By: Chris Gallagher
Cyber threats are more prevalent today than ever before. Nearly every aspect of daily life is digital, which increases the number of cyber attacks. Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into cybercriminals’ methods has become a great accelerator of threat levels, enabling more rapid and complex attacks. Companies must be digitally diligent and cyber-sensitive to safeguard their assets and reputation.
The financial repercussions of cybercrime are massive. According to Cybersecurity Ventures, cybercrime will cost the world $10.5 trillion this year, a significant jump from the $3 trillion it cost in 2015. This shows how important it is for robust cybersecurity measures to be in place. The average data breach cost in the United States was $9.36 million in 2024, slightly down from $9.48 million the previous year, but still very high.
Despite these staggering figures, many organizations are still underinvesting in cybersecurity. A report by NordLayer suggests that a significant portion of IT services and software companies plan to increase their cybersecurity budgets in 2025, while a smaller share of public sector organizations intend to do the same. This highlights varying approaches to cybersecurity investment across industries. Maintaining strong cybersecurity measures remains essential in sectors like healthcare, finance, and critical infrastructure—where data protection is vital.
Daniel Tobok, a seasoned cybersecurity expert with nearly three decades of experience, advocates for a proactive approach he terms Cyber Certainty™. This philosophy is about anticipating and mitigating cyber threats before they materialize rather than merely reacting to incidents. Tobok’s experience includes numerous cyber attack reviews and recoveries, giving him valuable insight into cybersecurity risks and challenges.
“For all of us, it means something to be a little bit more digitally diligent, but more importantly, cyber sensitive,” says Tobok. “Cybersecurity is all about, ‘The wolves are at the door. What do we do now?’ Cyber certainty is about being proactive. Rather than worrying about the response, why not build a moat, an electric fence—not just around the house, but a 20-mile radius from the house?”
Tobok warns that as digital architecture increasingly governs our lives, our exposure levels rise correspondingly. He identifies AI as the new threat accelerator, as it can amplify the speed and sophistication of cyber attacks. This aligns with findings from The World Economic Forum’s Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025 that technological risks, such as misinformation and cyber espionage, appear to be increasing, influenced by factors like geopolitical tensions and the complexities of modern supply chains.
“Long gone are the days of feeling like cybersecurity breaches were just for big corporations or governments. You’ll be next,” says Tobok. “Because most of our lives are governed by digital architecture, all our exposure levels are going up, thus the rising tide.”
Many consequences may come from underinvesting in cybersecurity, which is evident in several recent incidents that have taken place. For instance, despite a global decrease in ransomware payments—from $1.25 billion in 2023 to $813 million in 2024—high-profile attacks continue to target entities like NHS trusts in the UK and Krispy Kreme in the US.
These attacks show the persistent threat people and companies face and the need for adequate cybersecurity measures. Industries dealing with sensitive customer data, such as financial services and e-commerce, are prime targets, and the evolution of the AI-driven attacks makes them hard to predict and counter.
“The greater the company, the greater the risk. That executive team has a huge responsibility for managing and maintaining the privacy and protection of its commercial data, customer data, intellectual property—its hidden genius, its proprietary magic,” explains Tobok. “The more compromised that company becomes, given its digital existence, the greater the threat levels grow.”
As cyber threats continue to evolve, particularly with advancements in AI, organizations may benefit from allocating adequate resources to cybersecurity. As emphasized by experts like Daniel Tobok, taking a proactive approach can support businesses in managing digital risks and adapting to the complexities of today’s technology-driven environment.
By investing appropriately in cybersecurity, companies can protect their assets, maintain customer trust, and ensure long-term operational resilience. Creating a cybersecurity-aware culture within companies — through efforts such as employee training or regular audits — may help mitigate risks and build digital resilience.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional cybersecurity, legal, or financial advice. While expert insights are included, readers should consult with qualified professionals for specific cybersecurity strategies tailored to their organizations.
Published by Tom W.
