Cybersecurity in 2025: Staying Ahead of Smarter Threats

(with insights from CISA, NIST, and Deloitte)

Cyber threats keep evolving, and it’s no different for 2025. According to Deloitte’s Annual Cyber Threat Trends Report 2025 ⁽¹⁾, ransomware remains the most common cyberattack and hackers now use artificial intelligence (AI) to create more convincing phishing emails. AI has become a key enabler for cybercriminals, helping them craft targeted and persuasive scams at scale.

As technical protections improve, criminals are shifting their focus to exploit human behavior, a weak point in most systems. Many attacks still target outdated or unpatched software, or take advantage of users who click before they think.

To stay secure, small businesses can lean on proven frameworks and free federal resources from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Both agencies offer step-by-step guidance to strengthen cyber resilience and build security into daily operations for small business owners.

1. Use Stronger Logins with FIDO Protection

Hackers often steal passwords to break into accounts. Regular multi-factor authentication (MFA), such as text codes, can sometimes be tricked. The CISA Cyber Guidance for Small Businesses ⁽²⁾ recommends using FIDO (Fast Identity Online) ⁽³⁾, a more secure form of MFA that uses built-in tools like fingerprint readers, Face ID, or small physical security keys.

FIDO authentication makes it much harder for hackers to steal or reuse your login credentials. It’s already built into most modern devices and browsers; simply turn on “Passkeys” in your Google, Apple, or Microsoft accounts, or purchase FIDO-certified security keys for employees handling sensitive data. Look for certified products through fidoalliance.org.

2. Keep Your Software Up to Date

Both Deloitte and NIST’s Small Business Quick-Start Guide stress that unpatched software is one of the top causes of breaches. Updates fix known vulnerabilities that attackers exploit.

Set your systems, apps, and devices to update automatically, especially for users with special access or administrative permissions. The NIST Protect Function also recommends enabling full-disk encryption on laptops and tablets, regularly backing up your data, and testing those backups. These simple steps create strong layers of defense ⁽⁴⁾.

3. Train Your Team and Have a Plan

Technology alone can’t stop every threat, your people are your first line of defense. Teach employees to recognize common red flags:

Urgent or emotional requests
Messages asking for personal or financial information
Shortened or suspicious URLs
Incorrect sender addresses or subtle spelling errors

Remind staff to report suspicious messages rather than respond or click links, even those labeled “unsubscribe.”

CISA encourages small businesses to build a simple Incident Response Plan, a clear checklist for who to call, how to report, and how to contain damage if an incident occurs. NIST’s Respond and Recover Functions echo this: practice your plan through in-person exercises, document lessons learned, and review after-action reports to improve.

4. Identify What You’re Protecting

Before you can defend your business, you need to know what’s at risk. NIST’s Identify Function recommends making a list of your key assets (hardware, software, systems, and sensitive data) and identifying who manages each.

Understanding which data is most valuable helps you prioritize where to invest your protection efforts. As your business grows, consider reviewing this inventory annually and using tools to automate asset tracking.

5. Stay Current and Connected

Cybersecurity tools and threats change quickly. Following trusted sources keeps you one step ahead. Bookmark:

CISA.gov for alerts, best practices, and free toolkits
NIST.gov/cyberframework for templates, training, and risk management guidance
Local business associations or chambers of commerce, which often share alerts and workshops tailored for small businesses

Staying informed and sharing what you learn helps your entire team adapt quickly and protect what you’ve built.

Cybersecurity Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated

By combining CISA’s practical tools with NIST’s clear framework, small businesses can build a solid foundation for security without needing a full IT department. Stronger logins, regular updates, employee awareness, and clear response plans can go a long way in keeping your business safe and ready for what’s next.

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