August 07, 2025
The Unexpected Prime Targets for Cyberattacks in 2025
It's easy for small business owners to believe that cybercriminals are interested in large corporations. After all, when major breaches hit the headlines, it's usually a Fortune 500 company making news. But this false sense of security is exactly what makes small businesses the most vulnerable.
In 2025, cyberattacks are not just a big business problem; they're a small business crisis.
Why Hackers Love Targeting Small Businesses
Cybercriminals are strategic, not just opportunistic. Small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) offer the perfect combination of weak defenses and high-value data. According to recent cybersecurity reports, nearly 60% of SMBs have experienced a cyberattack, with ransomware and phishing leading the charge.
Unlike large enterprises, SMBs often lack dedicated IT staff, robust defenses, or the time to keep up with fast-moving threats. Hackers know this—and they're exploiting it.
The Rising Threat: Ransomware and Beyond
Ransomware remains one of the most devastating threats to small businesses. In 2025, ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) platforms have made it easier than ever for criminals to launch attacks without deep technical skills. These platforms come with support, tutorials, and even dashboards bringing a dangerous level of professionalism to cybercrime.
For small businesses, the consequences are severe:
- Data loss or exposure
- System-wide lockouts
- Operational shutdowns
- Expensive ransom demands
- Loss of customer trust
And perhaps worst of all: the cost of recovery often exceeds the ransom itself.
Why Manufacturers, Auto Dealerships, and Local Governments Are High on the Hit List
Manufacturers, auto dealerships, and municipalities are prime targets because they often rely on legacy systems and lack multi-layered defenses. Yet, they handle sensitive data—like financial records, supplier contracts, or public information—that's extremely valuable to attackers.
For manufacturers:
- Smart machines (IoT) are often connected but not secured
- Downtime impacts not just your business, but your entire supply chain
- Suppliers may demand proof of cybersecurity frameworks
For auto dealerships:
- Dealership Management Systems (DMS) contain vast amounts of customer PII
- Phishing scams and credential theft are on the rise
- Regulatory compliance (FTC Act) for data protection is tightening
For municipalities:
- Public trust is at stake
- CJIS compliance is non-negotiable
- Budgeting challenges often delay crucial security upgrades
Debunking the "Too Small to Be a Target" Myth
The truth? Being small doesn't mean being safe. In fact, 43% of cyberattacks target small businesses, according to a recent IBM report. Hackers are counting on your defenses being minimal, and they're right far too often. Everyone is just an internet address; just like a post office box. When cyber criminals get that box open, they typically don't know what is in it, so they keep digging to find treasures.
Here's why that myth is dangerous:
- It leads to inaction, leaving vulnerabilities unpatched.
- It discourages investment in employee security awareness training.
- It means businesses skip essential basics, like multi-factor authentication and regular backups.
Let's be clear: no business is too small to be hacked, but every business can become harder to hack.
The Real Cost of an Attack
A cyberattack isn't just a tech issue—it's a business continuity issue. When your systems go down, your productivity, revenue, and reputation go with them.
- Average downtime from a ransomware attack? 21 days.
- Cost of a single breach for SMBs? $120,000+ on average.
- Nearly 60% of small businesses that close within 6 months of a major cyberattack
These aren't scare tactics. They're realities that many SMBs in Ohio and Indiana are facing.
What You Can Do Right Now: Cybersecurity Action Steps
Even small, proactive measures can significantly reduce your risk. Here are some essential cybersecurity steps your business can implement today:
Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Prevent unauthorized access—even if passwords are compromised.
Update and Patch Systems Regularly
Outdated software is the #1 entry point for malware.
Train Your Team on Phishing and Social Engineering
Human error causes more breaches than technical flaws.
Backup Critical Data (and Test It)
Store backups offsite or in the cloud, and test recovery procedures regularly.
Work With a Trusted Local IT Partner
Choose a provider that knows your industry and can respond quickly—not one that sends you to voicemail.
Partnering with Tomorrow's Technology Today gives you live, local support backed by a 60-minute response guarantee and the NIST and CIS cybersecurity framework solutions tailored to your business needs.
How Tomorrow's Technology Today Protects SMBs from Cyber Threats
At Tomorrow's Technology Today, cybersecurity isn't an add-on, its core to everything we do. Our clients don't have to worry about being overlooked or oversold. Instead, they get peace of mind from a team that actually knows their name and their network.
We deliver:
- Affordable, layered cybersecurity designed for SMBs and municipalities
- Proactive monitoring that catches issues before they become problems
- Disaster recovery planning so you're prepared for worst-case scenarios
- Custom roadmaps and budget forecasting for long-term stability
- Plain-English support, no confusing jargon, ever
We also help you comply with frameworks like NIST and CIS and regulatory frameworks like CJIS, CMMC, and FTC Safeguards without the headaches.
Why Partnering with a Local, Woman-Owned MSP Matters
Cybersecurity isn't one-size-fits-all. National providers often miss the mark for smaller organizations because they're too distant or too generic. Tomorrow's Technology Today is different.
We're local. We're invested. We're responsive.
When you call us, you talk to the same expert who can show up at your door. That means no call center frustration and no waiting for outsourced answers. And as a woman-owned, community-rooted business, we're committed to making technology accessible, understandable, and effective.
Ready to Stop Worrying About Cyber Threats?
Don't wait until your business is locked out of its systems or your customer data is exposed. Click Here or give us a call at 419-678-2083 to Book a FREE 10-Minute Discovery Call. We'll assess your risks, walk you through a custom cybersecurity roadmap, and make sure your business is ready for what 2025 throws your way.
Key Takeaways
- Small businesses are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals, especially in 2025.
- Ransomware, phishing, and legacy vulnerabilities are primary attack vectors.
- Believing you're "too small" to be hacked is a dangerous and costly myth.
- Taking simple, proactive steps now can prevent catastrophic losses later.
- Working with a trusted, local cybersecurity partner like Tomorrow's Technology Today can make all the difference.
