Organisations the world over are living under a constant and lingering shadow: the looming threat of business cyberattacks. It doesn’t matter if it’s a small start-up or a global corporation – no company is immune to these evolving, increasingly sophisticated infiltrations.

A recent report on the cybersecurity landscape across Ireland and the UK found that 48% of businesses experienced cyber extortion in 2024. In an attempt to counteract such attacks and mitigate risk, a whopping 94% of Irish firms are reviewing their cybersecurity strategies.

While this is a vital step in safeguarding an organisation’s most sensitive data and information, understanding the most prevalent threats and implementing effective prevention strategies is even more crucial.

In this article, we identify seven common types of cyberattacks that businesses should be aware of, along with practical measures to prevent them.

 

What has caused the increase in business cyberattacks?

Last year, data breaches continued at historic levels across the globe. Unfortunately, the outlook as we pass the first half of 2025 doesn’t appear any more reassuring.

This increase in cybercrime is largely driven by AI-powered attacks, while vulnerabilities in cloud-based infrastructures are also playing a significant role. Cloud attacks increased by a staggering 75% in the last year alone.

A lack of skilled professionals is also playing a role in the increased exposure of businesses to cyberattacks. In 2024, the companies that experienced severe staffing shortages observed an average of $1.76 million in higher breach costs than those with low-level or no security staffing issues.

The finger of blame in the context of cybercrime can be pointed in many different directions, but the bottom line remains unchanged: no sector is safe from existing and emerging cyber threats.

Given that knowledge is power, the first line of defence for organisations should be to develop an understanding of the most pressing and damaging threats facing them and their livelihoods.

 

7 business cyberattacks to be aware of in 2025

Thanks to an amalgamation of factors, such as those discussed above, cybercrime is both evolving and increasing at a frightening rate. Protecting yourself and your business means staying ahead of this curve, so let’s discuss the seven most common cyberattacks to be aware of in 2025 and beyond.

 

#1. Ransomware

Ransomware, a prominent threat for many years now, is a type of malicious software that encrypts a victim’s files or systems, rendering them inaccessible until a ransom is paid to the attacker.

These attacks are often delivered through phishing emails or exploited software vulnerabilities, and they can cause significant operational and financial damage.

Businesses can protect themselves against ransomware attacks in a number of ways, including maintaining regular data backups, using reliable antivirus and endpoint protection, and applying software updates and patches when prompted.

Implementing strong access controls and incident response plans will further strengthen a company’s defence.

 

 

#2. Phishing attack

A phishing attack is a form of social engineering which is successfully carried out when a cybercriminal deceives individuals into revealing sensitive information regarding their place of business, such as passwords or financial details. They achieve this by posing as a trustworthy entity via email, phone or a fake website.

This type of attack has become increasingly dangerous thanks to a rise in the use of deepfake technology, which uses AI to create realistic representations of “genuine” human interaction.

The reason these attacks are so dangerous is that the communication often appears completely legitimate, tricking users into clicking malicious links or downloading harmful attachments.

The first step in mitigating against phishing risks should be to implement employee training programmes – a vital component of a protection strategy, considering human error caused 95% of data breaches in 2024. Conducting simulated phishing tests also helps assess and improve staff awareness.

Other tactics include using email filtering systems, enabling multi-factor authentication and regularly updating software.

 

#3. Denial-of-Service (DoS) and Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks

Denial-of-Service (DoS) and Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks aim to overwhelm a system, server or network with excessive traffic, rendering it unavailable to legitimate users.

While DoS attacks originate from a single source, DDoS attacks involve multiple compromised devices, making them harder to block.

Because a DDoS attack comes from multiple locations, it can also be deployed much faster than a DoS attack, highlighting its status as a more dangerous entity.

Within each category, there are a number of individual attacks to be aware of, including teardrop attacks, flooding attacks, volumetric attacks and application-based attacks.

Each of these assaults on a company’s system can disrupt operations and lead to significant financial losses, not to mention the reputational damage that often follows suit.

The use of firewalls and intrusion detection systems provides an effective line of defence against such attacks. Rate limiting and cloud-based mitigation tools can also help to manage high traffic volumes, representing another important safety net.

 

#4. Business Email Compromise (BEC)

Business Email Compromise (BEC) is a targeted cyberattack during which criminals impersonate executives, employees or partners to trick victims into transferring funds or disclosing sensitive information.

These attacks are crafted to appear credible and often urgent, and are sometimes carried out using hacked email accounts.

One of the biggest weapons in the fight against BEC attacks is the implementation of multi-factor authentication, which adds an extra layer of protection at access points. Once again, educating staff on recognising suspicious requests is vital, and this can be supported by establishing strict internal procedures for handling financial transactions

Email filtering tools and domain monitoring can also help to detect spoofing attempts.

 

#5. Insider threats

Insider threats are particularly dangerous as they involve a wide range of moving parts. They are triggered – either intentionally or unintentionally – by employees, contractors or partners who misuse their access to harm a business from the inside.

While malicious insiders may steal data, negligent ones might unintentionally expose systems through poor security practices.

Businesses must enforce strict access controls to limit their exposure to these threats. The use of monitoring tools to detect unusual activity is also advisable, as is conducting regular infrastructure audits.

However, employee training yet again tops the list of security measures – an element that must be taken seriously if organisations want to reduce the risk of insider-related incidents.

 

#6. Supply chain attacks

Supply chain attacks target vulnerabilities in third-party vendors or service providers to compromise a business’s systems. Although these sophisticated attacks can often be challenging to detect and prevent, there are a number of steps a business should consider to protect itself.

Firstly, vetting third-party vendors on their approach to cybersecurity practices in advance of engaging with them is advisable. Secondly, it is also a wise move to include security requirements in contracts with suppliers and partners. Lastly, implementing network segmentation is also a proactive step towards limiting the impact of a potential breach.

 

#7. Malware and spyware business cyberattacks

Malware and spyware attacks damage systems through the use of malicious software, which is designed to steal data or secretly monitor user activity.

Malware can include viruses, worms and ransomware, while spyware covertly gathers sensitive information like login credentials or financial data. These threats often spread through infected downloads, malicious websites or the aforementioned phishing emails.

Businesses can safeguard their infrastructure and data by using up-to-date antivirus and anti-spyware tools, enforcing regular software updates and applying strong firewall protections. Furthermore, educating employees on safe browsing and email practices is essential.

Conducting regular security audits and implementing robust access controls also helps prevent infections and limit the impact of malware and spyware attacks.

 

 

Limit your exposure to business cyberattacks with the help of the experts

Navigating the rough terrain of cybercrime can be a daunting task for busy business owners. However, with the help of an experienced and reputable IT service provider like Arbelos, your organisation’s security will be in good hands.

We offer tailored IT security and compliance services to help Irish businesses navigate the complex cybersecurity landscape. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing real support from real people, ensuring your business remains secure and compliant.

Contact us for more information on how we can help you protect your business today to ensure a secure tomorrow.