As we move into 2025, cybersecurity threats are growing more sophisticated and widespread. presenting serious risks for businesses of all sizes, they are critical business risks. This article explores the top cybersecurity threats facing businesses today. Discover key cybersecurity risks and and potential prevention measures.
emerging trends and risks
The cybersecurity landscape is changing quickly due to technological advancements. On one side, some defenders work to protect a company's digital assets. Cybersecurity professionals and security software are two examples.
On the other hand, hackers, and cybercriminals seeking to exploit a company's system vulnerabilities for profit. Both groups are now using artificial intelligence and machine learning. This new trend adds complexity to the security efforts of every single company.
top 5 cybersecurity threats to companies in 2025
threat 1: ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS)
What it is: A subscription-based model where cybercriminals rent out ransomware tools to other attackers, making it easier for them to launch attacks.
How it can harm your company: It can encrypt your company's data, disrupt operations and demand huge ransoms, potentially leading to significant financial losses.
Best practices to prevent it: Implement regular backups, keep software updated and use strong email filtering. You should also conduct employee security awareness training and consider using ransomware detection tools like Cylance, CrowdStrike or Sophos Intercept X Endpoint.
threat 2: deepfake-enhanced phishing
What it is: Sophisticated phishing attacks using AI-generated audio or video to impersonate executives or trusted figures.
How it can harm your company: It can trick employees into transferring funds or revealing sensitive information, leading to financial and reputational damage.
Best practices to prevent it: Implement multi-factor authentication and establish strict verification protocols for financial transactions. Additionally, educate employees on deepfake detection and regularly update phishing awareness training.
threat 3: internet of things (IoT) vulnerabilities
What it is: Security weaknesses in connected devices within your company’s network, increasing the risk of unauthorized access.
Examples of common office IoT: Smart thermostats, smart locks, connected security cameras, smart lighting systems, IoT-enabled printers and copiers, smart coffee machines, environmental sensors, smart power strips, IoT-enabled asset tracking tags, smart water coolers, connected smoke detectors, etc.
How it can harm your company: It can provide entry points for attackers to access your broader network and sensitive data, resulting in breaches or data loss.
Best practices to prevent it: Regularly update IoT devices, use network segmentation and implement strong authentication for all devices. In addition, conduct regular security audits of IoT infrastructure and settings.
threat 4: supply chain attacks
What it is: Cyber attacks that target less secure elements in your supply chain to gain access to your business, often using vendors you trust.
How it can harm your company: It can compromise your data and systems through trusted third-party connections, potentially leading to extensive breaches.
Best practices to prevent it: Carry out thorough vendor risk assessments, put strict access controls in place for third-party systems and monitor all supply chain interactions for suspicious activity. It’s also important to ensure compliance with security standards.
threat 5: quantum computing threats
What it is: The potential for quantum computers to break current encryption standards, posing a future risk to data security.
How it can harm your company: It could render current data protection methods obsolete, exposing sensitive information and undermining trust in digital systems.
Best practices to prevent it: Begin transitioning to quantum-resistant encryption algorithms, implement crypto-agility in your systems, stay informed about advancements in post-quantum cryptography and participate in industry discussions on quantum threats.
the high cost of cybersecurity threats
The global cost of cybercrime is skyrocketing. By 2025, it's expected to reach $10.5 trillion annually, a steep rise from $3 trillion in 2015. This represents a 15 percent yearly growth rate, making it the largest economic wealth transfer in history. Moreover, cybercrime's impact far exceeds the annual damage caused by natural disasters.
For large companies, the financial fallout from a cyberattack can be devastating. The average data breach now costs $4.88 million, but that’s just the beginning. Reputational damage can lead to customer loss and eroded trust among employees and the community. Operational disruptions may result in lost productivity and revenue, while legal fees, regulatory fines and lawsuits further increase the financial toll. Intellectual property theft also weakens a company’s competitive edge, compounding the long-term impact.
7 reasons why investing in cybersecurity talent is important
Cybersecurity professionals can assess threats, implement prevention strategies and develop incident response plans for your company. In addition, these experts bring specialized knowledge and skills that are essential for protecting your company's assets, reputation and future.
Cybersecurity professionals will:
- Stay up-to-date with the latest threats, attack vectors and vulnerabilities. They can identify potential risks that may not be apparent to non-specialists.
- Anticipate potential threats and implement preventive measures before attacks occur, reducing the likelihood of successful breaches.
- Quickly contain the damage if there is a breach, minimize data loss and restore systems, potentially saving millions in recovery costs.
- Understand complex regulatory requirements and ensure your company remains compliant with industry standards and data protection laws.
- Design and implement security measures specifically tailored to your organization's needs, infrastructure and risk profile.
- Implement ongoing monitoring and testing programs, ensuring your defenses evolve with changing threats.
- Develop and deliver effective cybersecurity awareness programs for your staff, reducing the risk of human error-related incidents.
core cybersecurity best practices
Here are some fundamental recommendations your cybersecurity professionals will likely suggest:
- Implementing industry standards (NIST or ISO 27001): A cyber professional will advise adopting these standards to establish a structured, risk-based approach to managing security, ensuring the company follows best practices.
- Enforcing multi-factor authentication (MFA): They will push for MFA as a key method to reduce unauthorized access, adding an extra layer of security beyond just passwords.
- Setting up a password management system: Ensuring strong, unique passwords across the company is a priority for cybersecurity and a professional will likely recommend a password management system to streamline this.
- Securing cloud environments: They will guide the company in applying proper access controls and encryption, and in performing regular security audits on platforms like AWS, Azure or Google Cloud, to mitigate risks.
- Understanding the shared responsibility model in cloud services: A cyber professional will help the company navigate its responsibilities versus those of the cloud provider.
we’re right here to help
Getting ready for 2025 hiring? With decades of experience, Randstad knows how to build the right strategy to help you find the professionals you need, quickly and easily. Contact Randstad today to find out how we can support you in implementing cybersecurity best practices at your organization.