The Cybersecurity Risks of IT Procurement in 2025—And How to Avoid Them
The Challenge of Secure IT Adoption
As businesses embrace new technologies like AI, IoT, and edge computing, they face a growing challenge: balancing innovation with cybersecurity. The rapid evolution of cyber threats makes IT procurement more complex, requiring companies to evaluate security risks before adopting new tools. In 2025, organizations must take a proactive approach to secure IT procurement to protect their data, infrastructure, and reputation.
Key Cybersecurity Risks in IT Procurement
1. Third-Party Vulnerabilities
Many businesses rely on third-party vendors for software, cloud services, and IT infrastructure. However, these vendors can introduce security risks if they lack strong cybersecurity measures.
- Risk: A compromised vendor can expose sensitive data and create an entry point for attackers.
- Solution: Conduct thorough security assessments of vendors, require compliance with industry standards, and implement third-party risk management policies.
2. Shadow IT and Unapproved Technologies
Employees and departments sometimes adopt new software or cloud services without IT approval, leading to security blind spots.
- Risk: Unmonitored applications may lack security controls, increasing the risk of data breaches.
- Solution: Implement strict IT governance policies, conduct regular audits, and use endpoint management tools to monitor unauthorized software usage.
3. Supply Chain Attacks
Cybercriminals increasingly target software supply chains to introduce malware into legitimate IT products.
- Risk: Malicious code embedded in IT solutions can compromise entire networks.
- Solution: Choose vendors that follow secure software development practices, require software bills of materials (SBOMs), and monitor for unexpected changes in software behavior.
4. Misconfigured Cloud Services
Cloud adoption continues to grow, but security misconfigurations remain a major risk factor.
- Risk: Poorly configured cloud storage and permissions can expose sensitive data.
- Solution: Enforce cloud security best practices, implement access controls, and conduct regular security audits to detect vulnerabilities.
5. AI and Automation Security Risks
AI-powered tools and automation bring efficiency but also introduce new attack surfaces.
- Risk: AI models can be manipulated through adversarial attacks, leading to data leaks or incorrect decision-making.
- Solution: Regularly test AI security, monitor for anomalies, and apply AI-specific security frameworks to mitigate risks.
How to Secure IT Procurement in 2025
1. Implement a Security-First Procurement Strategy
Before purchasing new IT solutions, businesses should evaluate security as a top priority. Key steps include:
- Requiring vendors to demonstrate cybersecurity certifications (e.g., ISO 27001, SOC 2, NIST compliance).
- Conducting security due diligence and penetration testing before deployment.
- Establishing cybersecurity clauses in vendor contracts to ensure accountability.
2. Adopt Zero Trust Security Principles
Zero Trust assumes that threats exist both inside and outside the network. Companies should:
- Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all critical systems.
- Use role-based access controls (RBAC) to limit permissions based on user needs.
- Continuously monitor and verify all network activity.
3. Conduct Regular Security Audits and Risk Assessments
Routine audits help identify vulnerabilities before they become major threats.
- Perform penetration testing on new IT solutions before full deployment.
- Continuously monitor software supply chains for potential risks.
- Use automated security tools to detect and respond to emerging threats.
4. Educate Employees on Cybersecurity Best Practices
Human error remains a leading cause of data breaches. Businesses should:
- Train employees on recognizing phishing attempts and security risks.
- Establish policies for safe usage of new technologies.
- Encourage a security-aware culture to minimize risky behavior.
Conclusion
In 2025, IT procurement decisions must go beyond functionality and cost—they must prioritize security. By addressing third-party vulnerabilities, managing shadow IT, securing supply chains, mitigating cloud risks, and protecting AI implementations, businesses can adopt cutting-edge technology without exposing themselves to cyber threats. A proactive, security-first approach will ensure innovation and resilience go hand in hand.