Top Summer 2025 Cybersecurity Trends for SMBs

Small and Midsized Businesses everywhere are facing a surge in targeted cyberattacks, rising financial and operational risks, and new threats driven by AI and ransomware. Many remain underprepared due to resource constraints, lack of expertise, and gaps in basic security practices. Strengthening defenses, investing in employee training, and adopting modern security tools are critical steps for SMBs to remain resilient in 2025.

As summer 2025 approaches, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) face a rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape. Recent research from leading industry and research organizations highlights that SMBs are increasingly in the crosshairs of cybercriminals-often with severe financial and operational consequences.

Here’s an (AI) compilation of four recent research pieces discussing what SMBs need to know.

According to VikingCloud’s 2025 SMB Threat Landscape Report

• 1 in 3 small and medium-sized businesses were hit by a successful cyberattack last year, and 53% experienced disruptions from cyber incidents during the same period.

• Nearly 1 in 5 SMBs would be forced to close if a cyberattack cost them as little as $10,000 in damages, and 55% reported that it would take less than $50,000 in financial impact for their business to go under.

• 71% of SMBs say their cyber defenses aren’t strong enough, and 60% admit they underestimate the real risk of attack.

• 74% of SMBs manage cybersecurity on their own, often without sufficient training, and only 15% have hired an internal IT professional or outsourced to a managed provider.

• 33% of SMBs are working with outdated cybersecurity technology, and 20% report having no cybersecurity technology at all.

• The most common cyber disruptions faced by SMBs in the past 12 months included Wi-Fi or network disruptions (52%), phishing texts and emails (48%), and fake social media accounts or website domains (32%).

• 80% of SMBs recognize their cyber vulnerabilities, yet many still use easily hackable passwords, never back up their data, or don’t require multi-factor authentication for staff.

According to Techaisle’s 2025 Security Survey,

• The average loss for SMBs due to security incidents in 2024 surged to $1.6 million, up from $1.4 million in 2023, highlighting that attacks are becoming more sophisticated and costly.

• 56% of SMBs anticipate new security risks stemming from artificial intelligence in 2025, up from 48% in 2024, as AI-powered threats become more common and sophisticated.

• Staffing shortages, resource constraints, and the challenge of fostering a security-conscious culture remain major hurdles for SMBs seeking to improve their cyber defenses.

According to LastPass

• 61% of SMBs experienced a cyberattack in 2024, and up to 50% of attacks now target SMBs specifically.

• AI-powered phishing scams are exploding and are expected to be a top threat to SMBs in 2025 and beyond, with a 703% surge in credential-based phishing attacks identified in 2024.

According to Astra,

• Only 14% of SMBs have a cybersecurity plan in place, and 43% of all cyberattacks annually target small businesses.

• According to Astra, 82% of ransomware attacks were targeted at companies with fewer than 1,000 employees, and 75% of small businesses would face bankruptcy if they experienced a ransomware attack.

Summary

As we head into summer, now is the time for SMBs to review their cybersecurity posture, address critical gaps, and ensure they are prepared for the evolving threat landscape. Staying proactive and informed will be key to protecting your business, your customers, and your reputation in the months ahead.

How Trusted Internet Can Help

Trusted Internet understands the unique challenges SMBs face in today’s threat landscape. Our team provides:

• 24/7 managed detection and response: Continuous monitoring to catch threats early and respond fast.

• Employee security awareness training: Practical programs to empower your team and reduce human error.

• Incident response planning: Guidance and support to help you build, test, and refine your response strategy.

• Tailored cybersecurity solutions: Scalable protections that fit your business size, budget, and industry needs.

staysafeonline@trustedinternet.io