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These Cyber Threats Are About to Get a Whole Lot Worse

These Cyber Threats Are About to Get a Whole Lot Worse

December 02, 20253 min read

Cybersecurity threats don’t stand still. They adapt. They get smarter. And every time technology takes a step forward, attackers figure out how to twist it to their advantage.

The three threats below aren’t new ... but they’re evolving fast, and the next version is going to be harder to spot, harder to stop, and more expensive if you get hit.

If you’re still thinking “that won’t happen to us,” you’re exactly the kind of target they’re looking for.


1. AI-Enhanced Phishing Scams

Phishing already tops the charts for most common cyberattacks. Now AI has made it far more convincing.

  • Instead of generic “Dear Customer” emails, attackers can mimic your coworker’s tone, grammar, and style perfectly.

  • They can pull personal data from social media to craft hyper-specific messages that look legitimate.

  • They can adjust their approach in real time if the first attempt doesn’t work.

Why it’s dangerous: You can’t just look for bad spelling or awkward wording anymore. These emails are built to pass a quick glance test.

How to protect yourself:

  • Train your team to slow down and verify ... even if a message looks “normal.”

  • Never click links or share credentials without confirming the request through a separate channel.

  • Require multi-factor authentication (MFA) so a stolen password alone can’t give full access.


2. Ransomware That Hits Harder

Ransomware has been around for years. It’s not going anywhere ... it’s just getting meaner.

  • Attacks are more targeted, going after businesses that can’t afford downtime.

  • Data is not just encrypted ... it’s stolen and threatened for public release.

  • Paying the ransom doesn’t guarantee you’ll get your data back.

Why it’s dangerous: The damage goes beyond the ransom payment ... downtime, lost trust, and compliance violations can hit harder than the attack itself.

How to protect yourself:

  • Back up your data regularly and store at least one copy offline.

  • Patch and update all systems promptly.

  • Train staff to spot suspicious links, files, and login prompts before they get clicked.


3. Supply Chain Attacks

Why break into one big company when you can hit a smaller partner and get access to dozens at once?

  • Hackers target vendors, contractors, and software providers with weaker defenses.

  • Once inside, they use trusted connections to move deeper into the network.

Why it’s dangerous: Even if you have good security, a compromised vendor can hand attackers the keys to your systems.

How to protect yourself:

  • Vet every vendor’s security before doing business.

  • Limit third-party access to only what’s necessary.

  • Scrutinize all software downloads and updates ... especially from new sources.


Why Training Matters More Than Ever

The best firewalls in the world won’t help if someone inside your business holds the door open.

  • Social engineering attacks target people first, systems second.

  • Anyone with access, not just IT, can be a point of entry.

What to do about it:

  • Run phishing simulations regularly.

  • Make security awareness part of your culture, not a once-a-year box to check.

  • Encourage staff to report anything suspicious immediately ... without fear of blame.


Bottom line:
The threats aren’t new. They’re just evolving into sharper, faster, more convincing versions of themselves. The only way to keep up is to treat cybersecurity like an ongoing, company-wide responsibility ... not just an IT problem.

If you’re already a client, these defenses are in place. If you’re not, you’re betting that none of these attacks will find you… and that’s not a smart bet.


Joe Ruskey is the owner and CEO of Dependable Solutions, a consulting firm that provides cybersecurity, network, and business solutions to clients across various sectors. Joe earned multiple certifications in cybersecurity from Coursera, and has strong skills in new business development and networking. His core competencies include strategic planning, project management, risk assessment, and problem-solving. Joe is also a passionate Rotary leader and has served as the District Governor and the Foundation Chair of Rotary District 6250, where he oversaw and supported the humanitarian and community projects of over 60 clubs in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Joe's mission is to help clients and his community achieve their goals and overcome their challenges with the help of technology and collaboration. Joe values integrity, service, and excellence, and brings diverse perspectives and experiences to the teams he works.

Joe Ruskey

Joe Ruskey is the owner and CEO of Dependable Solutions, a consulting firm that provides cybersecurity, network, and business solutions to clients across various sectors. Joe earned multiple certifications in cybersecurity from Coursera, and has strong skills in new business development and networking. His core competencies include strategic planning, project management, risk assessment, and problem-solving. Joe is also a passionate Rotary leader and has served as the District Governor and the Foundation Chair of Rotary District 6250, where he oversaw and supported the humanitarian and community projects of over 60 clubs in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Joe's mission is to help clients and his community achieve their goals and overcome their challenges with the help of technology and collaboration. Joe values integrity, service, and excellence, and brings diverse perspectives and experiences to the teams he works.

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Featured Posts

These Cyber Threats Are About to Get a Whole Lot Worse

These Cyber Threats Are About to Get a Whole Lot Worse

December 02, 20253 min read

Cybersecurity threats don’t stand still. They adapt. They get smarter. And every time technology takes a step forward, attackers figure out how to twist it to their advantage.

The three threats below aren’t new ... but they’re evolving fast, and the next version is going to be harder to spot, harder to stop, and more expensive if you get hit.

If you’re still thinking “that won’t happen to us,” you’re exactly the kind of target they’re looking for.


1. AI-Enhanced Phishing Scams

Phishing already tops the charts for most common cyberattacks. Now AI has made it far more convincing.

  • Instead of generic “Dear Customer” emails, attackers can mimic your coworker’s tone, grammar, and style perfectly.

  • They can pull personal data from social media to craft hyper-specific messages that look legitimate.

  • They can adjust their approach in real time if the first attempt doesn’t work.

Why it’s dangerous: You can’t just look for bad spelling or awkward wording anymore. These emails are built to pass a quick glance test.

How to protect yourself:

  • Train your team to slow down and verify ... even if a message looks “normal.”

  • Never click links or share credentials without confirming the request through a separate channel.

  • Require multi-factor authentication (MFA) so a stolen password alone can’t give full access.


2. Ransomware That Hits Harder

Ransomware has been around for years. It’s not going anywhere ... it’s just getting meaner.

  • Attacks are more targeted, going after businesses that can’t afford downtime.

  • Data is not just encrypted ... it’s stolen and threatened for public release.

  • Paying the ransom doesn’t guarantee you’ll get your data back.

Why it’s dangerous: The damage goes beyond the ransom payment ... downtime, lost trust, and compliance violations can hit harder than the attack itself.

How to protect yourself:

  • Back up your data regularly and store at least one copy offline.

  • Patch and update all systems promptly.

  • Train staff to spot suspicious links, files, and login prompts before they get clicked.


3. Supply Chain Attacks

Why break into one big company when you can hit a smaller partner and get access to dozens at once?

  • Hackers target vendors, contractors, and software providers with weaker defenses.

  • Once inside, they use trusted connections to move deeper into the network.

Why it’s dangerous: Even if you have good security, a compromised vendor can hand attackers the keys to your systems.

How to protect yourself:

  • Vet every vendor’s security before doing business.

  • Limit third-party access to only what’s necessary.

  • Scrutinize all software downloads and updates ... especially from new sources.


Why Training Matters More Than Ever

The best firewalls in the world won’t help if someone inside your business holds the door open.

  • Social engineering attacks target people first, systems second.

  • Anyone with access, not just IT, can be a point of entry.

What to do about it:

  • Run phishing simulations regularly.

  • Make security awareness part of your culture, not a once-a-year box to check.

  • Encourage staff to report anything suspicious immediately ... without fear of blame.


Bottom line:
The threats aren’t new. They’re just evolving into sharper, faster, more convincing versions of themselves. The only way to keep up is to treat cybersecurity like an ongoing, company-wide responsibility ... not just an IT problem.

If you’re already a client, these defenses are in place. If you’re not, you’re betting that none of these attacks will find you… and that’s not a smart bet.


Joe Ruskey is the owner and CEO of Dependable Solutions, a consulting firm that provides cybersecurity, network, and business solutions to clients across various sectors. Joe earned multiple certifications in cybersecurity from Coursera, and has strong skills in new business development and networking. His core competencies include strategic planning, project management, risk assessment, and problem-solving. Joe is also a passionate Rotary leader and has served as the District Governor and the Foundation Chair of Rotary District 6250, where he oversaw and supported the humanitarian and community projects of over 60 clubs in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Joe's mission is to help clients and his community achieve their goals and overcome their challenges with the help of technology and collaboration. Joe values integrity, service, and excellence, and brings diverse perspectives and experiences to the teams he works.

Joe Ruskey

Joe Ruskey is the owner and CEO of Dependable Solutions, a consulting firm that provides cybersecurity, network, and business solutions to clients across various sectors. Joe earned multiple certifications in cybersecurity from Coursera, and has strong skills in new business development and networking. His core competencies include strategic planning, project management, risk assessment, and problem-solving. Joe is also a passionate Rotary leader and has served as the District Governor and the Foundation Chair of Rotary District 6250, where he oversaw and supported the humanitarian and community projects of over 60 clubs in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Joe's mission is to help clients and his community achieve their goals and overcome their challenges with the help of technology and collaboration. Joe values integrity, service, and excellence, and brings diverse perspectives and experiences to the teams he works.

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