Cybercrime isn’t a distant risk; it’s a daily threat to Aberdeen’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
With attacks growing in both volume and complexity, SMEs can no longer rely on outdated tools or luck to stay protected. In 2025, ransomware, phishing, and insider threats are diversifying – and cybercriminals are targeting organisations with limited cyber security defences.
But it’s not too late to secure your business. Let’s explore the prevailing threats before delving into how we can help you successfully prevent them.
A Rising Risk Landscape for SMEs
The cyber threat landscape has grown more complex and more dangerous for SMEs. The Cyber Security Breaches Survey reports that there has been an increase in reporting attacks outside of phishing and ransomware, rising from 1% in 2024 to 2% in 2025.
While this may seem like a small shift, it signifies a diversification of threats targeting businesses – likely threats that have evolved due to advanced tech adoption.
Current threats are far more nuanced. This means businesses need to do more than just dodge malicious emails or lock down their Wi-Fi network. Attackers are using smarter, more deceptive tactics designed to blend in and bypass traditional defences.
Aberdeen’s Cyber Security Challenges: Industry-Specific Risks
The business landscape in Aberdeen adds another layer of complexity for SMEs trying to navigate threats. The region is home to a wide range of industries – energy, rural operations, professional services, and more – all of which face distinct cyber risks:
- Energy and offshore operations rely on legacy systems and remote infrastructure that can be hard to patch and monitor.
- Rural businesses often lack robust internet access or cyber security expertise, making them prime targets for opportunistic attacks.
- Hybrid workforces, which are now the norm for many Aberdeen firms, introduce new vulnerabilities through personal devices, remote access tools, and cloud-based collaboration platforms.
These sector-specific challenges mean SMEs in Aberdeen need security strategies that are not only effective but also localised and practical.
The Top Emerging Threats for 2025
With threats continuing to grow more sophisticated, it’s important for businesses to be aware of which ones are prevailing and what they do. Let’s uncover the most significant cyber threats facing Aberdeen SMEs this year:
- Quishing (QR Code Phishing): Cybercriminals are taking advantage of the widespread use of QR codes to deliver malicious links that look legitimate. These easily bypass email filters and lure users into giving away credentials or downloading malware. This is especially prominent in environments where QR codes are used in physical spaces, like warehouses, shops, or remote work sites.
- Insider Risk: It could be a disgruntled employee or an unintentional mistake, but insiders continue to pose a serious risk. Growing access to cloud systems and sensitive data means that even minor lapses can lead to major breaches. SMEs often struggle to detect or prevent these issues without the right policies and monitoring tools in place.
- Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS): As ransomware has evolved, it’s no longer limited to skilled hackers, and with RaaS platforms now available on the dark web, even low-level cybercriminals can launch devastating attacks. Aberdeen SMEs are particularly vulnerable because attackers know many lack the backups or disaster recovery plans needed to bounce back quickly.
Essential Mitigations for SMEs in 2025
Fortunately, there are clear steps Aberdeen SMEs can take to reduce risk and build their resilience:
- Invest in regular, off-site backups to ensure your data is recoverable even if hit by ransomware.
- Run staff cyber awareness training – not just once, but regularly. Educated employees are your first line of defence.
- Implement strong endpoint protection that includes antivirus, device control, and detection of suspicious behaviour.
- Adopt multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all key systems to reduce the impact of stolen credentials.
- Review your incident response plan to ensure you’re ready if something does go wrong.
How Jera IT Supports Cyber Security for Aberdeen SMEs
At Jera IT, we understand the unique challenges Aberdeen businesses face because we’re part of the same community. To help local SMEs overcome these obstacles, we provide comprehensive IT support and cyber security solutions that set them up for success. This includes:
- Accredited cyber security expertise, including Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus guidance.
- Tailored protection for local industries, including energy, rural operations, and professional services.
- On-the-ground support to help you respond quickly to incidents and proactively reduce your exposure.
- Practical, jargon-free advice that helps SME leaders make confident decisions about their IT security.
Book Your Free 30-Minute Call Now
Cyber security in Aberdeen goes beyond firewalls and software to understand the real risks your business faces – so the right support can be put in place. With rising threats like quishing, RaaS, and the daily risks of hybrid working, SMEs can no longer afford to delay.
Book a 30-minute call with us today to discuss how we can help protect your business with local cyber protection that works.
