Table of contents
- Small businesses under fire: the growing protection gap
- Ransomware: the silent threat paralyzing operations
- Financial sector: a golden opportunity for attackers
- Education: a high-risk digital battlefield
- AI: a new weapon in the hands of hackers
- A call to action and an opportunity
Small businesses under fire: the growing protection gap
The latest “H1 2025 Global Threat Briefing” by CyberCube paints a concerning picture: small businesses are facing an escalating wave of cyber attacks, and the gap between the level of risk and available protection is growing. In this scenario, the insurance ecosystem has a vital role to play.
This is no longer just about technical defense, but about building new alliances between businesses, cyber insurance brokers, and reinsurers to ensure economic resilience and business continuity.
Ransomware: the silent threat paralyzing operations
Among the emerging global cyber trends, ransomware attacks remain at the top. Financially motivated criminal organizations are targeting small businesses that often lack the proper tools to prevent or recover from such attacks.
Ransom demands can freeze operations and compromise sensitive data, leading to devastating consequences that small businesses may not survive without support.
Financial sector: a golden opportunity for attackers
Small financial businesses are particularly exposed. Their heavy reliance on shared technologies makes even the most secure operations vulnerable to cyber aggregation events that can affect multiple entities at once.
However, for brokers and cyber insurers, this sector represents a strategic growth area. Offering targeted coverage not only expands market potential but also strengthens the stability of the financial ecosystem.
Education: a high-risk digital battlefield
The education sector is emerging as one of the most targeted. Schools and universities rely on digital platforms to manage learning and student data, making them attractive targets for cybercriminals.
Small businesses working in this field need advanced monitoring systems and tailored cyber insurance to mitigate risks to data integrity and academic continuity.
AI: a new weapon in the hands of hackers
In 2025, a critical challenge will be the increasing use of artificial intelligence by cybercriminals. While AI offers promising tools for defense, it also enables attackers to scale and automate threats in more sophisticated ways.
(Re)insurers must stay ahead of this curve by closely monitoring AI-powered attack models and adapting their offerings to help small businesses respond proactively.
A call to action and an opportunity
As William Altman of CyberCube points out, this cyber protection gap is not just a weakness, but a market opportunity. Brokers and insurers must help educate small businesses, guide them toward recognizing the value of cyber coverage, and offer solutions that fit their specific risk profiles.
Supporting small businesses in prevention and recovery is key to preserving jobs, protecting supply chains, and sustaining local economies.
