It’s no longer if – but when.
Cyber attacks against Australian small and mid-sized businesses (SMB’s) are accelerating in both volume and complexity. The 2024 ACSC Threat Report found that over 76,000 cyber crime reports were filed last year – up 23% from the year before. And that’s just the incidents that were reported.
Unfortunately, many business owners still believe basic antivirus or a backup drive is enough. Or worse: that they’re too small to be a target.
But here’s the truth – we’re seeing these threats unfold daily, and more often than not, the businesses caught in the crossfire are just like yours.
This article breaks down the top five cyber threats facing Australian SMBs in 2025, explains why they’re so effective, and outlines how you can stay protected with solutions designed for the resource-stretched SMB.
Phishing and Business Email Compromise (BEC)
What it is:
Phishing remains the number one way cyber criminals get in. These scams often look like invoices, login requests, or internal memos, tricking staff into clicking malicious links or sharing passwords. BEC is more targeted. Attackers hijack a legitimate email account and impersonate the user to request fraudulent payments or sensitive data.
How Ever Nimble protects against it:
- Advanced email filtering and anti-phishing tools
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
- Phishing simulations and staff training
- 24/7 monitoring via our Security Operations Centre (SOC)
Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS)
What it is:
Ransomware isn’t just a tool for elite hackers anymore. These days, anyone with a laptop and an internet connection can rent powerful ransomware tools from the dark web. Once inside your systems, the malware encrypts your data and demands a payment to release it.
How Ever Nimble protects against it:
- Managed Detection & Response (MDR) to detect and contain threats fast
- Encrypted, offsite backups with disaster recovery testing
- Endpoint protection and automated patching
- Zero Trust principles to limit lateral movement
Third-Party and Supply Chain Attacks
What it is:
Cyber criminals often bypass your security entirely by breaching one of your vendors or service providers instead. This could be a file-sharing platform, a managed software provider, or even your outsourced payroll firm. Once inside, they use trusted relationships to infiltrate your network.
How Ever Nimble protects against it:
- Vendor risk assessments and security reviews
- Network segmentation and secure access controls
- Zero Trust architecture
- Cato Networks for secure, policy-based access
Insider Threats (Accidental or Malicious)
What it is:
Sometimes the breach doesn’t come from a hacker – it comes from someone on the inside. That could be a well-meaning staff member clicking the wrong link, or someone with malicious intent misusing their access. Either way, insider threats are one of the most under-recognised risks in modern businesses.
How Ever Nimble protects against it:
- Role-based access control and user permissions
- Real-time monitoring of user behaviour
- Comprehensive offboarding and device control
- Staff cyber awareness training and policy reinforcement
Unsecured Cloud Platforms and Devices
What it is:
The shift to hybrid work has expanded the cyber risk footprint. Staff are using personal devices, public Wi-Fi, and cloud services like Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and Dropbox – often without proper security policies in place. That makes it easy for attackers to exploit misconfigurations and gain access.
How Ever Nimble protects against it:
- Conditional Access policies and secure configuration audits
- Cato Networks for protected access to cloud platforms
- Endpoint protection on all devices – company-owned or BYOD
- Regular cloud security assessments and alerts
Why Are SMBs Prime Targets?
Cybercriminals don’t discriminate based on company size. In fact, many prefer SMBs because they know defences are often weaker.
The truth is, many small businesses:
- Still rely on outdated security tools
- Don’t enforce password policies or MFA
- Lack dedicated cyber security expertise
- Outsource IT without ongoing security oversight
These gaps create the perfect opportunity for attacks that are fast, silent, and extremely costly.
What Protection Looks Like in 2025
Strong cyber security isn’t about one product or policy – it’s about layers of protection, working together, backed by human expertise.
At Ever Nimble, we make security simple and effective. Our approach includes:
- 24/7 monitoring and response through our in-house SOC
- Managed Detection & Response (MDR) to stop threats before they spread
- Application whitelisting and endpoint protection with ThreatLocker
- Secure, policy-based access to cloud platforms via Cato Networks
- Strategy and risk assessments aligned to the SMB1001 framework
- Regular training and phishing simulations for your team
We tailor every solution to your size, your risks, and your industry – because cyber security isn’t one-size-fits-all.
Take the First Step Today
If you’re unsure whether your business is exposed, we can help. Book a free threat assessment with one of our experts today!
No tech-speak. No pressure. Just practical, expert advice that gives you clarity.
