Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Why Cybersecurity Threats in Cyprus Are Rising
- The Top 5 Cybersecurity Threats in 2025
- Phishing Attacks
- Ransomware
- DDoS Attacks
- Insider Threats
- Cloud Security Gaps
- Compliance: GDPR and Cyprus Regulations
- Practical Steps to Strengthen IT Security
- How IT Experts in Cyprus Can Help
- Conclusion + Free Resource
1. Introduction
The cybersecurity threats Cyprus businesses face is more serious in 2025 than ever before. From ransomware to phishing, attackers are targeting SMEs and large organizations alike. According to local reports, even airports, utilities, and government portals have been hit in the last two years. For business owners, ignoring IT security is no longer an option.
This article explores the top threats affecting Cyprus companies in 2025, why they matter, and how you can prepare. We’ll also show you where to get expert help and resources, explained as well in our Complete IT Services Cyprus Guide.
Top 5 Cybersecurity Threats Cyprus Businesses Face in 2025 (and How to Prepare)
2. Why Cybersecurity Threats in Cyprus Are Rising
The past years, cybersecurity threats in Cyprus are on the rise and there are several factors are making Cyprus a growing target:
- Digital growth: More SMEs are moving to the cloud, creating new attack surfaces.
- Geopolitical tension: Cyprus sits at a strategic location, attracting international cybercriminals.
- Weak defenses: Many businesses still lack basic cybersecurity policies.
- High-value data: Financial services, law firms, and shipping companies in Cyprus hold sensitive information.
The result? Cyberattacks are becoming more frequent and more damaging.
3. The Top 5 Cybersecurity Threats Cyprus Businesses Face in 2025
Phishing Attacks
Phishing remains one of the first and foremost cybersecurity threats Cyprus SMEs face. Criminals send fake emails that look legitimate, tricking employees into clicking links or sharing passwords. According to ENISA, phishing attacks are rising across Europe, and Cyprus is no exception.
How to prepare: Train staff to recognize suspicious emails and invest in email filtering solutions.
Ransomware
Ransomware encrypts company data and demands payment for release. In Cyprus, law firms and accounting firms have been prime targets. Paying the ransom doesn’t guarantee data recovery.
How to prepare: Regularly back up data, keep systems patched, and use next-generation antivirus solutions.
DDoS Attacks
Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks overwhelm websites or networks with traffic until they crash. In 2024, Cyprus saw multiple DDoS attacks targeting critical infrastructure (IndustrialCyber).
How to prepare: Use DDoS protection services and cloud-based firewalls.
Insider Threats
Not all risks come from outside. Employees—whether careless or malicious—pose serious IT security risks in Cyprus. Accidentally emailing sensitive data or reusing weak passwords can expose your business.
How to prepare: Enforce strict access controls and provide ongoing staff training.
Cloud Security Gaps
As more SMEs adopt cloud services, misconfigured settings and poor access control become serious vulnerabilities. Cybercriminals exploit weak cloud security to steal or lock valuable data.
How to prepare: Work with IT experts to configure cloud platforms securely and use tools like multi-factor authentication.
4. Compliance: GDPR and Cyprus Regulations
Compliance isn’t optional. Under GDPR, businesses that fail to protect customer data risk heavy fines. Cyprus also follows the EU’s NIS Directive, which requires stronger cybersecurity practices for critical industries.
Key compliance takeaways:
- GDPR applies to all businesses handling EU personal data.
- Regular IT security audits reduce legal and reputational risk.
- Fortinet and similar solutions help meet compliance standards.
Want to know how to defend against these threats? Check out our Cybersecurity Prep Guide for 2025.
5. Practical Steps to Strengthen IT Security
Here are immediate steps Cyprus businesses can take:
- Update systems: Always patch software and hardware.
- Use firewalls: Fortinet FortiGate or equivalent for strong perimeter defense.
- Backup data: Store backups off-site or in the cloud.
- Train employees: Human error is the biggest weakness.
- Plan for incidents: Have a response plan before an attack happens.
6. How IT Experts Help Cybersecurity Threats Cyprus
Many SMEs don’t have in-house IT teams. Partnering with local IT experts in Cyprus gives you access to:
- 24/7 monitoring and support.
- Certified engineers with Fortinet, Microsoft, and Cisco expertise.
- Tailored IT solutions for SMEs.
- Clear service agreements with predictable costs.
By outsourcing IT security, you reduce risks and free up time to focus on growth.
7. Conclusion
Sources:
ENISA threat reports (source).