Cybersecurity Threats 2025: The Top Trends and How to Address Them

AI is reshaping cybersecurity at an unprecedented pace. As we analyzed the top 2025 cybersecurity threats, one thing became clear: unlike previous years, where distinct threats dominated, this year’s biggest risks stem from evolving attack tactics. From SaaS communication exploits to deepfakes, cybersecurity strategies must adapt. Sherri Davidoff, founder of LMG Security, explained, “AI is everywhere. It’s not just in the tools we formally adopt, like Microsoft Copilot or ChatGPT. It’s also creeping into personal mobile devices through tools like Gemini and Apple Intelligence.” She warns that vendors may be using AI without your knowledge, exposing shared data to unforeseen risks. As AI-driven threats escalate, security teams must rethink their approach, integrating new tactics, tools, and risk management strategies.

Let’s explore the evolving risks and attack tactics of 2025. It’s a complex landscape, so buckle up. For a deeper dive with real-world examples, check out our 2025 Cybersecurity Threats video.

The Top Cybersecurity Threats 2025 List

1. SaaS Communication Attack Tactics

Hackers are moving beyond email as their primary communication channel and leveraging enterprise SaaS platforms like Teams to build trust and exploit victims in ways that traditional phishing campaigns never could. In a striking example, Sophos recently reported on a ransomware campaign in which attackers sent thousands of emails to a victim within just 45 minutes, creating an overwhelming flood of messages. This prompted the victim to contact IT support for help. Anticipating the call for help, the attackers proactively posed as the IT help desk and initiated a Microsoft Teams message to the victim, followed by a Teams call, during which they convinced the victim to grant remote access to their computer. Using Microsoft’s Quick Assist tool, the attackers opened a command shell and attempted to deploy ransomware.

The transition from email to internal communication tools like Teams highlights how cybercriminals are targeting the platforms employees inherently trust. Evil AI tools like WormGPT can provide attackers with detailed directions on how to conduct this attack, and also write realistic emails, call scripts, and ransomware.

To combat 2025 cybersecurity threats, defenders need to level up and prepare for attacks via Teams, Zoom, and other SaaS-based methods of communication. Here are tips for prevention:

Proactive Steps:

• • Restrict External Communication: Configure SaaS tools like Teams to block or restrict external communications unless explicitly necessary. Disable the Microsoft “Quick Assist” tool unless you really need it.
  • Train Employees on Verification Protocols: Implement employee cybersecurity training programs that include authenticating IT-related requests, such as scrutinizing Teams call origins or looking for inconsistencies in usernames or domain extensions (e.g., identifying trial Microsoft tenants or domains like “onmicrosoft.com”).
  • Enhance Monitoring and Logging: Deploy and monitor tools capable of detecting unusual activity on SaaS platforms, such as mass email deliveries or sudden Teams activity involving unfamiliar contacts.
  • Deploy AI Detection Tools: Use AI-powered security solutions to detect and mitigate AI-generated attacks.
  • Create an IR plan and policy that follows today’s best practices.
  • Train your IT staff to be Cyber First Responders who can identify, respond, and mitigate the damage from attacks.
  • Consider tabletop exercises to practice your response and identify any policy gaps.

2. Amateur Hackers are Leveraging AI

As law enforcement disrupts major ransomware groups, smaller, amateur hackers are stepping in, often using AI tools to enhance their capabilities. These AI tools dramatically lower the barrier to entry for aspiring cybercriminals by offering step-by-step guidance on creating malware, crafting phishing campaigns, and phone scripts. These criminals are also less predictable, so we all need to be prepared. Here’s a real sample of WormGPT providing advice:

When asked, WormGPT provides a follow-up social engineering script, too:

Proactive Steps: Train employees so they are aware of new advanced AI capabilities, as well as novel social engineering attacks that are going to be a big part of 2025 cybersecurity threats.

3. M365 Credential Theft

Microsoft 365 (M365) credentials remain a prime target for attackers, not just for email compromise but also to access Teams, SharePoint, and other interconnected services. With stolen credentials, attackers can deploy ransomware, exfiltrate sensitive data, or impersonate employees, and it can happen incredibly fast! In fact, in LMG’s private testing lab, only 6 minutes elapsed between a successful phishing attack and the criminals logging in to peruse the victim’s data! Read our business email compromise blog for a real-life case study of how hackers acquire and leverage your credentials.

Action Steps:

• • Enable Strong Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Use advanced MFA methods such as biometrics or hardware tokens to add an extra layer of security. Read our Strong MFA blog for more details.
  • Monitor Tenant Activity: Continuously track user activity within your M365 environment to identify anomalies.
  • Educate Employees: Teach employees to spot phishing attempts designed to steal login credentials. Use training and phishing simulations. Read our Phishing Training Checklist for details.

4. MFA Bypass Attacks

Attackers are finding innovative ways to bypass MFA, from stealing cookies to tricking users into sharing authentication codes. The growing prevalence of sophisticated tools like SneakyLog has made MFA bypasses a pressing concern. SneakyLog uses pre-filled email addresses and fake login pages to exploit users’ instincts and steal authentication tokens. In one instance reported by researchers at Sequoia, the SneakyLog bot was used to rapidly create a blurry phishing site, designed to trigger users into authenticating in order to remove the blurry effect (see the blurry image below).

Proactive Steps:

• • Adopt Strong MFA Solutions: Implement phishing-resistant MFA such as hardware-based tokens, passkeys, or biometric authentication.
  • Conduct Regular Testing: Simulate MFA bypass scenarios during penetration testing to uncover vulnerabilities.
  • Educate Employees on Token Theft: Train employees about the risks of stolen session cookies and how to report suspicious activity.

5. Non-Email Phishing Attacks

Phishing attacks are no longer confined to email. Hackers are exploiting platforms like Teams, Zoom, and even search engines to deploy phishing schemes. In fact, the recent 2025 Netskope Cloud and Threat Report graphic (below) shows that search engines were the top phishing vector, and are poised to be one of the prominent 2025 cybersecurity threats.

In one recent trend, hackers mimic legitimate employee benefits and payroll sites and then use Google ads to manipulate SEO so that these fake sites pop up in response to user searches. Then, they steal the employee’s payroll or benefits password in order to facilitate fraud.

Proactive Steps:

• • Deploy Ad Blockers: Use reputable ad-blocking tools to minimize exposure to malicious ads.
  • Employee Cybersecurity Training. Train your team to spot scams and encourage them to verify URLs and avoid clicking on links from unknown sources. Read our tip sheet on cybersecurity staffing and training tips for more tips.

6. Deepfakes & Voice Clones Attacks

Deepfake technology is being used to impersonate executives and other trusted individuals. In December, the FBI released a Public Service Announcement warning that “criminals exploit generative artificial intelligence (AI) to commit fraud on a larger scale which increases the believability of their schemes.” Check out our blog and/or watch our long or short videos on these topics for details and prevention advice.

7. AI Cybersecurity Risks

AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot are transforming business operations—but they also introduce new vulnerabilities. Attackers are already finding ways to exploit them, particularly in enterprise environments. “Threat actors are misusing tools like Copilot, which often have access to data across an organization,” says Matt Durrin, LMG’s director of training and research. “They can analyze information to identify targets, track recent activity, and commit fraud—all without downloading data.” He warns that AI can expose intellectual property, scan internal communications to pinpoint key personnel, and fuel highly targeted attacks. “Copilot could analyze an entire organization’s Teams chats, emails, and files, instantly revealing financial transactions, security protocols, and pending deals. Without proper safeguards, AI becomes a powerful tool for cybercriminal reconnaissance.”

Proactive Steps:

• • Conduct AI Risk Assessments: Regularly audit your, your vendors’, and your partners’ AI tools for security vulnerabilities and ensure compliance with data privacy regulations.
  • Create Access Controls: Don’t allow AI programs to access sensitive data or intellectual property.
  • Implement Usage Policies: Develop clear guidelines for acceptable AI programs and use within your organization and any other organizations that hold your data or sensitive IP.
  • Monitor Shadow AI: Identify and manage unauthorized use of AI tools by employees.

8. Ransomware Attacks

In December 2024, ransomware attacks spiked to their highest level ever. Ransomware continues to evolve, with smaller, fragmented groups launching increasingly sophisticated attacks. If you recall the Blue Yonder incident in November of 2024, attackers targeted the SaaS provider’s core servers, severely disrupting operations for major clients such as Starbucks, which had to manually track employee hours, and Morrison’s grocery chain, which faced significant warehouse delays. These incidents underscore the cascading impacts ransomware can have on the supply chain and everyday business operations. Additionally, newer groups like “Funk” are utilizing AI to craft highly adaptable ransomware, enabling them to bypass traditional defenses and execute faster, more precise attacks.

Proactive Steps:

• • Deploy Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): Implement advanced EDR tools capable of detecting ransomware activity based on unusual behavior, such as unauthorized file encryption or mass file access.
  • Implement Continuous Attack Surface Monitoring: Continuously monitor your systems to identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited for ransomware delivery, such as unpatched software or open ports.
  • Strengthen Your Incident Response Plans: Conduct comprehensive tabletop exercises focusing on ransomware scenarios (read our blog on evergreen and 2024 tabletop exercise scenario picks) to prepare your team for containment, recovery, and communication strategies.
  • Regular Penetration Testing. This is one of the best ways to find and close your security gaps before hackers exploit them.

9. Third-Party Supplier Attacks

Third-party vendor attacks remain a top concern as attackers exploit third-party software and services, often leading to extensive downstream impacts. For example, the MOVEit breach exposed sensitive data from over 95 million individuals and affected more than 2,700 organizations. This incident demonstrated how vulnerabilities in widely used tools can ripple across multiple industries, causing operational disruptions and reputational damage. Hackers exploited MOVEit’s zero-day vulnerabilities to access and exfiltrate sensitive data, underscoring the importance of proactive vendor management and rigorous security assessments. These types of breaches also highlight how attackers leverage supply chain weaknesses to gain indirect access to high-value targets.

For more information and prevention tips, please read our Third-Party Risk Management Blog, watch our video on supplier software risks, or download our Supply Chain Risk Management tip sheet.

10. AI-Driven Zero-Day Software Vulnerability Exploitation

Attackers are using AI to rapidly identify and exploit zero-day vulnerabilities, creating significant challenges for organizations trying to stay ahead of threats. WormGPT can analyze leaked source code, uncover vulnerabilities, and generate exploits in a matter of a few minutes. Attackers no longer need advanced technical skills, opening the door to a much larger pool of criminals. This AI-driven boost to zero-day attack tactics will make this one of the top 2025 cybersecurity threats.

The MOVEit vulnerability in the supply chain example was also a zero-day attack that used software to maximize the number of companies they breached.

Proactive Steps:

• • Implement Continuous Attack Surface Monitoring: Continuously monitor your systems and use the management tools to detect and patch issues promptly.
  • Perform Penetration Testing: Regularly perform manual penetration testing, focusing on web and cloud applications, to uncover vulnerabilities that automated tools may miss. For example, vulnerabilities like Log4j can persist for years if not adequately addressed.
  • Secure Source Code: Monitor for leaked source code on the dark web and take immediate action to secure your software. Ensure robust access controls are in place to prevent unauthorized access to your repositories.
  • Invest in AI-Driven Security Tools: Leverage AI-powered solutions to enhance your organization’s ability to detect and respond to vulnerabilities. These tools can provide real-time insights and help identify risks more effectively than traditional methods.

By adopting these strategies, organizations can better defend against the increasingly sophisticated methods attackers are using to exploit software vulnerabilities.

For more details, read our checklist on zero-day prevention and response or watch our video on securing your software supply chain and preventing mass exploit abuse.

11. Attacks on Secure File Shares

Secure file transfer tools are increasingly targeted, as highlighted by the Clop ransomware gang’s sophisticated exploitation of vulnerabilities in widely used platforms like Cleo and MOVEit. These attacks demonstrate how attackers target zero-day vulnerabilities or misconfigurations in file transfer systems to infiltrate networks and exfiltrate sensitive data, often honing in on internet-facing applications known to store valuable data. We see this trend continuing as a top 2025 cybersecurity threat.

Proactive Steps:

• • Implement File Retention Policies: Data is a hazardous material. Deploy automatic deletion schedules to minimize the data available for attackers to exploit. For example, many organizations affected by the MOVEit breach failed to delete old files, amplifying their exposure.
  • Conduct Continuous Attack Surface Monitoring: Continuously monitor your systems and use the management tools to detect and patch issues promptly. Rapid patch management is critical, especially as attackers increasingly exploit zero-day vulnerabilities within hours of their disclosure.
  • Use Encrypted Transfers: Deploy end-to-end encryption for all file transfers to prevent data interception during transit.
  • Perform Penetration Testing: Regularly test systems for exploitable vulnerabilities, including web and cloud applications.
  • Educate Employees: Train staff on secure file transfer protocols and the importance of adhering to retention and encryption standards to reduce human error in data handling processes.

12. Data Consolidation

As organizations consolidate data into centralized repositories for machine learning and analytics, the risk of large-scale breaches increases. Organizations are increasingly leveraging data lakes and then layering utilities on top of that, creating risks that earned the final spot on our cybersecurity threats 2025 list. Sherri Davidoff advises, “With AI analyzing massive data lakes, it’s more important than ever to limit access and implement strong security controls to ensure that only the right people have visibility into sensitive information.”

Proactive Steps:

• • Inventory Data: Regularly audit all data sources to identify unmanaged data.
  • Implement Access Controls: Restrict access to data lakes based on job requirements.
  • Conduct Regular Cleanups: Periodically remove outdated or unnecessary data to reduce risk exposure.

Thanks for sticking with us! We hope this helps you anticipate and prepare for 2025’s cybersecurity threats. Need more insights? Contact us for technical testing, advisory services, compliance consulting, or training.