Verizon DBIR Report - Small Businesses Emerges as Prime Targets for Ransomware Attacks

For small businesses with limited resources, focusing on these fundamental security controls represents the most effective defense against the rising tide of ransomware attacks. The attack methodology reveals a sophisticated understanding of small business environments, where detection gaps and limited security monitoring create perfect conditions for ransomware deployment. The comprehensive report, analyzing over 22,000 security incidents including 12,195 confirmed data breaches, found ransomware present in a staggering 88% of breaches affecting smaller organizations. Verizon’s 2025 Data Breach Investigations Report (DBIR) has revealed a disturbing trend: small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) have become disproportionately targeted by ransomware attacks. Chris Novak, Vice President of Global Cybersecurity Solutions at Verizon Business, emphasized the need for “robust security measures, including strong password policies, timely patching of vulnerabilities, and comprehensive security awareness training for employees”. The typical ransomware attack chain targeting small businesses begins with initial access through compromised credentials or unpatched vulnerabilities. Verizon analysts identified a troubling connection between third-party vulnerabilities and ransomware attacks targeting small businesses. The financial implications for small businesses are particularly concerning, with the median ransom payment reaching US$115,000 in the past year – a sum that represents an existential threat to many SMBs operating on tight margins. Small businesses, often operating with limited IT resources and outdated systems, present attractive targets for attackers employing these methods. Cyber Security News is a Dedicated News Platform For Cyber News, Cyber Attack News, Hacking News & Vulnerability Analysis. According to the report, third-party involvement in breaches has doubled to 30%, creating an expanded attack surface that smaller organizations often struggle to monitor effectively. Despite this pressure, the report indicates a positive trend with 64% of victim organizations now refusing to pay ransoms, up from 50% two years ago, suggesting improving resilience and backup strategies among some businesses. With years of experience under his belt in Cyber Security, he is covering Cyber Security News, technology and other news. This marks a significant shift in attack patterns as cybercriminals increasingly focus on targets with typically less robust security infrastructure. Cybersecurity experts have identified a sophisticated campaign by the North Korean state-sponsored Lazarus APT group targeting critical infrastructure and financial organizations worldwide. Credential theft remains the primary entry vector for these attacks, accounting for 22% of breaches, closely followed by vulnerability exploitation at 20% – which saw a concerning 34% increase over the previous year. Tushar is a Cyber security content editor with a passion for creating captivating and informative content.

This Cyber News was published on cybersecuritynews.com. Publication date: Fri, 25 Apr 2025 05:25:10 +0000


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