Verizon has recently released the 2025 edition of the Data Breach Investigations Report (DBIR)—a highly regarded annual publication that analyzes thousands of security incidents and confirmed data breaches from around the world. Drawing on data from law enforcement agencies, cybersecurity firms, and internal Verizon investigations, the DBIR paints a detailed picture of:
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Who is attacking (threat actors)
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How they’re breaking in (attack vectors)
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What they’re targeting (assets and data types)
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Why they’re doing it (motives)
What makes the DBIR so impactful is how it transforms raw breach data into clear trends, patterns, and actionable insights. It’s one of the most trusted resources in the cybersecurity industry—and one I personally look forward to every year. I love this report because it represents our industry’s commitment to transparency, collaboration, and continuous improvement. When one of us becomes more secure, we all become a little more secure.
📥 Download your copy of the report here
How Does This Affect My Business?
The 2025 DBIR reveals a concerning trend: small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are increasingly in the crosshairs of cybercriminals.
Out of 22,000+ incidents and over 12,000 confirmed breaches, the report found:
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Ransomware was present in 44% of breaches
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88% of SMB-related breaches involved ransomware
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22% stemmed from credential abuse
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20% from exploitation of known vulnerabilities
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30% of breaches involved third-party vendors or partners
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60% included human error, such as misconfigurations or falling for phishing attempts
Key Takeaways for SMBs
✅ Implement Strong Authentication
Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) across all systems.
✅ Patch Systems Promptly
Ensure timely updates to close known security gaps—especially for VPNs and edge devices.
✅ Train Your Team
Regular cybersecurity awareness training goes a long way in preventing social engineering and missteps.
✅ Vet Your Vendors
Evaluate the security posture of all third-party tools, apps, and service providers you depend on.
Concerned about your organization's cybersecurity posture?
Contact us today to learn how Barricade Networks can help protect your business from today’s most pressing threats.
