2025 Turkey Situation in the Evolving Cyber Threat Landscape
The cyber security environment in Turkey in 2025 is rapidly evolving in parallel with changes in global attack trends and emerging technologies. While efforts to make our country’s digital infrastructure more resilient against cyber threats increase, attackers also continuously update their methods and techniques. In this environment, it is of great importance for institutions and individuals to understand current threats and take proactive security measures.
Number of Attacks and Key Trends
Although approximately 1.5 million total attacks occurred in 2024, our observations for 2025 show a nearly 80% reduction in the total number of attacks. This decrease can be associated with increased security measures and heightened awareness. However, despite the reduction in numbers, there are significant changes in the nature and diversity of attacks. Network-based attacks are rapidly decreasing, whereas there is a notable increase in malicious software attacks. This indicates the emergence of next-generation cyber threats and attack tactics.
New Tactics and Techniques Followed by Attackers
Attackers continue to develop more sophisticated and harder-to-detect attacks beyond traditional methods. Techniques called “Living off the land” allow attackers to remain hidden in systems for months and operate undetected. These methods generally involve using existing tools and vulnerabilities within systems to conduct attacks without leaving traces. According to Alper Onarangil, these techniques make it almost impossible for attackers to be detected and cause antivirus programs to be insufficient.
Basic Security Measures and Best Practices
An effective way to prevent attacks is to develop strong and comprehensive security strategies. In this context, the following fundamental principles are indispensable:
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): The first and most effective step to ensure account security at the highest level.
- Advanced Threat Detection (EDR/NDR): Detects anomalous activities and unknown threats, enabling early interruption of attacks.
- Zero Trust Model: All users, devices, and applications are assumed to be untrusted initially. Accesses are strictly controlled according to zero trust principles.
Besides these core principles, regular system updates, strong password policies, and user awareness training programs also enhance cyber defense levels. Additionally, investing in continuously updated and advanced security infrastructures is essential to increase attack detection and response capacity.
Advanced Cybersecurity Approaches
To protect against sophisticated threats, institutions should establish “cyber defense centers” and create incident response teams. These centers enable rapid response during attacks to quickly limit damage. Moreover, anomaly detection and threat analysis capabilities can be enhanced using machine learning and artificial intelligence technologies. These technologies predict new attacker methods, allowing threats to be blocked before detection.
Future Cybersecurity Trends and Expectations
Among the primary trends forecasted for 2025 and beyond are the development of more integrated and automated security platforms. While Zero Trust architecture becomes widespread, cloud security comes to the forefront, and blockchain technologies are used to ensure data integrity. Additionally, the expansion of cybersecurity training and awareness programs helps institutions become more resilient against attackers. Finally, with updates to laws and regulations to address new threats, rights and responsibilities will be clarified, and security infrastructure will be supported.
