Cyber attacks on businesses continue to escalate in 2025, with global organizations experiencing an average of 1,925 incidents per week in Q1, a 47% increase compared to the same period last year, according to new research from Check Point, a global leader in cyber security solutions.
The education sector was the hardest hit, with each institute facing an average of 4,484 weekly attacks. Government and telecommunications were the next most frequently targeted, with the latter recording the largest year-over-year spike at 94%.
Check Point’s researchers attribute the rise to the increasing reliance on digital infrastructure and the public-facing nature of these sectors—making them prime targets for cybercriminals.
Cybercrime Has Become an Organized Industry
Today’s cybercrime isn’t opportunistic—it’s systematic. Criminal networks now operate like a business, creating tools and services that other bad actors can buy, rent, or franchise:
- Ransomware-as-a-service is enabling even novice criminals to launch devastating attacks.
- Cybercrime syndicates now specialize in specific industries, with healthcare and education among the most targeted.
- Attacks are highly strategic, often exploiting supply chains, remote work tools, and unpatched software.
The result? A 126% increase in ransomware attacks in Q1 2025 compared to the same period last year. High-profile victims illustrate how widespread and damaging these threats have become.
AI: Fueling the Threat Landscape
Artificial intelligence, while transformative for business, has also supercharged cybercrime. Criminals are leveraging AI to scale their attacks and outpace traditional defenses:
- Jailbroken AI models like WormGPT and GhostGPT are widely available on underground forums.
- AI-generated deepfakes are being used to impersonate executives in financial fraud schemes.
- Coding assistants like GitHub Copilot can be manipulated into suggesting malicious code.
Even businesses with robust internal defenses are vulnerable if their third-party vendors or supply chain partners are exploited.
Why Identity Theft Protection Belongs in Every Business Security Plan
Amid these evolving threats, one often-overlooked area of risk is identity theft. Cybercriminals don’t just go after systems—they go after people. Stolen personal identifiers, login credentials, and financial information are among the most valuable commodities on the dark web, often used as the entry point for larger breaches.
For businesses, the consequences of exposed personal data extend beyond IT disruption:
- Employee Risk: Compromised employee identities can be used to gain unauthorized access to company systems.
- Customer Risk: Data breaches involving customer information erode trust and brand reputation.
- Compliance & Liability: Companies face significant legal and regulatory penalties when personal information is mishandled.
That’s why identity theft protection software is now a mission-critical component of enterprise cybersecurity. By monitoring for suspicious activity, flagging potential misuse of employee or customer data, and providing recovery services, identity protection solutions help businesses:
- Reduce the impact of breaches
- Strengthen resilience against ransomware and fraud
- Demonstrate a proactive commitment to protecting employees and customers
A New Standard of Care
Forward-thinking businesses are beginning to treat identity theft protection not just as a “nice-to-have,” but as a strategic advantage. By offering identity protection to employees as a workplace benefit—or extending it to customers as part of a loyalty and trust initiative—companies can:
✔ Build trust and strengthen relationships
✔ Reduce risk exposure across the organization
✔ Differentiate themselves in competitive industries
The Bottom Line
Cybercrime has matured into a global industry, driven by AI and fueled by stolen identities. Firewalls and antivirus software are no longer enough. A modern security strategy must account for both organizational infrastructure and individual identities.
At Enfortra, we believe protecting employees and customers is just as important as protecting networks. In 2025 and beyond, businesses that integrate identity theft protection software into their cybersecurity framework will be better equipped to safeguard their operations, their people, and their reputations.
