Cyber Attacks Happen Every 11 Seconds

Cybersecurity threats are not going away. In fact, they’re escalating. Businesses face growing risks from ransomware, phishing, cloud misconfigurations, and social engineering scams.

To understand the urgency, here are some up-to-date figures:

• Global cybercrime costs are projected to hit $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, according to Cybersecurity Ventures.
• The average cost of a data breach in the U.S. has reached $10.22 million (IBM, 2025).
• Ransomware is expected to strike a business every 11 seconds this year, with damages exceeding $265 billion annually by 2031 (Cybersecurity Ventures).
• Unfilled cybersecurity jobs remain at 3.5 million worldwide, a figure unchanged since 2021.

Cyber-attacks are becoming more frequent, more expensive, and more sophisticated. Let’s look at today’s top threats.

7 Top Cybersecurity Threats to Watch

1. Phishing

Nearly one-third of breaches involve phishing. Cybercriminals impersonate trusted brands, tricking employees into clicking malicious links or attachments.
Protect your team by:

• Running ongoing cybersecurity awareness training
• Using multi-factor authentication (MFA)
• Deploying advanced spam filters
• Installing enterprise-grade antivirus software

2. SMS-Based Phishing (Smishing)

Text-based phishing is exploding. Proofpoint reports that 84% of organizations faced smishing attacks last year. With text message open rates at 98%, employees are highly vulnerable.
Training, VPN use, and mobile spam blocking apps are essential defenses.

3. PDF Scams

PDFs now account for 17% of malware carriers. Employees trust them, which makes malicious attachments particularly effective. Ensure endpoint protection is installed and kept up-to-date.

4. Malware

Malware includes ransomware, spyware, trojans, and more. SonicWall logged nearly 6 billion malware attempts in 2023, with attackers increasingly targeting Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
Stay protected with:

• Patching software regularly
• Removing outdated apps
• Deploying endpoint security
• Using 24/7 IT support for constant monitoring

5. IoT Attacks

IoT devices (smart cameras, sensors, wearables) are among the most vulnerable endpoints. Studies show 57% of IoT devices are exposed to medium-to-high severity attacks, and 98% of IoT traffic remains unencrypted.
Endpoint monitoring and strong password management are critical.

6. Credential Stuffing

Attackers use stolen usernames and passwords across multiple accounts. Since 65% of users reuse passwords, this remains a massive threat.
Defenses include MFA, unique password policies, IP rate limiting, and activity monitoring.

7. Cloud Breaches

With nearly every SMB now relying on cloud services, 80% of organizations have experienced at least one cloud security incident in the past 18 months. Misconfigurations and identity access issues are the biggest drivers.
Best practices include:

• Encrypting all cloud-stored data
• Using Microsoft 365 hardening and migration services
• Deploying Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop for secure access
• Monitoring with CASB tools

The Growing Risk for SMBs

Cyber-attacks are not limited to enterprises. Small and mid-sized businesses are prime targets. The average SMB breach costs $117,000, while insider-related incidents average $7.68 million. Many never recover.
The FBI recommends SMBs supplement internal IT efforts with expert support from a trusted cybersecurity provider.

Partner with IntermixIT for Cybersecurity Protection

At IntermixIT, we deliver layered cybersecurity services to make your IT operations virtually hack-proof. Our services include:

• Managed IT services for proactive monitoring and support
• Supplemental IT services for companies that need extra help
• 24/7 IT support to ensure fast resolution
• Data backup and recovery solutions to keep your business resilient
• Microsoft 365 hardening and migration
• Azure Virtual Desktop deployments

We serve businesses in Harrisburg, Lancaster, York, Lebanon, Reading, Allentown, Hershey, West Chester, Carlisle, and Philadelphia with managed IT services, supplemental IT services, and always-on IT support.

FAQs: Cybersecurity Threats

How often do cyber-attacks happen?
Estimates show a ransomware attack strikes every 11 seconds, and phishing attempts are constant across industries.

What’s the average cost of a breach in the U.S.?
IBM reports the average breach cost is $10.22 million, the highest in the world.

Which industries are most at risk?
Healthcare, manufacturing, finance, government, and small businesses are among the most frequently targeted.

How can SMBs reduce risk?
By partnering with a trusted MSP like IntermixIT for cybersecurity services, ongoing monitoring, and employee training.