2025 tech outlook: Smarter tools, sharper risks and the need for balance

The technology landscape in 2025 promises yet another turning point.

From the rise of custom AI integrations to the growing demand for built-in security, businesses face a crossroads: evolve smarter, move faster and protect better. Linn Foster, Head of Engineering Management at Exclaimer shares what tech leaders need to know to stay ahead.

Linn is Head of Engineering Management at Exclaimer, with a wealth of knowledge and experience in IT and technical delivery. At Exclaimer, Linn ensures engineering projects are executed and delivered to a high standard, playing a key role in the product’s developments and success. Linn began her career at PlusNet, where she guided the business through IT change initiatives before joining BT Group as Change Manager. Her background also includes experience at Egress Software Technologies and Container Solutions to lead teams of engineers on project execution and delivery.

Custom AI and the security trade-off

One of 2025’s defining shifts will be the rise of “bring your own” (BYO) AI models. Rather than defaulting to pre-configured solutions, companies will integrate their proprietary large language models (LLMs) into third-party platforms. Martech stacks, in particular, will see significant gains as custom AI streamlines workflows and eliminates redundant training. Gartner predicts that 60% of organisations will customise AI by 2025, using proprietary datasets to unlock more tailored solutions.

But this evolution comes with a challenge: heightened security risks. As interconnected platforms multiply, protecting customer data becomes both essential and increasingly complex. IBM’s 2024 report pegs the average cost of a data breach at $4.45 million. Companies that proactively address these risks not only protect trust and reputations but also build stronger, more resilient ecosystems.

Integrated security as a competitive edge

The stakes are too high for security to be an afterthought. In 2025, successful businesses will shift to a “baked-in” security model, embedding protection from the earliest stages of development. Customers want confidence that their data is safe, and companies that deliver on this promise will earn loyalty in increasingly competitive markets. Upskilling tech teams to navigate these complex, interconnected systems will be key as organisations reframe security as a brand asset.

But security doesn’t stop at the organisational level. As ecosystems grow more interconnected, companies must take a shared responsibility approach to safeguarding data.  This means encrypting data, enforcing strict access controls, minimising data sharing, conducting vendor audits and implementing real-time monitoring. By embedding security internally and extending mutual accountability across platforms, businesses can set new standards for consumer trust.

Doing more with less: Smart innovation

For many organisations facing tighter budgets and resource constraints in 2025, CTOs will need to drive smarter innovation with fewer resources. This means prioritising high-impact investments, like scalable cloud solutions that reduce infrastructure costs, and focusing on lean development methods that deliver value faster. For marketing and operational leaders, this means finding smart ways to harness AI for personalisation, campaign optimisation and customer insights.

The pressure will be on achieving proof of concept early before committing to full-scale AI rollouts. Companies that spread AI investments thinly across fragmented tasks risk diminishing returns. Research consistently shows that targeted AI implementation – centred on core operations – generates the highest ROI. In 2025, the smartest tech strategies will prioritise impact over breadth.

Rethinking transformation: Small, iterative wins

Large-scale digital transformation projects have often faltered under their own weight. Instead, 2025 will see organisations embrace smaller, iterative initiatives that deliver value faster and adapt to unexpected challenges. IDC projects global spending on digital transformation will hit $3.9 trillion by 2027, but success will depend on businesses breaking transformation into manageable stages.

This agile mindset also helps mitigate risks tied to emerging technologies like AI, enabling businesses to innovate without overcommitting in an uncertain landscape.

The future of email: More secure, more flexible

Email continues to be one of the most powerful tools for communication and engagement – and in 2025, it will play an even bigger role as businesses balance security, efficiency and innovation.

As threats become more sophisticated, email security will be a top priority. With 32% of organisations most concerned about attackers using generative AI to craft realistic phishing emails or refine malicious scripts, businesses can no longer rely on outdated defences. Integrating built-in identity verification tools and real-time monitoring will be critical to staying ahead.

At the same time, email systems are becoming more flexible and intelligent, aligning with the need for smarter, interconnected workflows. Organisations will look for interoperable solutions that integrate seamlessly with martech stacks – automating tasks, enhancing personalisation and enabling real-time campaign insights. From streamlined collaboration to automated follow-ups, businesses will leverage email to optimise engagement while reducing manual effort.

In 2025, the tools may be smarter, the threats sharper and the budgets leaner – but those who balance innovation, security and efficiency will be the ones that drive real progress.