Emerging Threats of 2025
Emerging Cyber Threats to SMBs in 2025
Cybercriminals are constantly evolving their tactics, and small businesses remain a prime target due to limited security resources. Here are three emerging threats SMBs should be aware of:
Supply Chain Attacks
AI Attacks
Insider threats
Supply Chain Attacks
Instead of attacking a company directly, malicious actors exploit vulnerabilities in products or services from trusted third-party vendors that have privileged access or integration with a company’s network. These attacks can have devastating effects on businesses that rely on third-party technology for daily operations.
The Supply Chain Process
Common Supply Chain Targets Affecting Small Businesses
Point-of-Sale (POS) Systems
Example: Malicious actors insert malware into Square, Clover, or Toast POS systems, stealing customer payment information.
Risk: SMBs in retail, restaurants, and hospitality that rely on POS systems for transactions are at risk.
Third-Party Applications & Business Software
Example: Attackers exploit vulnerabilities in accounting software like QuickBooks, payroll services like ADP, or CRM tools like HubSpot, allowing unauthorized access to financial data or customer information.
Risk: SMBs that depend on cloud-based software for finance, HR, or marketing can be compromised if vendors are breached.
Pre-Built Website Templates & Plugins
Example: Malicious code is injected into WordPress themes or Shopify plugins, allowing hackers to steal customer payment details or redirect traffic to phishing sites.
Risk: SMBs that use website builders or e-commerce platforms without regular security updates may unknowingly expose sensitive customer data.
So, How do You Protect Against Supply Chain Attacks?
Third-Party Risk Assessment
The goal of the third-party risk assessment process is to assess and monitor the security practices of vendors, suppliers, and service providers your business relies on. This includes vetting vendors before onboarding, requiring security policies that include multi-factor authentication (MFA) and encryption, and continuously monitoring for vulnerabilities or breaches in third-party software, cloud services, and payment processors. By establishing clear security contracts, conducting periodic risk assessments, and limiting vendor access to only necessary systems, SMBs can reduce the risk of supply chain attacks and protect sensitive business and customer data.
Regular Software Updates & Patches
Regularly updating software and plugins is critical for preventing vulnerabilities from being exploited and allowing malicious actors unauthorized access to business systems. Businesses should enable automatic updates whenever possible and establish a routine schedule to check for and apply security patches on POS systems, website plugins, third-party applications, and operating systems.
Monitor Transactions & System Logs
Regularly monitoring point-of-sale (POS) transactions, website traffic, and account access logs helps small businesses detect unauthorized activity before it leads to a breach. Attackers often leave behind signs such as unexpected login attempts, irregular transaction patterns, or changes to user permissions, which can indicate a compromised system.
Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to verify their identity with an additional factor beyond just a password. This significantly reduces the risk of credential-based attacks, such as phishing, password spraying, and brute-force attacks.
Article by: Micayla Wynn-bell
