The cybersecurity landscape is evolving rapidly, with attackers using advanced technologies and strategies to exploit vulnerabilities. To help IT decision-makers and security professionals prepare for the challenges ahead, we spoke with our cybersecurity team to identify the top threats B2B organizations will face in 2025 as they see it.
Here’s what they had to say.
1. AI-Powered Cyber Attacks
Artificial intelligence is no longer just a tool for innovation; it’s also being weaponized by cybercriminals. AI enables attackers to craft hyper-personalized phishing campaigns, develop malware that adapts to security measures, and even automate attacks at scale. According to Ruth Owoo, Senior Security Engineer I, the sophistication of AI-driven attacks poses a significant challenge to traditional defense systems.
Additionally, “Shadow AI”—unauthorized AI tools used by employees—can unintentionally open vulnerabilities in a company’s infrastructure. These tools often lack proper oversight, creating blind spots in an organization’s security posture. Think about Shadow AI like when an employee uses ChatGPT or another LLM and references sensitive company or customer information in their prompt.
How to combat this:
- Implement advanced AI-powered detection systems to counter AI-driven threats.
- Monitor and regulate the use of third-party AI tools within your organization.
2. Insider Threats
Insider threats continue to be a pressing concern. Whether malicious or unintentional, insider incidents often stem from negligent employees, disgruntled current or former staff, or third-party contractors with access to sensitive systems. Senior staff such as Beth Leonard and Kyle McNaney both emphasized the growing awareness of risks posed by insiders.
As internal access expands due to hybrid and remote work models, businesses need to have robust systems in place to monitor insider behavior without breaching trust or privacy.
How to combat this:
- Invest in robust identity and access management (IAM) systems.
- Provide continuous security education to all employees.
3. Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs)
State-sponsored hacking groups are evolving to become more sophisticated and persistent than before. With geopolitical tensions escalating, these attackers are targeting organizations with sensitive data, critical infrastructure, or connections to government entities. Michael Park, our Security Analyst, identified APTs as a significant risk due to their ability to operate stealthily over extended periods.
These attacks aren’t random—they’re methodical and deliberate, making them both harder to detect and more damaging.
How to combat this:
- Use layered defense strategies, including endpoint detection and response (EDR).
- Monitor network traffic regularly for unusual activity.
Key Characteristics of APTs:
- Advanced Techniques:
APTs use advanced tools, methods, and tactics, such as zero-day exploits, social engineering, and spear-phishing, to bypass traditional security measures. They often exploit vulnerabilities that are not yet publicly known. - Persistence:
The goal of an APT is to maintain unauthorized access to a system or network over an extended period. Threat actors carefully avoid detection and continuously adapt their techniques to remain hidden. - Specific Targets:
Unlike opportunistic attacks, APTs are highly targeted. They aim at specific organizations, industries, or governments, often gathering intelligence to achieve strategic or financial goals. - Stealth:
APTs are designed to remain undetected while extracting sensitive information, sabotaging systems, or achieving other objectives. Threat actors may use techniques such as encrypting malicious communications or blending in with normal network traffic. - Multiple Stages:
APTs often follow a multi-stage process: - Initial Compromise: Gaining access to a system, often through phishing, exploiting a vulnerability, or supply chain attacks.
- Establishing a Foothold: Deploying malware or creating backdoors to ensure continued access.
- Privilege Escalation: Obtaining administrative rights to access sensitive areas of the system or network.
- Lateral Movement: Spreading within the network to reach valuable assets.
- Data Exfiltration or Impact: Stealing data or disrupting operations.
- Maintaining Access: Ensuring they can return even if part of their activity is discovered.
4. Business Email Compromise (BEC)
Business Email Compromise (BEC) is becoming more targeted and financially devastating. Attackers deploy social engineering, email spoofing, and account compromises to steal funds, obtain sensitive information, or manipulate employees into unauthorized actions. According to Security Analyst I, Wesley Widner, thorough research on victim organizations makes BEC a particularly effective attack.
How to combat this:
- Train employees to recognize phishing and social engineering tactics.
- Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all accounts.
- Use email security software to detect and quarantine malicious emails.
5. Ransomware Evolution: Double Extortion
Ransomware isn’t just about encryption anymore. Attackers have adopted “double extortion” tactics, where they threaten to leak sensitive data if the ransom isn’t paid. This puts organizations in a dire predicament, balancing financial loss with potential reputational damage.
According to Michael Park, ransomware attacks have become increasingly aggressive and targeted, focusing on industries with sensitive data, such as healthcare and finance.
How to combat this:
- Regularly back up your data and test restoration processes.
- Implement endpoint protection solutions with real-time monitoring.
- Keep all systems and software up to date with the latest security patches.
Why Double Extortion is Effective:
- Higher Pressure on Victims: Even organizations with robust backups might feel compelled to pay, fearing reputational damage or legal consequences.
- Increased Ransom Demands: The attackers may ask for higher payments due to the added threat of exposure.
- Compromised Privacy: The stolen data often includes customer information, intellectual property, or regulatory-sensitive records, making breaches even more damaging.
6. Exploitation of IoT Vulnerabilities
The rise of Internet of Things (IoT) devices has expanded the attack surface for cybercriminals. Many IoT devices, such as smart thermostats or surveillance cameras, lack sufficient security measures, making them an easy target for hijacking and botnet integrations.
R3, Chief Operations Officer, Beth Leonard highlighted the risks of unsecured IoT devices, noting the speed and scale with which they can be exploited in large-scale attacks.
How to combat this:
- Perform routine vulnerability assessments of IoT devices.
- Use network segmentation to prevent IoT breaches from spreading to core systems.
- Invest in IoT-specific security solutions.
7. Supply Chain Attacks
Supply chain attacks, where attackers inject malicious code into legitimate software updates or vendor applications, remain a growing concern. Trust relationships between vendors and organizations make these attacks particularly damaging and difficult to detect.
“Once trust is exploited, it not only affects the vendor’s reputation but also the broader network of businesses depending on them,” said Michael Park.
How to combat this:
- Collaborate with vendors to ensure robust cybersecurity practices.
- Conduct audits of all third-party applications and suppliers.
- Maintain strong firewall defenses against unauthorized incoming software.
8. Politically and Nation State-Driven Cyber Warfare
Cyber warfare, fueled by political motivations, is a significant threat to B2B organizations—especially those operating internationally or handling sensitive data. Kyle McNaney and Beth Leonard both pointed out that nation-state attacks are likely to increase as tensions rise globally. An example cited by McNaney included potential retaliation from China in response to incoming tariffs.
How to combat this:
- Work with threat intelligence services to predict and prepare for geopolitical risks.
- Collaboration with government-backed cybersecurity organizations for better defense coordination.
9. Change Management Failures
Chief Technology Officer, Kyle McNaney emphasized the risks of operational failures due to poor change management procedures. This issue has recently affected major companies like CrowdStrike and RingCentral, where gaps in deployment or updates caused serious outages or vulnerabilities. Small missteps in change management can expose organizations to significant risks.
How to combat this:
- Implement strict change management protocols with built-in checks and balances.
- Test all system changes rigorously in a non-production environment before live deployment.
10. Phishing Attacks
Phishing continues to be one of the most prevalent and effective methods utilized by cybercriminals to compromise organizations. These attacks often rely on exploiting human behavior, tricking employees into providing sensitive information like login credentials or clicking on malicious links. Phishing schemes have become more sophisticated, leveraging tailored tactics such as spear phishing and business email compromise, which target specific individuals or roles within a company. No matter how advanced technology gets, the human element can either be one of your greatest assets or vulnerabilities.
How to combat this:
- Conduct regular employee training on how to identify and report phishing attempts.
- Implement email security solutions that flag suspicious messages and block known malicious links.
- Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) to reduce the impact of compromised credentials.
- Regularly test employees with simulated phishing scenarios to improve awareness and resilience.
Final Thoughts
The cybersecurity challenges of 2025 are a step up in sophistication, requiring IT decision-makers and cybersecurity enthusiasts to adopt multi-layered defenses and predictive strategies. From AI-powered attacks to IoT vulnerabilities and politically motivated cyber warfare, preparing today is the best way to counter tomorrow’s threats.
At the forefront of defense is knowledge, proactive measures, and the ability to adapt quickly. Are you prepared to face the threats emerging on the horizon?
Stay ahead of the curve. Contact our team for a free consultation on how we can help fortify your organization’s cybersecurity.
