With every passing year, the cyber landscape evolves more and more rapidly. Businesses are regularly adopting new technologies to improve efficiencies and remain competitive. Meanwhile, new threats emerge every single day that pose serious risks to businesses’ ability to operate. 

Based on Coalition’s deep insights informed by real-world risks, we expect everyday cybercrime to increase in 2025, particularly attacks targeting email accounts and endpoints.

End-of-life (EOL) email software will create major headaches for SMB leaders who are slow to act. Similarly, feature-forward boundary devices are going to persist as a preferred target for attackers looking for low-hanging fruit. If you’re looking for ways to future-proof your business and weather the coming storm, focus on these essential security focus areas.

Proactively move away from end-of-life email software

Email is often overlooked as a critical business system. And if you’re not taking email security seriously in 2025, you’re just asking for a cyber attack. 

From phishing and social engineering to malware distribution, email accounts are the most common vectors for cyber attacks. In fact, Coalition has found that the inbox is where a majority of cyber attacks originate.

Your business email account is essentially a file server that houses loads of valuable data. If an attacker compromises your account, they can download everything in there in 30 minutes or less without you knowing it. Conversations, business contacts, invoices, contracts — your email account is a treasure trove of information for attackers.

SMBs can take numerous actions to better protect their email accounts, such as enabling spam filters, implementing authentication protocols, and monitoring email activity. However, you should be especially mindful of the risks associated with EOL software.

From phishing and social engineering to malware distribution, email accounts are the most common vectors for cyber attacks.

In 2025, Microsoft will stop supporting Exchange 2016 and 2019, which means no more security updates or patches. SMBs relying on outdated on-premises Exchange servers will face a stark reality: Vulnerabilities that are discovered post-EOL will remain unpatched, providing an open door for attackers. Without timely updates, cyber criminals can exploit weaknesses to:

• Access sensitive data

• Launch ransomware attacks

• Use compromised servers to distribute malware to customers or partners

On-premises Exchange users are already nearly three times more likely to face a cyber attack compared to businesses using cloud-based solutions, like Google Workspace or Microsoft 365. SMBs that delay their transition to supported email infrastructure are effectively gambling with their cybersecurity.

What SMBs can do now

1. Migrate to the cloud: Cloud-based email solutions provide continuous updates and enhanced security features, reducing exposure to emerging threats.

2. Invest in email security tools: Advanced email filtering, anti-phishing software, and spam detection can significantly reduce the likelihood of successful attacks.

3. Train employees: Human error is a leading cyber risk factor. Make sure your teams know how to spot phishing attempts and other suspicious email activity with security awareness training.

Reinforce endpoints with managed detection and response 

Many SMBs rely on boundary devices, such as firewalls, routers, and virtual private networks (VPNs) to strengthen their endpoint security. These devices monitor the flow of inbound and outbound traffic and serve as the gatekeepers of your business’ network. 

However, as the first line of defense, boundary devices are also prime targets for attacks.

Boundary devices are going to be targeted at an even higher rate in 2025, as a result of their growing popularity due to add-on features and multipurpose functionality. For example, many next-generation firewalls now include services like email filtering and VPN connectivity. As SMBs increasingly rely on boundary devices as "all-in-one" solutions, they inadvertently create a single point of failure. Here’s the problem:

• Software dependencies: Boundary devices rely on complex software stacks. A single critical vulnerability can expose the entire system.

• Internet exposure: These devices are constantly exposed to external threats, making them a frequent target for attackers.

When boundary devices are compromised, endpoints connected to the network become the next logical target for attackers, who can install ransomware, steal sensitive information, and use compromised devices to pivot to other systems.

Boundary devices are going to be targeted at an even higher rate in 2025, as a result of their growing popularity due to add-on features and multipurpose functionality.

What SMBs can do now

1. Regularly patch and update boundary devices: Ensuring all endpoint devices are updated with the latest security patches reduces the risk of exploitation.

2. Implement endpoint detection and response (EDR): EDR solutions monitor and respond to threats in real-time, minimizing the impact of successful attacks.

3. Upgrade to managed detection and response (MDR): MDR services give you the benefit of EDR technology along with cybersecurity experts monitoring alerts 24/7. MDR is the simplest way to add human expertise without adding headcount.

Take action now to stay ahead in 2025

Cybercrime is not slowing down, and the coming year promises to be a challenging year for SMBs. With boundary devices under constant attack and EOL software creating additional exposure, now is the time to invest in robust cybersecurity measures.

Focusing on email and endpoint security is a strategic starting point:

• Transition to cloud-based email solutions to eliminate risks tied to any outdated infrastructure.

• Strengthen your endpoint defenses to protect devices at the edge of your network.

• Invest in additional security solutions like security awareness training to help ensure your teams are well-informed about evolving security risks.

Don’t wait for a breach to make cybersecurity a priority. To learn more about Coalition Security™, visit coalitioninc.com/security or click here to book a consultation with our team.

This blog post is designed to provide general information on the topic presented and is not intended to construe or the rendering of legal or other professional services of any kind. If legal or other professional advice is required, the services of a professional should be sought. The views and opinions expressed as part of this blog post do not necessarily state or reflect those of Coalition. Neither Coalition nor any of its employees make any warranty of any kind, express or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, product or process disclosed. The blog post may include links to other third-party websites. These links are provided as a convenience only. Coalition does not endorse, have control over nor assumes responsibility or liability for the content, privacy policy or practices of any such third-party websites.