What if the next cyber attack on your business doesn’t come from some shadowy hacker, but from AI tools that look and sound like your CEO? Or from software you trust every day?
At Human Computing, we’ve spent decades helping organizations navigate technology’s fast-changing landscape. We know that staying secure isn’t just about firewalls or antivirus anymore; it’s about anticipating how criminals adapt.
In this article, we’ll reveal the top 10 cybersecurity threats in 2025, share real-world examples of how these threats strike, and show you practical ways to fight back. Whether you’re an IT leader, a business owner, or simply concerned about data security, you’ll leave with clear actions to protect what matters most.
1. AI-Powered Phishing
Phishing emails are nothing new. But in 2025, they’re smarter than ever. Cybercriminals are using AI to craft emails tailored to your business’s language, projects, and even individual staff interests.
Example: Imagine an employee getting a convincing email referencing a recent company event, with a link that installs malware. In 2023, a cybersecurity firm reported AI-generated phishing emails achieving a 67% higher click rate than traditional scams.
How to Fight Back:
- Run phishing simulations and training regularly.
- Deploy AI-driven email security tools.
- Establish strict verification for financial requests.
CISA offers some excellent phishing resources that can help your business prepare for phishing attacks
2. Deepfake Scams
Deepfake scams use AI to create fake videos, audio, or images that convincingly mimic real people. Attackers might impersonate executives, celebrities, or loved ones to trick victims into sending money or revealing sensitive information. These scams exploit trust and visual proof to deceive. Deepfake technology can produce fake audio or video of executives, instructing staff to transfer funds or share confidential data.
Example: In 2023, a UK energy firm lost $243,000 after staff received a call mimicking their CEO’s voice ordering an urgent wire transfer. Imagine the damage if a deepfake video follows.
How to Fight Back:
- Require voice or video requests for sensitive actions to be verified via other channels.
- Train employees on spotting deepfake cues.
- Invest in AI tools that analyze audio-visual authenticity.
3. Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS)
RaaS is a cybercrime model where criminals lease ransomware tools to other attackers for a fee or profit share. It lowers the barrier to entry for cybercrime, enabling even low-skilled hackers to launch ransomware attacks and extort businesses or individuals. Ransomware is now a service anyone can rent. Criminal groups sell ransomware kits to others, increasing attacks on small and medium businesses that often lack robust defenses.
Example: In 2024, a hospital chain suffered a RaaS attack that encrypted patient records, costing $10M in recovery and fines.
How to Fight Back:
- Maintain offline backups and test restorations.
- Patch systems swiftly.
- Implement incident response plans.
NIST has some excellent ransomware guidance.
4. IoT Vulnerabilities
Internet of Things (IoT) devices, like smart cameras, thermostats, and wearables, often lack strong security. Hackers exploit these weak points to infiltrate home or business networks, steal data, or launch broader cyber attacks, turning everyday gadgets into threats.Example: In 2023, a casino was breached via an internet-connected fish tank thermometer, exposing customer data.
How to Fight Back:
- Change default credentials immediately.
- Segregate IoT devices from core networks.
- Regularly update device firmware.
You should check out ENISA’s beautifully compiled IoT best practices.
5. Supply Chain Attacks
Hackers compromise software vendors, third-party services, or partners to sneak malicious code into trusted products. Instead of attacking a single target, they infiltrate entire customer networks. Cybercriminals increasingly target trusted suppliers to inject malicious code into software updates. Example: In 2019, the SolarWinds hack infiltrated networks worldwide, including U.S. government systems, through a trusted update.
How to Fight Back:
- Demand security assurances from vendors.
- Limit vendor system access.
- Monitor traffic for unusual activity linked to third-party software.
6. Cloud Misconfigurations
Cloud misconfigurations occur when cloud services are set up incorrectly, leaving data exposed to the public. Simple mistakes like leaving storage buckets open can result in massive data leaks, breaches, and costly regulatory fines. Businesses rush to the cloud, but a simple settings mistake can expose sensitive data publicly. Example: In 2024, a retail giant accidentally exposed millions of customer records due to misconfigured cloud storage.
How to Fight Back:
- Audit cloud permissions regularly.
- Use tools that scan for misconfigurations.
- Train teams on cloud security best practices.
CISA also offers some great cloud security tips.
7. Credential Stuffing
Attackers use stolen username-password combinations from previous breaches to try logging into other sites. Since many people reuse passwords, credential stuffing can grant hackers unauthorized access to accounts, leading to fraud or data theft. Example: A 2023 breach exposed 34 million airline loyalty accounts because many customers reused passwords across services.
How to Fight Back:
- Enforce unique, strong passwords.
- Require multi-factor authentication (MFA).
- Monitor for login anomalies.
Check your email at Have I Been Pwned
8. Insider Threats
Insider threats come from employees, contractors, or partners who misuse their access to harm an organization. Whether intentional (like theft of trade secrets) or accidental (like mishandling data), insiders pose a significant cybersecurity risk. Disgruntled employees or careless insiders can leak data or sabotage systems. Example: In 2023, an IT admin deleted crucial cloud resources after a dispute with management, causing weeks of downtime.
How to Fight Back:
- Monitor privileged user activity.
- Keep permissions on a need-to-know basis.
- Foster a workplace culture that encourages reporting suspicious behavior.
9. AI-Powered Malware
Cybercriminals now use artificial intelligence to create smarter malware that adapts to security defenses, evades detection, and chooses targets more effectively. AI-driven attacks can move quickly, making them harder to stop using traditional methods. These new malware also changes its “signature” to evade conventional detection tools. AI enables these threats to adjust tactics on the fly.
Example: Security researchers discovered AI-based malware in 2024 that disguised itself as routine software updates, evading detection for months.
How to Fight Back:
- Deploy next-gen antivirus using behavior analysis.
- Follow zero-trust architecture principles.
- Update threat intelligence regularly.
10. Social Engineering via Social Media
Social engineering via social media is a tactic where cybercriminals exploit human psychology and the openness of social platforms to manipulate individuals into divulging confidential information, clicking malicious links, or performing actions that compromise security. Unlike technical hacks that break through software defenses, social engineering tricks people themselves into becoming the weak link. Cybercriminals will typically comb through posts, photos, bios, and connections to gather data like workplaces and job roles, family members or friends’ names, travel plans, hobbies, and interests.
This information makes phishing messages and scams highly believable.
Example: In 2024, an executive was tricked into wiring funds after an attacker referenced private details gleaned from LinkedIn and Instagram posts.
How to Fight Back:
- Limit publicly shared personal and company details.
- Create social media usage policies.
- Train staff on verifying requests that originate online.
Why This Matters
Cybercrime cost the global economy over $8 trillion in 2023 alone, and the pace is only accelerating. At Human Computing, we help businesses navigate these threats with practical solutions rooted in real-world experience.
Knowing about these threats isn’t enough. You must act. Whether you’re looking to secure your systems, train your teams, or design a cybersecurity strategy tailored to your industry, our experts are ready to help.
Don’t wait for a cyber attack to decide your future. Let’s build your defenses today. Contact Human Computing for a cybersecurity consultation.
