Don’t Be the Weakest Link: Protect Yourself From Modern Digital Crime

NOVEMBER 4, 2025

In 2025, cybercriminals shifted their attention from large corporations and government institutions to households. Families are exposed to a new, growing wave of digital threats. Modern crime now spans a wide spectrum, including school data breaches, smart home system takeovers, and increasingly sophisticated scams that target personal data and assets.

The emotional toll can be as severe as the financial impact — many victims report heightened anxiety, a loss of trust in technology, and a deep sense of personal violation. As cybercrime continues to evolve, the need for digital literacy and strong cybersecurity practices in the household has never been more critical.

Do You Need to Worry About Encryption and Extortion Attacks?

In double extortion ransomware attacks, criminals don’t just lock your files — they also steal sensitive personal information, encrypt it, and threaten to publicly release it or deny you access to it unless a ransom is paid. These attacks have increased by 92% compared to last year, showing just how advanced, prolific and profitable these cyber threats have become.

This means that even if you’ve backed up your data, you could still be at risk of having personal photos, ID documents, or financial details exposed. It’s a serious reminder of the importance of strong cybersecurity practices for everyone.

Today’s New Phishing Scams Are Powered by AI — And More Difficult to Detect Than Ever

Cybercriminals are increasingly using artificial intelligence (AI) to make social engineering attacks more convincing and harder to detect. With tools like AI-generated phishing emails, synthetic voice impersonations, and deepfake videos, attackers can mimic trusted contacts with alarming accuracy — making it easier to trick even tech-savvy individuals.

These advanced tactics raise the risk of stolen passwords, identity theft, and financial fraud. It’s more difficult than ever to spot these scams, so it’s essential to stay informed and exercise extra caution to protect your personal information.  

Don’t Get Hijacked in the Cloud

A growing cybersecurity concern involves hackers targeting cloud-based accounts such as Google, Microsoft, and iCloud, as well as apps that lack strong security protocols. Once they gain access, attackers can retrieve sensitive personal information — including emails, photos, and financial records. Even more concerning, they may use this access to impersonate victims, potentially leading to identity theft and serious reputational harm.

For everyday households, this underscores the importance of using strong passwords, enabling multifactor authentication, and regularly monitoring account activity. See USI’s Cyber Best Practices Checklist for helpful tips.

Cybercriminals Are Exploiting Third-Party Services

Another growing cybersecurity concern is the exploitation of trusted third-party services — such as antivirus programs or cloud storage providers — by malicious actors. This tactic enables attackers to gain access to users’ systems indirectly, often affecting individuals who have done nothing wrong other than relying on a compromised service.

The consequences can be far-reaching, as even those who take proper precautions may find themselves vulnerable simply through their connection to a trusted but breached platform. This highlights the importance of staying informed and vigilant about the security practices of the services upon which we rely.

Smart Devices and Smart Home Vulnerabilities

Cyberattacks that target smart home devices — such as cameras, thermostats, and baby monitors — are becoming increasingly common. Many of these devices lack strong built-in security, making them easy targets for cybercriminals, who can use them to spy on households, steal personal information, or even launch larger-scale attacks.

This growing threat underscores the importance of securing connected devices and staying informed about best practices to protect your privacy and digital safety.

How to Stay Safe Online