The Biggest Cyber Attacks of 2025 (So Far) and What We Can Learn

Cyberattacks in cybersecurity in 2025 are not just headlines they’re game-changers. Businesses across America are grappling with disruptions that cost millions. In fact, ransomware now drives average data breach costs above $5 million.

Major Cyber Attacks of 2025 (So Far)

What was the biggest cyber attack of 2025 so far?

• “Salt Typhoon” espionage campaign - A sweeping China-linked cyber operation targeted U.S. citizens, telecommunication networks, and critical infrastructure, with economic damage estimated in the billions.
• Bybit cryptocurrency heist - North Korea–linked Lazarus Group stole around $1.5 billion worth of Ethereum in February 2025.
• Jaguar Land Rover cyber shutdown - In early September, a ransomware-linked breach halted production at key UK plants, affecting global automotive supply chains.
• ShinyHunters/Scattered Spider Salesforce breaches - Through deceptive “voice-phishing” and manipulated tools, attackers breached CRM data from U.S. and international firms including fashion brands and insurers.
• Chess.com data breach - A third-party transfer tool was compromised in June, affecting about 4,500 users out of 100 million.

How These Attacks Happened

• Phishing & vishing: Voice-based social engineering was key for the ShinyHunters Salesforce breaches.
• Supply chain / third-party risk: JLR and Chess.com didn’t fall due to direct attack, they were hit through partners.
• Ransomware: JLR and others faced encrypted systems that shut operations.
• Espionage-style intrusion: Salt Typhoon compromised infrastructure and telecoms with sophisticated remote access.
• Vulnerabilities in blockchain custody: The Bybit incident exploited wallet systems with fake approvals.

Lessons Businesses Can Learn

No industry is immune. Here’s what SMEs, healthcare, and manufacturers must do:

• Implement strong access controls
  • Use multi-factor authentication (MFA).
  • Avoid relying solely on perimeter defenses; shift to Zero Trust.
• Monitor third-party or supply chain risk
  • Vet vendors carefully.
  • Ensure they follow strong cyber hygiene.
• Train employees and test responses
  • Simulate phishing, vishing, ransomware.
  • Run cyber tabletop exercises.
• Plan for ransomware
  • Keep backups offline.
  • Have an incident response plan ready before you need it.
• Share threat intelligence
  • Join ISACs or initiatives like STRIKE, which protect telecom and infrastructure sectors.

The Future of Cybersecurity in 2025

What trends are emerging and how can businesses prepare?

• Ransomware is getting pricier - Though fewer attacks lead to losses, when they do, payouts are more severe. Ransomware accounted for 91% of incurred loss costs in H1 2025.
• AI-driven attacks are on the rise - Autonomous AI agents may soon execute undetectable, targeted breaches. The cybersecurity industry is already developing AI-DR (detection & response) tools in response.
• Geopolitical threats are growing - Cyber scams linked to forced labor, and Iranian actor threats to U.S. infrastructure, add urgency for U.S. businesses to stay alert.

‍

Cyber threats in 2025 are more varied and costly than ever. But businesses don’t have to wait for disaster to strike.
Stay proactive: harden access, vet partners, train people, and invest in detection.
For U.S. businesses facing these threats, a tailored cybersecurity service is more than insurance, it’s peace of mind.

‍