According to Gartner, Agentic AI is the top trend for 2025. This refers to subsets of large language models like ChatGPT programmed to do specific tasks without user intervention. AI agents run independently, analyzing information, making decisions and taking action. In 2025, you might see AI agents managing your inbox, prioritizing tasks and creating budgets. They’re already assisting industries like healthcare in discovering new medicines and assessing investment opportunities for the financial sector.

No decisions are coming out of AI agents today, but Gartner predicts that 15% of “day-to-day work decisions” will be made by AI agents by 2028. This capability signals a fundamental change in how we use machines, moving from query and response to autonomous tasking. Deloitte sums up how consumers may perceive the shift, “…yesterday’s ‘there’s an app for that’ may become tomorrow’s ‘there’s an agent for that.'”

Disinformation security will rise in importance, affecting private and public enterprises alike. It is the next frontier in fighting false information, much like antivirus software protects against malware. This technology will help detect and stop fake content, from bogus product reviews to manipulated videos. A recent deepfake video falsely showed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urging his troops to surrender – a stark reminder of how convincing and dangerous this technology can be.

Gartner predicts that by 2028, half of enterprises will have tools in place to combat disinformation, as AI-powered manipulation becomes more sophisticated.

However, just like the fight against malware, combatting disinformation will become a game of cat and mouse, but the stakes are much higher. Instead of stealing personal data, disinformation can sway entire populations.

Keeping with the topic of security, postquantum cryptography made Gartner’s list of top trends, mirrored by Deloitte in more general terms. Here we start with the concept of quantum computing that refers to the speed at which computing takes place. Instead of using electrical signals as is done in our devices today, quantum computing uses the nature of subatomic particles to perform calculations.

The increase in speed is mind-boggling. In 2023, Google reported its quantum computer called Sycamore completed a task in just over six seconds, processing that would take the Frontier supercomputer – the fastest in 2023 – 47 years to complete. Since then, Google has upgraded the Sycamore to make it 241 million times faster.

How does this relate to computer security? Many attacks are by “brute force,” meaning a program tries countless combinations of letters, numbers and characters in an attempt to hit on the correct password sequence. This technique is also used to unlock encrypted data. The longer and more complex the password or cryptography, the longer it will take to break through. Security programs detect these attempts and are usually able to shut them down. But what if criminals were able to use quantum computing? You see the problem.

Gartner estimates that by 2029, most current forms of cryptography will be unsafe to use. It strongly recommends deeper research into building cryptography techniques that can survive in a world where quantum computing is available. And that’s exactly what’s happening in this field.

Google, IBM and Microsoft are developing quantum-resistant algorithms and the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) announced its new PQC standards in August 2024, to guide the nation’s transition to quantum computing.

Multi-tasking robots, or as Gartner calls them, Polyfunctional Robots, are designed to handle several tasks instead of just one. Today’s robots are specialists — 3D printers create objects, robotic arms move parts and vacuums clean floors. Future robots will combine tasks – your Roomba may load your dishwasher and start it for you.

Amazon and Siemens are already developing these robotic systems to improve efficiency in warehouses and factories, where one robot might sort packages, restock shelves and assist workers. By 2030, Gartner predicts 80% of people will interact with smart robots daily, up from less than 10% today.

Rounding out the tech trends for 2025 are a growing use of spatial computing (virtual reality/augmented reality headsets) for professionals and consumers, an increase in energy efficient computing via renewable energy sources, ambient invisible intelligence (AI sensors everywhere) and neurological enhancement, which translates to brain implants to improve mental performance. At this time, Neuralink is pioneering devices to create a wireless implant for people with paralysis to use their neural activity to operate devices.

Leslie Meredith has been writing about technology for more than a decade. As a mom of four, value, usefulness and online safety take priority. Have a question? Email Leslie at asklesliemeredith@gmail.com.