Table of contents
- New types of cyberattacks
- Cybercrimes: an increasingly systemic problem
- Cyber security must be a priority
Cybercrimes are evolving at an alarming pace, becoming increasingly sophisticated and devastating. But what is cybercrime? Cybercrime, by definition, refers to any criminal activity committed using a computer or telecommunication system, with the aim of:
- Causing economic damage;
- Violating confidential information;
- Compromising cyber security.
By 2025, cybercriminals are continuously refining their techniques, leveraging advanced technologies to target individuals, businesses, and governments.
New types of cyberattacks
The landscape of cybercrime is becoming increasingly diverse and complex.
These attacks exploit vulnerabilities in computer or telecommunication systems with the objective of financial gain, compromising critical infrastructure, or accessing confidential information. Below are some of the key emerging threats.
Ransomware attacks: increasingly sophisticated digital extortion
Ransomware attacks are one of the most serious problems of 2025. These attacks no longer simply lock data and demand a ransom. They now employ a more complex strategy called multi-layered extortion, which combines file encryption with the threat of publishing stolen sensitive data. This not only disrupts the operations of businesses and institutions but also undermines customer and partner trust.
Ransomware attacks are particularly dangerous for:
- Critical sectors such as healthcare, where service disruptions can have fatal consequences;
- Public infrastructure like transportation and energy, with direct impacts on the population.
Additionally, with the rise of Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS), even less experienced cybercriminals can purchase ready-to-use tools on the dark web, increasing the number of attacks globally.
DDoS attacks: large-scale system disruptions
Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks aim to overload an organization’s servers with massive requests, rendering their services unusable. By 2025, these attacks are increasingly used as tools for:
- Commercial retaliation
Sabotaging competitors’ websites.
- Coercion tactics
Forcing victims to pay money to halt the attack.
- Social disruption
Targeting public infrastructure to create disorder.
DDoS attacks are particularly difficult to counteract because they exploit botnets, networks of compromised devices, including Internet of Things (IoT) devices. This trend is concerning given the exponential increase in connected IoT devices.
Unauthorized access: when criminals breach systems
Unauthorized access to computer systems is one of the most common techniques used by cybercriminals. This type of attack relies on exploiting stolen credentials or vulnerabilities in software to gain unauthorized access to computer or telematics systems. Once inside, attackers can:
- Steal confidential information or personal or company data;
- Modify or destroy essential business data;
- Install malware to gain permanent control over systems.
These attacks are particularly devastating when they target critical infrastructure or are discovered too late, after significant damage has been done.
Cyber fraud: increasingly prevalent digital deceptions
Cyber fraud encompasses a wide range of crimes that use deception techniques for illicit gain. Common examples include:
- Phishing
Where victims are tricked into providing personal or financial data via fraudulent emails.
- Vishing
A variant of phishing conducted through voice calls.
- Man-in-the-middle attacks
Where criminals intercept communications between two parties to steal information.
With the use of technologies like artificial intelligence, these frauds are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making it harder for victims to recognize them.
Supply chain attacks: a hidden threat
Supply chain attacks aim to infiltrate an organization through its suppliers or partners. By 2025, these attacks are on the rise, as targeting a single weak link in a complex chain can create a domino effect impacting multiple organizations.
Example
The insertion of malicious code into software updates distributed to multiple customers, enabling cybercriminals to access their systems. These attacks highlight the importance of rigorous security checks throughout the supply chain.
The dark web and blockchain
The dark web continues to be a marketplace for illicit tools and data. At the same time, the growing adoption of blockchain and cryptocurrencies has led to new types of attacks:
- Cryptocurrency theft through exploits in digital wallets;
- Transaction manipulation for large-scale fraud.

Cybercrimes: an increasingly systemic problem
Cybercrimes are no longer limited to a few victims or minor economic losses. By 2025, they represent a global threat capable of impacting entire economic sectors, critical infrastructure, and personal safety.
This phenomenon can be defined as systemic because its consequences extend far beyond the digital realm, affecting society, politics, and the global economy.
The costs of cybercrime: exponential growth
According to recent estimates, the costs associated with cybercrime will reach $10.5 trillion by 2025. This figure includes not only ransoms paid during ransomware attacks but also:
- Loss of productivity
Disruptions caused by attacks on business systems or critical infrastructure can paralyze economic activity.
- Reputational damage
User and partner trust is compromised when an organization suffers a breach.
- Legal costs
Victims of cyberattacks often face lawsuits or penalties, especially if they fail to meet adequate cyber security standards.
This demonstrates that cybercrimes are not just a technological issue but also a matter of economic sustainability and social stability.
Critical infrastructure in the crosshairs
One of the most concerning aspects of cybercrimes is their impact on critical infrastructure. Sectors like healthcare, transportation, energy, and telecommunications are particularly vulnerable to attacks that often aim to:
- Disrupt essential public services, causing social chaos and endangering lives;
- Steal sensitive data, such as patient information in hospitals or strategic data in energy companies;
- Compromise national security by infiltrating government systems to access classified information.
Attacks on these infrastructures not only cause direct damage but also have ripple effects on other parts of the economy and society.
The invisible victims: private individuals and small businesses
Although large-scale attacks on multinational corporations and critical infrastructure make headlines, cybercriminals target private individuals and small businesses daily. These groups are easier targets due to lower awareness and limited cyber security resources.
For individuals, an attack may result in:
- Identity theft, with legal and financial consequences;
- Data loss, such as photos, documents, or other personal information;
- Extortion, with demands to recover data locked by ransomware.
For small businesses, a cyberattack can mean the loss of customers, breached contracts, and, in some cases, permanent closure.
The impact on legal systems and cybercrime units
As cybercrime increases, legal systems and law enforcement face new challenges. Criminal law must be constantly updated to address phenomena like the dark web, DDoS attacks, and cryptocurrency-related fraud.
In Italy, the Postal Police play a crucial role in preventing and combating cybercrimes, with activities that include:
- Monitoring networks to detect suspicious activities;
- Investigating cybercrimes in collaboration with international law enforcement agencies;
- Raising public awareness of the risks of cybercrime.
However, the rapid evolution of threats requires greater coordination and investment in resources and expertise.
A global problem that requires a global response
Cybercrimes are a transnational threat often involving actors and victims in different countries. No organization or state can fight cybercrime alone; international cooperation is essential, including:
- Sharing information between governments and businesses to identify threats in real time;
- Global cyber security standards to ensure all organizations meet minimum protection requirements;
- Public-private partnerships combining resources and expertise to develop innovative solutions.
Cyber security must be a priority
To address the rise in attacks, cyber security requires strategic investments and increased awareness. Every company and user must adopt preventive measures to protect their systems, such as:
- Implementing advanced protection software;
- Training staff to prevent attacks;
- Collaborating with authorities to ensure effective law enforcement.
To conclude
By 2025, cybercrime continues to evolve, and so must the strategies to combat it. The key to addressing cybercrimes lies in combining technology, awareness, and international cooperation. Protecting sensitive data and global systems may be a daunting challenge, but it is essential for a secure and interconnected future.
Questions and answers
- What is cybercrime?
Cybercrime refers to crimes committed using computer systems to cause economic damage or violate data.
- What are the most common examples of cybercrimes?
Ransomware, online fraud, DDoS attacks, and sensitive data theft.
- How can you protect your data from cybercrime?
Use updated antivirus software, strong passwords, and practice digital security.
- What does criminal law prescribe for cybercrime?
Severe penalties for committing cybercrimes, with investigations by cybercrime units.
- What is the role of the Postal Police?
Investigating and preventing cybercrimes to ensure citizen safety.
- What is a ransomware attack?
An attack that locks data and demands a ransom to unlock it.
- What are the risks of the dark web?
Sale of stolen data, tools for cybercrimes, and anonymity for illicit activities.
- How to defend against DDoS attacks?
Use advanced firewalls and monitor network traffic.
- What is cyber fraud?
Any scam conducted using digital means, such as phishing or identity theft.
- Which sectors are most at risk of cybercrime?
Healthcare, energy, transportation, and finance are among the most targeted sectors.