Understanding the Current Cybersecurity Threat Landscape in 2025

In 2025, the cybersecurity threat landscape continues to evolve rapidly, with new adversaries, tools, and techniques emerging that pose serious risks to organizations of all sizes. For small and midsize businesses (SMBs), non-profits, and local governments, the stakes are particularly high. These entities often lack the cybersecurity budgets and staffing resources available to larger enterprises, making them prime targets for threat actors.

Top Threats Facing Organizations Today

1. Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS)

Ransomware remains a dominant threat, with underground marketplaces enabling even low-skilled attackers to deploy sophisticated ransomware variants. Groups like LockBit and BlackCat continue to target critical infrastructure and SMBs alike.

Reference: Unit 42 Threat Intelligence. (2023). Ransomware threat report. Palo Alto Networks. https://start.paloaltonetworks.com/2023-unit42-ransomware-extortion-report

2. Business Email Compromise (BEC)

BEC schemes, which involve impersonating company executives or vendors to trick employees into wiring funds or disclosing sensitive information, have cost organizations over $50 billion globally since 2013.

Reference: Proofpoint. (2023). The human factor report. https://www.proofpoint.com/us/resources/threat-reports/human-factor

3. Supply Chain Attacks

From software dependencies to third-party service providers, attackers are increasingly exploiting vulnerabilities in the digital supply chain. The 2023 MOVEit breach exemplified how attackers can use a single exploit to impact hundreds of organizations.

Reference: Mandiant. (2024). Supply chain threats and defense strategies. https://cloud.google.com/blog/products/identity-security/protecting-supply-chains-and-vendor-connections/

4. AI-Driven Social Engineering

The use of generative AI to craft convincing phishing emails, deepfake audio, and synthetic identities is making social engineering more effective than ever.

Reference: Recorded Future. (2024). The future of deepfake threats. https://www.recordedfuture.com/research/targets-objectives-emerging-tactics-political-deepfakes

Key Takeaways for SMBs and Local Agencies

• Cyber hygiene and employee training are more important than ever. Threat actors often exploit human error.
• Patch management and asset visibility are essential for reducing attack surfaces.
• Zero Trust architecture, even in a basic form, is becoming a must-have for segmented access control.

Action Steps

1. Implement a layered security approach (endpoint, email, network, cloud).
2. Regularly back up critical data and test restoration processes.
3. Conduct routine security awareness training for staff.
4. Monitor your attack surface with tools like external vulnerability scanners.
5. Partner with a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) to augment your defenses.

Wentz IT Consulting is here to help organizations navigate this complex threat environment. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.