Latest Trends and Defensive Strategies in Cybersecurity Emerging Threats, Research Gaps, and Future Directions

Cybersecurity is experiencing unprecedented change as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and hyper connected devices expand the global attack surface. This paper surveys the latest trends shaping the threat landscape and evaluates defensive strategies that organizations are deploying to counter escalating risks. Drawing on recent breach statistics and case studies, the analysis highlights eight emerging threats, including AI powered attacks, supply chain vulnerabilities, and the looming challenge of post quantum cryptography, along with corresponding defensive responses such as zero trust architectures, adaptive security frameworks, and secure by design development. Persistent research gaps are identified in areas such as adversarial AI, neuromorphic hardware security, and cross border regulatory harmonization. The discussion concludes with actionable recommendations for practitioners, researchers, and policymakers, emphasizing workforce development, continuous threat exposure management, and international cooperation. By integrating technological, organizational, and policy perspectives, this study provides a comprehensive roadmap for mitigating cyber risks and safeguarding critical infrastructure in the years ahead. Saurabh P Dhole "Latest Trends and Defensive Strategies in Cybersecurity: Emerging Threats, Research Gaps, and Future Directions" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-9 | Issue-5 , October 2025, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd97506.pdf Paper URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/computer-science/computer-security/97506/latest-trends-and-defensive-strategies-in-cybersecurity-emerging-threats-research-gaps-and-future-directions/saurabh-p-dhole