As a recent attendee of the CyberBay Conference here in Tampa, I had the opportunity to connect with cybersecurity experts and business leaders across the Tampa Bay region. The discussions reinforced what we're seeing on the front lines: cyber threats are evolving rapidly, and local businesses need to stay vigilant. Here are the five most pressing IT security threats Tampa businesses face in 2025.
1. Ransomware Attacks Targeting Small and Medium Businesses
Cybercriminals have shifted their focus from large corporations to small and medium-sized businesses, viewing them as easier targets with fewer security resources. Tampa's growing business community makes it an attractive target area. These attacks encrypt your data and demand payment for its release, often crippling operations for days or weeks.
What you can do: Implement regular automated backups stored offline, maintain updated antivirus software, and train employees to recognize phishing attempts that often deliver ransomware.
2. Business Email Compromise (BEC) Scams
BEC scams involve hackers impersonating executives or vendors to trick employees into transferring money or sensitive data. With Tampa's robust financial services and healthcare sectors, these scams have become increasingly sophisticated, using AI to mimic writing styles and even voices.
What you can do: Establish verification protocols for financial transactions, use multi-factor authentication on all email accounts, and create a culture where employees feel comfortable verifying unusual requests.
3. Supply Chain Vulnerabilities
Many Tampa businesses rely on third-party vendors and cloud services. When these partners experience breaches, your data may be compromised too. Recent attacks have shown that hackers often target the weakest link in the supply chain to access multiple businesses at once.
What you can do: Vet your vendors' security practices, limit vendor access to only necessary systems, and include security requirements in vendor contracts.
4. Inadequate Remote Work Security
Even as some Tampa businesses return to office settings, hybrid work remains common. Home networks and personal devices often lack the security controls of corporate environments, creating entry points for attackers.
What you can do: Provide company-managed devices when possible, require VPN use for accessing company resources, and implement endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions across all devices.
5. Unpatched Software and Legacy Systems
One of the most preventable yet common vulnerabilities is outdated software. Many Tampa businesses run legacy systems or delay updates due to fear of disruption, leaving known security gaps open for exploitation.
What you can do: Establish a patch management schedule, inventory all software and hardware, and develop a plan to upgrade or replace systems that no longer receive security updates.
Taking Action
At the CyberBay Conference, the consistent message was clear: cybersecurity is no longer optional for businesses of any size. The good news is that most attacks succeed due to basic security gaps that are relatively straightforward to address with proper IT support and planning.
If you're concerned about your Tampa business's cybersecurity posture, Hymes Consulting offers comprehensive security assessments and managed IT services designed to protect your operations. We help Keystone, Odessa, and Tampa Bay area businesses implement practical, affordable security solutions that don't disrupt your workflow.
Contact us today for a free security consultation and let's discuss how to protect your business from these evolving threats.
