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Securing Your Environment in 2025: Key Cybersecurity Insights from Verizon and Microsoft

  • Writer: Dakota Ross
    Dakota Ross
  • Jun 19
  • 3 min read

As cyber threats continue to evolve in scale and sophistication, the 2025 Verizon DBIR and Microsoft’s Digital Defense Report 2024 offer a sobering yet actionable look at the current state of cybersecurity. Together, these reports analyze thousands of real-world incidents and provide a roadmap for organizations to strengthen their defenses.



🔍 Key Findings from the Reports


1. Third-Party Risk Is Growing


Verizon reports that third-party involvement in breaches doubled from 15% to 30% year-over-year. Microsoft echoes this concern, highlighting how attackers exploit supply chains and cloud service providers to gain access to multiple targets.


Actionable Tip: Implement robust third-party risk management. Require vendors to meet your security standards and monitor their access continuously.


2. Ransomware Is Still King


Ransomware was present in 44% of breaches in the DBIR, with small businesses disproportionately affected (88% of ransomware breaches). Microsoft observed a 2.75x increase in ransomware-linked encounters, though fewer attacks reached the encryption stage due to improved defenses.


Actionable Tip: Adopt a layered defense strategy: endpoint protection, network segmentation, regular backups, and employee training. Use AI-powered detection to identify early signs of compromise.


3. Credential Abuse and Infostealers


Credential-based attacks remain the top initial access vector. Infostealer malware is increasingly used to harvest credentials from unmanaged or BYOD devices, which are then sold or used in ransomware campaigns.


Actionable Tip: Enforce phishing-resistant MFA, monitor for leaked credentials, and restrict access from unmanaged devices.


4. Vulnerability Exploitation Is Surging


Exploitation of vulnerabilities now accounts for 20% of breaches, up 34% from last year. Edge devices and VPNs are prime targets, with a median patch time of 32 days.


Actionable Tip: Prioritize patching internet-facing systems. Use vulnerability management tools to identify and remediate high-risk exposures quickly.


5. Human Error and Social Engineering Persist


Human involvement was a factor in 60% of breaches. Phishing, pretexting, and misdelivery of sensitive data remain common.


Actionable Tip: Invest in continuous security awareness training. Simulate phishing attacks and reward users for reporting suspicious activity.


6. AI: A Double-Edged Sword


Both reports highlight the growing use of generative AI by attackers for phishing, impersonation, and influence operations. However, AI also empowers defenders with faster detection and response.


Actionable Tip: Use AI-driven tools for threat detection, incident response, and data classification. Monitor AI usage within your organization to prevent data leakage.


🛡️ Building a Resilient Security Posture

Based on the combined insights, here are five strategic recommendations:

  1. Zero Trust Architecture: Assume breach and verify explicitly. Limit access based on identity, device health, and context.

  2. Secure by Design and Default: Follow Microsoft’s Secure Future Initiative principles—build security into every layer of your environment.

  3. Threat-Informed Defense: Use attack path analysis to prioritize defenses around your most critical assets.

  4. Cloud Identity Protection: Secure federated identities, monitor for token theft, and enforce least privilege.

  5. Incident Response Readiness: Regularly test your response plans and ensure logs and telemetry are available for rapid investigation.


Final Thoughts


The 2025 DBIR and Microsoft’s Digital Defense Report 2024 make it clear: cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue—it’s a business imperative. By understanding the evolving threat landscape and implementing proactive, layered defenses, organizations can significantly reduce their risk and build resilience in the face of modern cyber threats.


📞 Need Help Securing Your Environment?

Cybersecurity is complex, but you don’t have to face it alone. If you need expert guidance to assess your risks, implement best practices, or respond to a security incident, we’re here to help.


📲 Call or email me today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a more secure future.


Phone: 405-937-0910


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