Cybersecurity in 2025: Cutting through the Noise to Build Real Resilience

By John Mc Loughlin, Group CEO, J2 Software

If you think it won’t happen to you, you are wrong. If you use traditional anti-virus to “stay safe” you are not secure. If cyber security is an IT problem, you simply do not understand the high risk that cyber threats pose to your business, your customers and your staff.

The cybersecurity landscape has evolved dramatically, with threats becoming more sophisticated. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is both a powerful tool for defence and a formidable weapon in the hands of cybercriminals. As we navigate this complex environment, it's crucial to distinguish between a cyber security provider and an IT support business that resells somebody else’s tools. Businesses of all sizes need a practical cyber resilience strategy to keep them in business.

The Escalating Threat Landscape

Cyber threats are no longer limited to rudimentary phishing emails or isolated malware attacks. Today, we face AI-driven campaigns that can mimic human behaviour with alarming accuracy. Recent reports highlight how AI chatbots are being used to craft flawless phishing emails, making them harder to detect and increasing their success rates. Additionally, AI-powered tools are automating various phases of cyberattacks, from identifying vulnerabilities to exfiltrating data. This results in automated attacks at scale. Where previously an attacker could target 20 businesses a day, they can now have hundreds of fully automated attacks running simultaneously. It is the same as in sales, this is a numbers game, the more people you get to you speak to, the more you sell. AI's dual-use nature means it can be harnessed for both protective and malicious purposes. While organisations deploy AI to make things easier, threat actors leverage the same technology to develop more effective attack strategies. The criminals just do this faster. These advanced threats make traditional defence mechanisms, and traditional IT support businesses ineffective. We cannot continue to defend in the same way when the attackers have changed the way they target us. The attacks have evolved, so should your security.

The rapid advancement of AI technologies necessitates a proactive approach to cybersecurity. Organisations of all sizes must stay ahead by understanding how AI can be weaponised and implementing measures to counteract these evolving threats.

The Approach to Cybersecurity

At J2 Software, we recognise that traditional IT measures are not good enough to combat modern cyber threats. We understand that people will make mistakes and while we prevent as much as possible, detection and response is a major area of focus to keep our customers and partners secure. We do t his by building cyber resilience. You cannot protect what you cannot see. Resilience provides visibility. Visibility provides the capability to respond.

When you have practical cyber security controls to secure the five key areas of digital risk in your business you can focus on doing the things that make your business money.

Cyber security is not an IT issue, it is a business risk and if you think that having some tech in place will keep you secure I am afraid that you are simply waiting for the breach notification from the criminals to appear on your screen.

Selecting the Right Security Partner

Choosing a cyber security partner is a critical decision that can significantly impact your organisation. Here are some key considerations:

• Transparency: Ensure the provider offers complete visibility into their processes. If they cannot show you how they protect their own infrastructure they won’t be able to protect yours.

• Proven Expertise: You do not want to have a security partner that only did IT support until very recently. Good security partners work well with IT support businesses. The goal is to protect you and your business. Select a partner with a long track record of effectively managing and mitigating cyber threats across various industries.

• Customised Services: Avoid one-size-fits-all approaches, or those simply reselling some other big business’ tools. Your security partner should tailor solutions to your specific business needs and risk profile.

• Continuous Improvement: Cybersecurity is an ongoing process. Select a partner committed to continuous monitoring, assessment, and enhancement of your security posture.

IT vs. Security: Understanding the Difference

It's essential to differentiate between IT and cyber security. While IT focuses on the infrastructure and systems that support business operations, cyber security is dedicated to protecting those systems and the data they handle.

A good cyber security partner gives you immediate access to a team of security experts at a fraction of the cost of building your own team.

Please do not wait for a breach to take action.

Phil Clark founded consultancy and training business, Fillip Communications, two years ago.

An experienced journalist, Phil uses his expertise to provide specialist support for the media industry, as well as large membership organisations focused on developing their teams and businesses. His clients have included the Financial Times, the British Medical Association and the University of the Third Age (U3A).

“I use my expertise in journalism and publishing to help navigate organisations through a period of rapid changes in technology and audience behaviours and consumption,” says Phil, who teams up with other freelancers and experts on projects.

“My training and support responds to the industry’s specific needs and challenges – such as how media and publishing is currently being impacted by the onset of AI. My goal is to make publishing companies AI-resilient so they’re able to take advantage of the opportunities this technology offers them whilst protecting themselves against the risks that AI presents for content-rich organisations (such as copyright theft).”

Phil has spent most of his career in trade/ B2B publications and in 2023, he decided to set up his own business.

“I’ve always been fascinated by the massive disruption that digital technology has brought upon the media sector so am channelling that in providing independent advice and support for the sector,” he adds.

“Growing my base of clients is my main aim this year to build on the successes I’ve made in my first two years in business. I’m also looking to work more with other small businesses and start-ups so I can offer wider services to clients.