In Verizon’s 2025 analysis, ransomware appeared in 88% of breaches involving small and medium sized businesses.
Verizon 2025 DBIR SMB Snapshot [1]Cyber security report
Phishing and malware can stop a business day. You can get ahead of them.
A convincing phishing email can expose accounts or payments. A malicious attachment can disrupt the work your team depends on. See the evidence, then take a practical first step to protect your business.
Get a free security assessment →The threat landscape
The risks behind an ordinary inbox
Phishing and spoofing complaints were reported to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center in 2025.
FBI IC3 2025 Annual Report [2]Reported losses from business email compromise complaints in 2025. This is a national total, not a typical loss for one business.
FBI IC3 2025 Annual Report [2]These reports measure different groups and events. They describe broad risk, not the likelihood or expected cost of an incident at your business.
What the numbers mean
A single message can become a business problem
A convincing invoice may trick an employee into sending money. An overlooked software flaw may give an intruder access. Malware may lock essential files while your team tries to restore service. Verizon reported that ransomware appeared in 44% of the breaches it studied for its 2025 report, and exploitation of vulnerabilities as an initial access route rose 34% from the prior year. [3]
The question is where a phishing message or malware infection could reach your team—and how quickly you would notice and respond.
A practical starting point
Three ways to strengthen your defenses
1. Check your exposure
Review internet facing systems, patch critical software, and use authorized penetration testing to identify weaknesses that automated scans can miss.
2. Block and verify suspicious email
Turn on multifactor authentication, verify payment changes through a separate trusted channel, strengthen email filtering, and practice spotting phishing attempts.
3. Detect threats and prepare to recover
Monitor for suspicious activity, keep tested backups separate from everyday systems, and decide who will act if malware or ransomware is discovered.
Take the next step
Ready to go online protected?
Request a free security assessment. Tell the team about your phishing or malware concerns and discuss the right next step for your business.
Get Online Protected →Sources
- Verizon, 2025 Data Breach Investigations Report: Small and Medium Sized Business Snapshot.
- FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center, 2025 Annual Report.
- Verizon, 2025 Data Breach Investigations Report announcement.
Statistics are attributed to their publishers and are presented for general education. No result is guaranteed.