Why Cybersecurity Should Be a Priority for Growing Companies in 2025

Imagine waking up to find your company's sensitive data compromised, customer trust eroded, and your reputation in tatters—all because of a preventable cyberattack. For many small and mid-sized companies, this nightmare scenario is all too real, especially as we approach 2025. With the rise of sophisticated cyber threats and limited resources, these businesses must take cybersecurity seriously. Here are some reasons why robust cybersecurity practices are essential for the stability of growing companies in the coming years:

1. Cyber Threats Are Escalating

Cybercrime is evolving, and the statistics are alarming. According to Cybersecurity Ventures, global cybercrime costs are projected to reach $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, making it one of the most lucrative criminal enterprises. Furthermore, a 2023 report from CyberEdge found that 85% of organizations experienced a successful cyber attack in the past year, highlighting the pervasive nature of these threats.

One example we can mention is malware and ransomware. Ransomware attacks alone have surged, with over 600 million incidents reported in 2021 and a forecasted increase of up to 25% annually. The IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report 2024 noted that the average total cost of a data breach is projected to exceed $4.5 million, with ransomware-related incidents costing even more. As cyber threats become more frequent and sophisticated, companies must ramp up their defenses to avoid costly breaches that could cripple growth.

2. SMEs Are Falling Behind in Cyber Resilience

Despite making up a significant portion of the global economy, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often lack the resources to build robust cybersecurity defenses. A recent survey from the World Economic Forum highlighted that more than twice as many SMEs as larger organizations report lacking the cyber resilience to meet their critical operational needs. Alarmingly, the number of organizations maintaining a minimum level of cyber resilience has decreased by 30% in recent years. This vulnerability makes them prime targets for cybercriminals.

3. Emerging Technologies Are Expanding the Attack Surface

With the rapid adoption of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), the attack surface for cyber threats is expanding. While AI has the potential to enhance cybersecurity measures, it also provides attackers with new tools to execute sophisticated attacks. According to a 2024 report from Deloitte, half of executives believe that advancements in adversarial capabilities, such as phishing and deepfakes, pose the greatest risk to their organizations.

Moreover, fewer than 1 in 10 cybersecurity professionals believe that generative AI will shift the advantage to defenders over attackers within the next two years, indicating a significant challenge for companies trying to stay one step ahead.

4. Cybersecurity Field Has a Talent Shortage

The demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals continues to outpace supply. The Cybersecurity Workforce Study 2024 reports a global shortfall of 3.4 million cybersecurity professionals. Approximately 50% of smaller organizations admit they either lack the necessary skills to meet their cybersecurity objectives or are unsure if they do. As cyber threats become more sophisticated, the need for skilled engineers to build secure applications from the ground up has never been more critical.?

5. Non-Compliance Carries Heavy Fines

As governments worldwide implement stricter data protection regulations, compliance is becoming increasingly complex. Non-compliance can lead to hefty fines and reputational damage. For instance, the GDPR and California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) impose strict penalties for data breaches. According to the 2024 Global Risk Management Survey, 93% of organizations that consider themselves leaders in cyber resilience also report that they trust their CEO to communicate effectively about cyber risk—demonstrating a direct link between leadership engagement, compliance, and cyber resilience.

6. The Financial Impact of Data Breaches Can Be Devastating

Data breaches can be incredibly costly, with significant financial repercussions for affected organizations. As of 2024, the average total cost of a data breach has risen to $4.5 million, according to the IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report 2024. This figure includes not just the immediate costs associated with responding to a breach, such as legal fees and notification costs, but also long-term expenses like lost business and reputational damage.

The financial losses from data breaches can be especially devastating for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). A staggering 60% of small businesses fail within six months of experiencing a data breach. The 2024 Cybersecurity Report from Cybersecurity Ventures highlights that smaller organizations often lack the financial resilience to recover from such incidents, as they may not have the resources to absorb the financial hit or the necessary cybersecurity infrastructure in place to prevent future breaches.

7.? Customer Trust Depends on Cybersecurity

In an era where consumers are increasingly concerned about data privacy, demonstrating a commitment to cybersecurity can set companies apart. A survey conducted by the Pew Research Center found that 81% of Americans feel they have little to no control over their personal data, and 79% are concerned about how their data is being used.

Moreover, studies show that consumers are increasingly wary of doing business with companies that have experienced security incidents. According to a survey by KPMG, 30% of consumers stated they would stop purchasing from a company that experienced a data breach, further emphasizing the need for companies to prioritize robust cybersecurity measures to protect their bottom line.

Cybersecurity as a Growth Strategy for Companies

As we approach 2025, the tech environment continues to evolve, and businesses must adapt quickly to protect their data, financial assets, and reputation. Investing in cybersecurity is not just a matter of compliance or risk management; it's a crucial business strategy that can safeguard against devastating financial losses and ensure long-term viability in a competitive market.

BetterEngineer: Engineering Security from the Ground Up

The need for skilled engineers to build secure applications from the ground up has never been more critical. As cyberattacks grow more sophisticated, having a team that understands both development and security is essential to safeguard your business. At BetterEngineer, we specialize in providing top-tier engineering talent that can design and implement robust, secure applications tailored to your company's unique needs. Let us help you build a secure foundation that not only protects your data but also supports your long-term growth.