Top 5 Cyber Threats Targeting SMBs in 2025
In 2025, cyber threats aren’t just a problem for large enterprises. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) have become prime targets for cybercriminals—and with good reason. While they may lack the extensive defences of larger organisations, they still handle valuable data such as customer records, payment information, and intellectual property.
So, what threats should SMBs be particularly aware of this year?
Here are the top 5 cyber threats facing SMBs in 2025—along with practical tips on how to defend against them.
1. AI-Enhanced Phishing Attacks
Phishing is far from new, but in 2025 it’s more dangerous than ever. Cybercriminals are now leveraging artificial intelligence to create highly convincing phishing emails, bogus invoices, and even deepfake voice messages that imitate senior staff.
These messages are no longer littered with errors—they’re tailored, professional, and frighteningly persuasive.
How to protect your business:
Train staff to recognise subtle signs of phishing
Enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA)
Conduct regular phishing simulations and awareness sessions
2. Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS)
The ransomware threat landscape has evolved into a full-blown business model. With Ransomware-as-a-Service, even unskilled attackers can launch devastating encryption attacks with ease.
Once your data is encrypted, hackers will demand a ransom—often accompanied by threats to leak sensitive files if you don’t pay up.
How to protect your business:
Keep secure, offline backups—and test them regularly
Ensure operating systems and software are up to date
Deploy robust endpoint protection and continuous monitoring
3. Supply Chain Attacks
Even if your internal security is strong, your third-party suppliers might be your weakest link. In 2025, attackers are increasingly targeting SMBs through their supply chains, compromising software vendors or service providers to gain indirect access.
How to protect your business:
Perform due diligence on vendor cybersecurity practices
Limit access granted to third-party systems
Include cybersecurity clauses in contracts and service agreements
4. Cloud Misconfigurations
As businesses increasingly adopt cloud services, many are unintentionally exposing data to the internet. Misconfigured cloud storage, open ports, or excessive access rights are now among the leading causes of data breaches.
With remote and hybrid working now the norm, cloud security has never been more critical.
How to protect your business:
Regularly audit your cloud environment for misconfigurations
Apply the principle of least privilege for access control
Enable logging and monitoring to detect suspicious activity
5. Insider Threats
Insider threats—whether accidental or malicious—are an ongoing concern. With flexible working and less direct oversight, staff can unintentionally expose data or fall victim to scams, leading to significant risk.
How to protect your business:
Apply strict access controls and privilege management
Monitor for abnormal user behaviour or data transfers
Foster a culture of security awareness across all levels