proper checks in place, you could face legal action or damage your reputation.

What this means for you:

If you’re using AI, or are planning to, make sure you understand how it works and can explain it to others. Keep a record of the decisions it is involved in, as well as who is checking them.

3. Cybersecurity Is Getting More Complex

In 2025, cyber threats are smarter, sneakier and harder to spot.

We're now seeing things like:

1. Fake voicemails that sound just like your boss.
2. Emails written by AI that are difficult to distinguish from genuine ones.
3. False stories online that can damage your brand's reputation.
   

Example:

In one case, scammers used AI to create a voicemail impersonating the boss of a UK energy company. They called the CEO, urgently requesting the transfer of over £200,000. The call sounded so authentic that the money was transferred, but the CEO only realised it was a scam afterwards.

They’re not the only ones, either. Other major companies, such as WPP and Octopus Energy have been targeted by fake voice messages and WhatsApp scams impersonating senior staff.

What this means for you:

1. Train your staff regularly.
2. Don’t rely on one communication channel. Always double-check any unusual request by calling back on a known number.
3. If something feels odd, it probably is. Slow down, check and verify.
   

4. Quantum Computing Might be Closer Than You Think

Quantum computing may sound futuristic, but its impact on cybersecurity is already here.

For the past 30 years, we’ve relied on two main forms of encryption – RSA and ECC – to protect everything from online banking to NHS records. But quantum computers could break both of these in the not-so-distant future. And this is no longer science fiction.

In 2024, the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) introduced new post-quantum cryptographic (PQC) standards, setting a deadline of 2030 to phase out legacy encryption. According to Forbes, 2025 is a pivotal year, with global tech leaders and governments treating PQC as a boardroom-level priority.

Some criminals are already stealing encrypted data in the hope of cracking it later, once quantum tools are available. This is known as
'harvest now, decrypt later'.

As Forbes puts it:

'RSA and ECC are on borrowed time, organisations must prepare now for the algorithms that will define digital trust.'

What this means for you:

You don’t need to understand quantum mechanics, but you should start asking:

1. What encryption are we currently using?
2. Are we storing data that must remain protected for the next 5–10 years?
3. What is our plan to move to quantum-safe encryption?

5. Smart Sensors Are Quietly Taking Over

You’ve probably seen them already: lights that turn off automatically or delivery apps that show your parcel arriving in real time.

This is ambient intelligence: small connected devices working behind the scenes to make things easier, faster and more efficient.

Examples:

• In architecture and property management:

Smart sensors track energy usage, adjust lighting and monitor air quality, helping to meet sustainability targets without extra admin.

• In finance and legal offices:

Occupancy sensors help to optimise room bookings and reduce heating or cooling in unused areas.

• In logistics and retail:

Sensors on shelves and in stockrooms can detect when stock is running low and automatically reorder it.

• In healthcare:

Fridge sensors can monitor the temperature of medicine storage, helping to ensure compliance without the need for manual checks.

What this means for you:

These tools aren’t just for tech giants. Many are now affordable and simple to deploy. A quick review of your workspace could uncover easy wins that cut waste, energy and cost.

6. Greener Tech Is Becoming A Business Priority

We all rely on cloud systems and AI tools more than ever before, but these technologies don't run for free. With energy costs rising, IT departments are under increasing pressure to provide powerful yet efficient services. So, how can this be achieved?

Example:

Some teams are reducing their energy consumption by switching off unused servers or moving workloads to renewable energy-powered cloud platforms. Others are fine-tuning their systems to avoid waste and this is making a real difference.

Now is a good time to ask:

1. Are we running anything we don’t need?
2. Could we be using our systems more efficiently?
3. Are there greener options that also cut costs?

Small changes add up. Using energy more smartly means lower costs, fewer emissions and a more resilient IT setup.

7. IT Support Is Changing . Is Your Provider Keeping Up?

IT support is no longer just about resolving issues as they arise. The best IT providers will help organisations adapt to a changing world.

1. Navigating AI and automation.
2. Supporting hybrid and flexible working.
3. Building resilience against new cyber threats.

If your IT partner still views technology as a back-room function, it might be time for a fresh perspective.

What this means for you:

Look for proactive support, not just reactive. The right IT partner should care about your people, your goals and your future.

Understanding The Trends Is The First Step.

You don’t need to adopt every new technology straight away. However, keeping up to date with upcoming technologies, their implications and how to prepare for them is key to staying secure, competitive and confident in the years ahead.

Need help making sense of it all?

We help organisations across the UK take the right steps at the right pace.

• Cyber Essentials readiness and certification

• Practical advice on AI, cloud and automation

• Security-first IT support built around your people

As a long-term partner, we speak your language and work as your internal IT department.

Call us: 0808 164 4142 

Message us: https://www.grantmcgregor.co.uk/contact-us