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In 2025, businesses and organizations will face a growing array of risks that redefine resilience management priorities. Risks related to cybersecurity, climate change, and geopolitical tensions dominate these concerns. These challenges are not hypothetical but represent real issues identified through analyses by various experts and recognized institutions.
This article is based on key trends identified in leading reports and studies, including the Horizon Scan Report 2024 by the Business Continuity Institute (BCI), the Global Risks Report 2024 by the World Economic Forum (WEF), and the Trends and Predictions Report 2024 by DRI International. These documents, enriched with regional and sector-specific perspectives, highlight the challenges organizations must prepare for.
The observations are also consolidated with trends seen in Quebec, such as the record number of landslides in 2024 and climate-related disruptions. This global and local context serves as the foundation for identifying the top five risks to consider in 2025 and exploring practical solutions to mitigate them.
Additionally, some threats are more specific to Canada and Quebec, further complicating the situation for local businesses. These include the threat of a 25% tax on Canadian imports to the United States, proposals to annex Canada as the 51st U.S. state, and a possible influx of undocumented migrants. Addressing these uncertainties is crucial when crafting robust strategies for 2025.
It is also essential to recognize that the risks identified are not isolated but often interconnected, creating cascading vulnerabilities for businesses. Proactive planning is vital to navigating this complex environment. For example, extreme climate events, in addition to interrupting operations, can exacerbate resource shortages and health crises, compounding challenges for organizations.
The goal of this article is to raise awareness; therefore, we will focus on a few key scenarios.
1- Cyberattacks and Cybercrime
A Constant Threat
Cyberattacks remain at the top of concerns for 2025. Cybercriminals are increasingly using artificial intelligence to make attacks more sophisticated and harder to detect. Critical sectors such as public infrastructure, healthcare, and energy are particularly vulnerable.
Examples of Solutions:
- Using AI for Cybersecurity: AI-based tools can enhance threat detection and automate incident responses.
- Cross-sector Collaboration: Companies should share threat intelligence with peers and governments to improve collective resilience.
- Cyber-attack plan: limit the repercussions on information availability, confidentiality, data integrity and even the availability of essential equipment, with consequences for the ability to maintain operations in each case.
- IT blackout plan: in the event of a total breakdown of IT systems, impose a strategic and severe reduction of activities in degraded mode, in the context of a major loss of capacity.
2- Climate Change and Extreme Weather Events
An Increasingly Frequent Reality
Extreme weather events, such as the record number of landslides in Quebec in 2024, continue to disrupt operations. These events also lead to mass migrations, increased pressure on resources, and supply chain challenges.
Examples of Solutions:
- Business Continuity Plans Based on Your Company’s Specific Consequences: Develop strategies to anticipate the specific impacts of local and regional climate projections on your operations.
- Emergency Response Plans: Ensure the safety of people and physical infrastructure during unforeseen climatic events.
- Crisis Management Plans: Optimize response coordination by clearly defining roles and responsibilities during major disruptions.
3- Supply Chain Shortages
A Global Challenge
Supply chain disruptions are exacerbated by geopolitical crises such as the conflict in Ukraine and tensions between the U.S. and China. The scarcity of natural resources (water, rare earth metals) further compounds the problem.
Examples of Solutions:
- Implementing Business Continuity Plans: Develop specific plans for critical suppliers and identify viable alternatives.
- Adopting Advanced Tracking Technologies: Blockchain- or AI-based solutions can provide greater transparency in supply chains.
- Building Strategic Stockpiles: Create buffer stocks to mitigate temporary disruptions.
4- Geopolitical Tensions and Complex Regulations
A Changing Globalization
Businesses must navigate increasingly fragmented regulations, where issues of digital sovereignty and national security influence commercial decisions. Specific threats to Canadian businesses include rising tariffs, political annexation, and uncontrolled migration.
Examples of Solutions:
- Geopolitical Simulation Scenarios: Simulate the impacts of regulatory changes or diplomatic tensions to evaluate potential repercussions. For instance, model the impact of U.S. policy decisions, such as a 25% tax on Canadian exports.
- Implementing Crisis Management Plans: Prepare coordinated responses to geopolitical crises to safeguard strategic operations.
- Engaging with Policymakers: Collaborate with governments to anticipate regulatory changes.
5- Artificial Intelligence and Data Management
Opportunities and Risks
In 2025, AI will be ubiquitous, but regulatory gaps pose significant risks, particularly in misinformation and algorithmic bias. Organizations must balance innovation with ethical considerations.
Examples of Solutions:
- Creating Technology Governance Committees: Include ethics and regulatory experts to oversee AI tool usage.
- Establishing Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Plans for Data Management: Ensure critical systems are protected in case of AI malfunctions or targeted attacks.
- Investing in AI Cybersecurity: Protect sensitive data used to train AI models.
The 5 Other Risks to Watch in 2025
In addition to the five main risks identified, other threats deserve attention. While they may not top the list, they hold significant disruptive potential and warrant active monitoring.
1- Misinformation and Disinformation: The malicious use of social media and AI tools to spread false information continues to grow, undermining trust in institutions and businesses.
Why Watch? Disinformation campaigns can cause reputational crises or influence critical elections.
2- Pollution and Biodiversity Loss: Environmental impacts transcend local borders, threatening essential ecosystems and exacerbating climate crises.
Why Watch? Organizations relying on natural resources or local ecosystems may be directly affected.
3- Inflation and Economic Crises: Inflationary pressures, combined with restrictive monetary policies, continue to strain businesses.
Why Watch? Rising costs and reduced consumer purchasing power could affect profit margins and customer demand.
4- Pandemics and Infectious Diseases: While less publicized since COVID-19, pandemics remain a persistent threat, especially as climate change alters disease patterns.
Why Watch? A new pandemic could cause disruptions similar to 2020, with major impacts on the workforce.
5- Concentration of Critical Technologies: The dominance of a few players in strategic sectors, such as semiconductors, exposes organizations to systemic vulnerabilities.
Why Watch? Excessive reliance on specific suppliers or technologies can create critical bottlenecks and increased exposure to supply chain disruptions.
Tailored Solutions for Your Needs
Every organization is unique, and a one-size-fits-all approach is insufficient to address these complex challenges. At Benoit Racette Services-conseils inc., we help businesses and organizations turn risks into opportunities through tailored solutions and proven methodologies.
We assist you with:
- Risk Analysis and Mapping.
- Developing or Updating Business Continuity and Crisis Management Plans. Visit our website for all available plans.
- Training and Raising Awareness Among Your Teams.
- Conducting Tests and Simulations to Validate Your Strategies.
With the right planning and professional support, you can turn uncertainties into opportunities and safeguard your activities for the future.
Contact us today to discover how we can help you protect your activities and strengthen your organization against tomorrow’s challenges.
Benoit Racette Services-conseils inc.
(514) 312-8474
[email protected]