• Posted by: Eng. Donya Bino
• October 19, 2025

Real-World Cyber Threats: What We’ve Seen and Learned

Sometimes, you think cyberattacks are things that only happen “to other people.” And then one day, a routine software update or an unassuming email shows you that they can happen to anyone.

Not long ago, we had a client who discovered that a vendor’s update had quietly opened a door into their system. At first, it seemed minor—no data was missing, no alarms triggered. But the sense of urgency hit as soon as we realized what could have happened. It was a quiet reminder that threats don’t always announce themselves with flashing red lights.

Ransomware has become a part of everyday business conversation. We’ve seen operations freeze overnight. Employees scramble. Emails pile up unanswered. Customers start to worry. It’s messy. And while the news headlines talk about the money paid, the real cost is the disruption, the stress, and the uncertainty it creates.

Phishing is a little different because it preys on human nature. Clever emails, perfectly timed requests, even messages that look like they’re from your own company—people fall for them. It’s not a failing; it’s a reality. The companies that handle it best are the ones that encourage a culture of double-checking, asking questions, and not taking things at face value.

Then there are the subtle threats—the vendors, the partners, the devices that are part of your ecosystem. One weak link in the supply chain or one poorly secured sensor can create a problem you didn’t even see coming. We’ve walked clients through that kind of scenario, and it always comes down to this: vigilance isn’t just about technology, it’s about awareness at every level.

At the end of the day, cybersecurity is messy, complicated, and human. Threats evolve, people make mistakes, and systems aren’t perfect. What matters is how you prepare, how you respond, and how you build a culture that expects the unexpected. That’s what keeps a company resilient in the face of real-world cyber threats.