Cybersecurity
Are You Ready? 2025’s Top IT Threats You Might Be Unaware Of
Are You Ready? 2025’s Top IT Threats You Might Be Unaware Of by Todd Moss
If you’re in charge of keeping a business or nonprofit running, your brain probably jumps between five things at once: payroll, hiring, reporting, tech issues, fundraising. I get it.
Technology shouldn’t be another problem to fix. But in 2025, the IT threat landscape is evolving faster than most organizations can track—and it’s not just the big, splashy headlines you need to worry about. It’s the quiet, creeping risks that build over time and catch teams off guard.
Here’s what I’ve been seeing—and what you can do about it.
1. AI-Powered Cyber Threats Are Getting Smarter (And Quieter)
When we think of hacking, many still picture a hoodie-clad person hammering at a keyboard in a dark room. But these days, your attacker might be… software.
I know. It’s creepy for us, too.
In 2025, we’re seeing the rise of AI-assisted cybercrime. Tools like WormGPT and FraudGPT can write believable phishing emails in seconds—no grammar errors, no clunky phrasing. They’re mimicking writing styles, company voice, even using real names and logos pulled from the web.
But it doesn’t stop there.
AI agents can now scan your site for vulnerabilities, generate custom malware, and even simulate conversations with your staff. It’s like giving a cybercriminal a team of tireless interns.
🧠 According to Wired, researchers have already trained autonomous hacker agents to complete multi-step exploits—without a human pressing “go.”
What You Can Do:
Train your team to spot red flags in emails and texts. The scams look better than ever.https://industrialcyber.co/reports/new-honeywell-2025-cyber-threat-report-reveals-ransomware-surges-46-percent-with-ot-systems-as-key-targets/
Use email filtering tools that detect sentiment and anomaly, not just known keywords.
Limit public data exposure—like full staff directories or unprotected .PDFs of org charts.
Remember: AI makes the attacks more human. That’s why your defenses need to be, too.
2. Ransomware-as-a-Service: Cybercrime Has a Subscription Model Now
Cybercrime isn’t just for elite hackers anymore.
Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) is a booming underground business. Think of it like Shopify, but for launching ransomware attacks. For a fee (sometimes as little as $100), anyone can “subscribe” to a pre-built ransomware kit and start targeting companies.
And it’s working.
🧨 The Honeywell Cyber Threat Report revealed a 46% surge in ransomware activity this year alone, especially in operational tech and SMB environments.
It’s not personal. You’re just an easier target than a Fortune 500.
What You Can Do:
Segment your network. Don’t let attackers move freely if they get in.
Backups are your best friend. Daily, offsite, tested regularly.
Install EDR/XDR (Endpoint or Extended Detection & Response) tools that monitor and isolate threats in real-time.
Know your crown jewels. Not everything needs military-grade security—but some things absolutely do.
And if you’re wondering how much of your network is protected like your crown jewels… that’s probably a good sign to check.
3. Shadow IT and “Invisible Risk”
This one flies under the radar—and that’s the problem.
Shadow IT refers to the tools your staff are using without your knowledge. Think: personal Google Drive folders, rogue Zoom accounts, unapproved AI apps, or that Trello board from 2021 still syncing sensitive project data.
These tools aren’t evil. In fact, most were adopted with good intentions—speed, convenience, creativity.
But they create invisible risks. Your sensitive info might be sitting in an unsecured location, managed by a team member who left six months ago.
In 2025, this has only gotten worse with AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Notion AI, and industry-specific plug-ins that might be ingesting customer or donor data without clear consent.
What You Can Do:
Run an app inventory audit. Ask teams what tools they’ve adopted. Start from curiosity, not punishment.
Create a safe channel to request new tools. If people feel empowered, they won’t go rogue.
Implement Single Sign-On (SSO) and Data Loss Prevention (DLP) tools where possible.
Communicate the “why.” Most shadow IT issues stem from misalignment, not rebellion.
This isn’t about locking things down. It’s about building enough clarity and trust that people want to bring you into the loop.
Putting It All Together
Most of the business leaders I speak with aren’t ignoring cybersecurity—they just don’t know where to start. And that’s totally fair.
So, here’s a checklist I often walk through with clients:
✅ Do you know what tools your staff are actually using?
✅ Are you confident your backups work—because you’ve tested them?
✅ Have your staff had phishing training in the past 6 months?
✅ Is there someone regularly reviewing your network and access permissions?
✅ Have you mapped out your “critical systems” and what happens if they go offline?
If you’re unsure on even one of these, that’s a great place to begin.
About 24HourTek
24HourTek, Inc is a forward-thinking managed service provider that offers ongoing IT support and strategic guidance to businesses. We meet with our clients at least once a month to review strategy, security posture, and provide guidance on future-proofing your IT.
If this sounds familiar, we’re happy to help.
We don’t do hard sells. We just help people sleep better at night.