Cyber attacks and cyber crime are ever evolving. We often hear that cyber attacks are getting more sophisticated and, whilst this is true to a certain extent, many of the cyber attacks we see are very basic, but they’re unexpected and that’s how they catch us out. It’s also worth noting that cyber security protection measures are constantly playing catch up because they are responding to the cyber attacks that are already happening. Being aware of the cyber attacks of the future already puts you one step ahead.

Here are 6 cyber attacks to look out for in 2025…

1. AI Driven Phishing Emails

Phishing emails are the most common form of cyber crime and have been common practice for a long time now. Phishing is a consistently effective attack method. The danger over the next 12 months could come from combining this style of attack with AI tools. AI could be used to automate the entire attack chain, from profiling targets, churning out large quantities of phishing emails, and even learning and replicating what has been successful.

2. Deepfake Social Engineering Attacks

Deepfake technology has been around for years, but the recent advancement and increased usage of AI will make these more and more common. It will become key in social engineering attacks allowing Cybercriminals to impersonate trusted individuals in the organisation, making it harder to verify identities and thereby increasing the success rate of these attacks.

3. Supply Chain Attacks

As businesses take cybersecurity more seriously, attackers will look for weak points for entry which could be through supply chains. These attacks rely on the interconnectedness of modern businesses, making it crucial for organisations to ensure their partners – and everyone they deal with in business – has high levels of security. With high profile cases already happening, this could be an area to watch out for.

4. Human Error / Insider Threats

Approximately 95% of cybersecurity issues have some form of human element to them and 43% of cybersecurity breaches are due to insider threats (both unintentional and intentional). Staff education – and ensuring that your staff have the correct access levels for their needs – is paramount. Avoiding accidental human errors may seem obvious but constant up-to-date training is needed to stay on top.

5. Cloud Security Risks & Data Breaches

It’s not news that there has been a shift to the Cloud for a wide range of services, software and operations. The Cloud brings many advantages but, if poorly managed, can also be a threat to your organisation. Poor access controls, endpoint management and patching leaves vulnerabilities that can be exploited. As Cloud technology becomes common practice, the opportunity for hackers is greater, highlighting the importance of taking all the precautions you can.

6. IoT Device Exploits

The increased usage of the Internet of Things (IOT), presents new opportunities for cybercriminals. Many IoT devices have weak security measures making them an ideal vulnerability for cybercriminals. Exploiting these devices allows further access to your wider network and sensitive data.

FAQ

How can SMEs implement effective cybersecurity measures on a limited budget?

SMEs can implement effective cybersecurity measures by prioritising cost-effective solutions such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), regular software updates, and employee training. Utilising free or low-cost security tools, such as antivirus software and firewalls, can also enhance protection without straining your budget. SMEs should also consider leveraging cloud-based security services, which often offer scalable and affordable options. Further to this, organisations should understand that security is an essential business cost rather than a luxury.

How can organisations balance the need for strong cybersecurity with maintaining user convenience and productivity?

Balancing strong cybersecurity with user convenience involves implementing user-friendly security measures like single sign-on (SSO) and conditional access. Organisations should focus on designing security protocols that minimise disruption, such as using password managers and providing clear, concise instructions for security processes. Regularly gathering user feedback can also help in refining these measures to ensure they do not hinder productivity.

What are the most common mistakes organisations make in their cybersecurity strategies, and how can they avoid them?

Common mistakes include neglecting software updates, using weak passwords, and failing to provide adequate employee training. Organisations can avoid these pitfalls by establishing a robust patch management process, enforcing strong password policies, and implementing regular security awareness training. Additionally, having a comprehensive incident response plan and conducting regular security audits can help identify and mitigate vulnerabilities.