This year's top 5 digital threats (and how to arm yourself)
In short: the top 5 digital threats of this year
In 2025, cybercriminals are using smart AI tricks like phishing, deepfakes, and synthetic identities to deceive people. Smart devices such as baby monitors and cameras are also being hacked, and ransomware attacks are more professional than ever. Zero-day vulnerabilities and polymorphic malware make detection increasingly difficult. Protect yourself with updates, backups, strong authentication, and digital awareness.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is getting smarter – and unfortunately, so are cybercriminals. Smarter tools mean more cunning attacks: targeted fake messages, deepfake videos, and clever hacks on your home network have become daily threats. In 2025, digital dangers are not only more technical, but also more personal and convincing than ever. In this blog, we list the 5 most dangerous digital threats of the year – and share practical tips to protect yourself.
1. AI-driven phishing, vishing and deepfake impersonation
What is it?
Cybercriminals use AI to create emails, phone calls (vishing), and even videos in which they impersonate someone you know, like a colleague or bank employee.
Example: You receive an email from your "manager", followed by a call that sounds exactly like him. Then a WhatsApp video arrives where he asks for an urgent money transfer. It all seems real – but it’s fake.
What can you do?
- Be suspicious of urgent requests, especially involving money or sensitive information.
- Always call back using a known number if something feels off.
- Use two-factor authentication (2FA) and set up multi-person approval for critical actions.
- Learn to spot deepfakes: unnatural blinking, glitchy audio, or odd mouth movements are clues.
2. Identity theft with synthetic profiles (Fraud-as-a-Service)
What is it?
Criminals create fake identities by mixing real and fake personal data. They use these to open bank accounts or take out loans, often undetected.
How serious is it?
- In Europe, this type of fraud rose by 378% in 2025 – with Germany (+567%), France (+281%) and the UK (+275%) leading.
- Dutch banks now offer free credit monitoring.
- Some gangs even use names of deceased children to commit large-scale fraud.
What can you do?
- Check your credit data regularly (free via credit monitoring services).
- Never share your ID data lightly – not even for giveaways or free trials.
- Use an ID verification app for online identity checks.
- Watch for signs of fraud: unknown transactions or mail addressed to others at your home.
3. Hacks on IoT and smart-home devices (like baby monitors)
What is it?
Smart devices – from doorbells to baby monitors – can be hacked, allowing criminals to listen in, watch you, or access your home network.
Real-world examples
- Baby monitors: hackers speak to your child through the microphone.
- Cameras and doorbells: criminals see when you're not home.
- Wi-Fi network: hackers use your smart speaker to access your laptop.
What can you do?
- Keep your devices updated.
- Use strong, unique passwords (not “admin” or “1234”!).
- Turn off devices you’re not using.
- Connect devices to a guest network separated from your main network.
4. Ransomware gangs as professional businesses
What is it?
Ransomware locks your files until you pay to regain access. These attacks are now run by professional groups – complete with customer support.
Notorious gangs: LockBit 3.0, BlackCat (ALPHV), RansomHub, and Cl0p.
What can you do?
- Back up your files regularly, and store backups offline.
- Never open attachments or links from unknown senders.
- Use trusted antivirus software.
- Train your team – especially in smaller companies – about how ransomware works.
5. Zero-day exploits and polymorphic malware
What is it?
A “zero-day” is a software flaw unknown to the vendor. Criminals exploit it before a fix is available. Polymorphic malware constantly changes its form to evade detection.
Fact: in 2025, the average zero-day attack went undetected for 208 days.
What can you do?
- Install updates immediately (especially on Android, where zero-days are heavily targeted).
- Use modern security tools that leverage AI for threat detection.
- Limit access rights – not everyone needs full system access.
- Monitor logs and network activity regularly.
Summary & final advice
This year’s digital threats are smarter, faster, and more personal than ever. Thanks to AI, synthetic identities and smart devices, cybercriminals are entering our homes digitally.
What can you do?
- Be cautious with urgent or suspicious requests.
- Actively protect your digital identity.
- Update your devices and use secure passwords.
- Make backups and teach your household about good cyber hygiene.
Want to know more or need help securing your systems? Feel free to contact us for personalised advice!
