Systemic security gaps expose companies to rising cyberattack risks in 2025

New investigations reveal that widespread systemic security flaws in enterprise infrastructure and processes are amplifying vulnerabilities, making organisations prime targets for sophisticated cyberattacks amid increasing ransomware and malware threats in 2025.

In an era where cyberattacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, investigations reveal a troubling pattern: the majority of companies fall prey to cybercriminals exploiting a common set of vulnerabilities. These systemic security gaps create direct pathways for devastating ransomware and wiper malware attacks, which result in significant financial damage due to data breaches, operational shutdowns, and reputational harm. The root causes often lie in fundamental errors during infrastructure design and protection systems deployment.

According to the BI.ZONE Digital Forensics and Incident Response (DFIR) team’s analysis of cyber incidents in 2025, 90% of companies share critical security weaknesses that facilitate attackers’ initial access and lateral movement within networks. This is corroborated by BI.ZONE’s Compromise Assessment teams, who have found many organisations unaware they had already been compromised. Common mistakes include an uncontrolled external perimeter, lack of email filtering, missing two-factor authentication (2FA) on VPNs, and inadequate controls for third-party partners.

A comprehensive risk matrix from BI.ZONE highlights several key vulnerabilities aligned with MITRE ATT&CK tactics, showing high probabilities and critical priorities for remediation. For example, 70% of companies possess an uncontrolled perimeter allowing attackers to exploit public-facing applications or remote services, while 85% lack sufficient email filtration, enabling phishing attacks. Flat network architectures, incomplete endpoint protection, and poor incident response processes further exacerbate vulnerabilities.

One major issue is the uncontrolled external perimeter, where obsolete servers, vulnerable VPN gateways, and unprotected web applications serve as easy entry points for attackers. BI.ZONE points to the presence of nearly 80,000 RDP (remote desktop protocol) accessible hosts in Russia, including critical domain controllers, many of which remain exposed due to weak password policies or missing 2FA. These exposures, combined with outdated software and unmonitored public assets, heighten the risk of exploitation via brute force or zero-day vulnerabilities, such as recent SharePoint flaws.

Effective perimeter security involves systematic asset inventory, minimisation of attack surfaces through network segmentation and zero-trust policies, continuous monitoring, proactive vulnerability management, and fostering bug bounty programmes for ongoing threat discovery. Implementing configuration management databases (CMDB) and liaising between security and IT teams to oversee public service publication reduces shadow IT risks and helps prevent unauthorised access.

Email remains a primary attack vector, with phishing responsible for over half of initial breaches. Research from BI.ZONE Security Fitness shows that more than 37% of employees click on targeted phishing links, with even generic phishing still tricking over 3% of users. Deficiencies in spam and phishing filters, lack of attachment and URL scanning, and misconfigured domain verification protocols (DMARC/DKIM/SPF) significantly increase exposure to social engineering attacks. Fake boss scams through messaging apps exemplify how attackers manipulate employee trust.

To mitigate these risks, companies should employ advanced anti-phishing solutions incorporating machine learning, sandboxing, and reputation services, alongside rigorous staff training and simulated phishing exercises. Monitoring phishing attempts through integrated SIEM tools and maintaining rapid incident response capabilities are also essential.

Another critical shortcoming is the absence of 2FA on VPN access, reported in 72% of companies assessed by BI.ZONE. This gap leaves VPNs vulnerable to credential stuffing and brute force attacks, especially as stolen credentials from data leaks circulate on the dark web. To safeguard remote access, organisations should enforce mandatory 2FA using software authenticators, hardware tokens, or biometrics, coupled with strong password policies and geo-restrictions.

Vendor and partner relationships represent an additional security challenge, as third parties often have direct infrastructure access without adequate monitoring or multi-factor authentication. Compromised partners can serve as conduits for attackers, accelerating breach impact. Strict controls, least privilege access models, continuous activity monitoring, contractual security obligations, and regular audits are recommended to manage these risks effectively.

Experts warn that the greatest threats to organisations are not novel exploits, but failures to address these fundamental security gaps. Building multi-layered defences that combine technical safeguards, including external attack surface management, advanced email protection, and enforced 2FA, with organisational measures such as access governance, partner management, and continuous employee education is paramount.

Widening the perspective, cybersecurity firms like ESET and Kaspersky underscore the escalating complexity of cyber threats in 2025, with attackers increasingly utilising artificial intelligence to enhance social engineering and identify vulnerable assets. The surge in ransomware incidents, highlighted by ITB and KT Team reports, confirms a disturbing upward trend in attacks on corporate and critical infrastructure targets, driving urgent calls for comprehensive and adaptive security strategies.

In conclusion, organisations must prioritise remediating these widely prevalent vulnerabilities as the foundation of their cybersecurity efforts. Proactive perimeter management, vigilant email defence, robust authentication protocols, and tight third-party controls collectively reduce the risk of ransomware and wiper malware penetration. This holistic approach, reinforced by expert guidance and ongoing threat intelligence, offers the best chance to safeguard critical business operations and data in an increasingly hostile cyber landscape.

📌 Reference Map:

• ^[1] (BI.ZONE via Habr) – Paragraphs 1-11, 13-24, 26-33, 35-38
• ^[2] (ESET) – Paragraphs 27, 39
• ^[4] (Kaspersky) – Paragraph 39
• ^[5] (KT Team) – Paragraph 39
• ^[6] (ITB) – Paragraph 39

Source: Noah Wire Services