What are the top five cybersecurity risks you should be aware of?

Every year, cyber threats grow in sophistication, cost and impact. According to the World Economic Forum, cybercrime is set to cost businesses up to $10.5 trillion annually by 2025. At the same time, our trends report 2025 highlights that for 52% of IT leaders, enhancing cybersecurity measures is the top priority for the year ahead. This shows just how critical it is for organisations to stay ahead.  

In this article, we’ll analyse the top five cybersecurity risks you should be aware of, breaking them down into simple explanations, real-world examples, and actionable tips to help you protect yourself and your organisation.

1. Phishing attacks

Phishing remains one of the most prevalent and deceptive cyber threats today. At its core, phishing is a technique used by attackers to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, or business data. 

How does phishing work? 

Phishing typically involves fake emails or websites that mimic trusted companies, banks, or even colleagues. These attacks attempt to manipulate your trust, often through urgent requests like resetting your password or verifying your account. Some of the most common phishing tactics include: 

• Fake emails: Posing as a legitimate organisation, attackers send emails asking recipients to click on a link to “resolve an issue.” 

• Spoofed websites: Victims are redirected to seemingly authentic login pages designed to steal credentials. 

• Malicious attachments: Innocent-looking documents or files are used to initiate malware downloads. 

Protecting against phishing 

Taking proactive steps to defend against phishing schemes can save you from significant risks, both personal and professional. These attacks are designed to exploit trust and urgency, so staying one step ahead is crucial. According to the APWG Phishing Activity Trends Report, over 1 million phishing attacks were recorded in Q1 2025, marking one of the highest figures in recent years. Start by adopting these best practices to shield yourself from potential threats: 

• Stay cautious: Be wary of unsolicited emails or messages asking for confidential information. 

• Check the source: Verify the sender’s email address and look out for subtle misspellings. 

• Use anti-phishing tools: Many browsers and security suites can identify and block phishing attempts.

2. Ransomware

Ransomware is a particularly devastating type of cyber-attack. It works by locking users out of their systems or data through encryption, with hackers demanding payment before they restore access. 

One infamous incident was the 2017 WannaCry ransomware attack, which spread across 150 countries, crippling hospitals and organisations by encrypting vital systems. 

How can you prevent ransomware attacks? 

Ransomware attacks can be catastrophic, but the good news is they’re largely preventable with the right precautions. By taking proactive measures, you can significantly reduce your vulnerability to these threats and protect your systems from harm. Here are some key strategies to keep ransomware at bay: 

• Regular backups: Keep secure backups of your data so you can restore it without giving in to ransom demands. 

• Maintain updated systems: Ensure you regularly update software to patch known vulnerabilities. 

• Educate employees: Many ransomware infections begin with an unsuspecting click on a malicious file or link sent via email.

3. Insider threats

Insider threats, often overshadowed by the focus on external hackers, pose a significant risk to cybersecurity. Employees, contractors, or associates with authorised access to company systems can unintentionally or maliciously compromise security. Unintentional risks may include clicking on malicious links, mishandling sensitive files, or using weak passwords, all of which create opportunities for attackers. On the other hand, malicious actions by disgruntled employees or individuals coerced by external actors can result in leaked or misused sensitive information for personal gain.  

How can you minimise insider threats? 

Insider threats, whether unintentional or malicious, can have serious consequences for an organisation’s security. Addressing these risks requires a proactive approach to build awareness, limit access, and monitor for potential warning signs. Here are some effective strategies to help safeguard your business against insider threats: 

• Employee training: Regular cybersecurity training helps employees recognise suspicious activity and handle data responsibly. 
• Access control: Limit user privileges based on role requirements to prevent unnecessary access to sensitive information. 

• Monitoring tools: Implement systems to track user activities and identify anomalies.

4. Weak passwords and credential theft

Your passwords are often the first line of defence against attackers. Unfortunately, weak, reused, or easily guessed passwords present an easy way for cybercriminals to gain access to your accounts and systems. Some of the most common issues with passwords include:  

• Reusing passwords: Using the same password for multiple accounts means a single breach can expose several accounts. 

• Weak passwords: Simple passwords like “password123” or “qwerty” are easily cracked. 

What steps can you take to strengthen password security? 

Passwords are your first line of defence against cyberattacks, yet weak or reused passwords remain a common vulnerability for many. Strengthening your password habits is an essential step towards safeguarding your personal and professional accounts from unauthorised access. Here are some key practices to enhance your password security: 

• Use strong passwords: A mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters makes passwords harder to crack. 

• Password managers: These tools help generate and secure unique passwords for every account. 

• Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA): MFA adds an additional layer of security by requiring more than just a password, such as a verification code sent to your phone.

5. IoT Vulnerabilities

The Internet of Things (IoT) has brought convenience to our homes and businesses, connecting devices like smart TVs, cameras, thermostats, and industrial equipment to the internet. However, each connected device is a potential entry point for attackers if not properly secured. 

How IoT is targeted 

Many IoT devices have outdated software, weak default passwords, or lack encryption, making them easy targets for cybercriminals. For instance, hacked security cameras or baby monitors can compromise your personal privacy. 

How can you effectively secure IoT devices? 

Internet of Things (IoT) devices have become an integral part of modern life, offering convenience and functionality in homes and workplaces alike. However, their connectivity also makes them vulnerable to cyberattacks if not properly secured. Taking the steps below can help you protect your IoT devices and minimise potential security risks: 

• Change default passwords: Default credentials are widely known and frequently exploited. 

• Update firmware: Regular updates fix vulnerabilities that hackers might exploit. 

• Separate networks: Use a dedicated Wi-Fi network for IoT devices to limit access if one device is compromised. 

Final thoughts 

Staying vigilant against cybersecurity risks has never been more important. With cyber threats evolving rapidly, maintaining robust defences is essential to protect your organisation's data, systems, and reputation. Proactive measures such as regular updates, employee training, and strong access controls can make a significant difference, but navigating these complexities alone can be overwhelming. 

OneAdvanced's Managed Cybersecurity Services offer a comprehensive solution to help safeguard your business. With tailored security tiers, round-the-clock monitoring from our expert Security Operations Centre, and proactive protection measures like vulnerability assessments and threat remediation, we ensure your organisation is equipped to detect, respond to, and prevent sophisticated cyber threats.  

Our services provide peace of mind, allowing you to focus on your core objectives while we handle your cybersecurity needs. Contact us today to discuss how we can support your business in staying secure.