Cyber threats are evolving faster than ever, and staying informed is one of the strongest defenses you have. As scammers become more sophisticated, it’s important to understand the most common schemes, how they work, and the steps you can take to keep your information secure.
Below is an overview of today’s leading cyber risks and practical ways to protect yourself.
The Growing Impact of Cybercrime
Cybercrime continues to rise each year. In 2024, global losses exceeded $1 trillion, and U.S. consumers reported $12.5 billion in losses—up 25% from the previous year. Beyond the numbers are real individuals and businesses facing stress, financial setbacks, and long recovery periods after fraud occurs.
Key categories driving these losses include:
- Investment and crypto scams ($5.7 billion in reported losses)
- Imposter scams (nearly $3 billion)
- Account takeovers, affecting almost one-third of victims
- Phishing, which contributes to a large share of security breaches
These trends highlight how essential strong cybersecurity habits are in daily life.
Top Cybersecurity Threats in 2025
Cybercriminals constantly adapt their tactics. Here are the threats rising most quickly this year:
1. Phishing (Email, Text, Social Media & QR Codes)
Phishing remains the most common way scammers trick people into revealing sensitive information. They use email, text messages (“smishing”), phone calls (“vishing”), and increasingly, fake QR codes (“quishing”).
Red flags:
- Unexpected requests for money or account access
- Slightly altered email addresses
- Suspicious attachments or links
- Urgency or threats in the message
AI-driven phishing has become highly convincing—so always pause and verify before clicking or responding.
2. Business Email Compromise (BEC)
BEC scams involve impersonating trusted contacts—like business partners or supervisors—to request payments or sensitive data. Losses exceeded $2.7 billion last year.
How to protect yourself:
- Confirm any payment-related changes using a known phone number
- Treat last-minute updates as a warning sign
- Train employees regularly on social engineering tactics
- Use email authentication (DMARC, SPF, DKIM) if available
3. Tech Support Scams
Fraudsters may send pop-ups, emails, or calls claiming your device has a virus or urgent issue.
Warning signs:
- Unsolicited contact
- Requests for remote access
- Pressure to act or pay immediately
Always seek help using official support channels.
4. Malware & Ransomware
Malicious software can steal data or lock you out of systems. Ransomware incidents now average $1.18 million in losses.
Protection tips:
- Keep software and devices up to date
- Use reputable antivirus protection
- Enable automatic backups
- Avoid unofficial or third-party app downloads
5. Fake Job Scams
These scams frequently target teens, students, and job seekers. A common variant includes receiving a counterfeit check for “equipment,” followed by instructions to return part of the funds.
Stay safe by remembering:
- Never forward money from a newly deposited check
- Verify job postings via a company’s official website
- Be skeptical of high-paying roles with little verification
6. Account Takeover Attacks
Cybercriminals use stolen data from breaches or phishing to break into email, banking, or social media accounts.
Prevention strategies:
- Use strong, unique passwords
- Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) everywhere
- Turn on account alerts
- Consider a password manager
7. Deepfake & Voice-Cloning Scams
AI tools now allow scammers to mimic voices or create realistic fake videos.
Watch for:
- “Loved ones” urgently requesting money
- Requests for secrecy
- Audio or video that sounds slightly off
Creating a family code word can provide extra protection.
A Real-World Example
One long-time business customer received what looked like a normal vendor request—same tone, same name, same formatting. The only difference was a subtle change to the email address and updated wire instructions. Because the vendor’s email had been compromised, the fraudulent payment went unnoticed until the real vendor later contacted them about the overdue invoice.
This underscores a simple but critical rule: Always verify payment changes using known contact information—not what appears in a new message.
How Union Savings Bank Helps Protect You
Union Savings Bank offers multiple built-in tools to help keep your information and accounts secure:
1. Debit Card Security
- Contactless payments generate a unique code for each transaction.
- You can lock or unlock your card instantly using online or mobile banking.
2. Account Alerts
Set customizable alerts for:
- Password, phone number, or email changes
- Large withdrawals
- External transfers
- Low balances
… and more. - Alerts can be managed under Self Service → Manage Alerts.
3. Bill Pay Safeguards
Bill Pay monitors for suspicious activity and can stop unusual payments. Optional e-bill and payment alerts add additional safety.
4. Zelle® Protections
Zelle uses behavioral monitoring to detect unusual activity, but the golden rule remains:
Only send money to people you know and trust.
If anything feels urgent or out of character, verify before sending.
If You Think You’ve Been Scammed
Take action immediately:
- Contact Union Savings Bank if your account may be affected
- Change passwords on compromised accounts
- Report the incident through:
- IdentityTheft.gov
- FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
- Your local police department
Good documentation can help with recovery.
Staying Safe Starts With Staying Informed
Cybersecurity isn’t a one-time task—it’s an ongoing practice. With awareness, smart habits, and the digital security tools built into Union Savings Bank’s platforms, you can significantly reduce your risk.
If you’d like help setting up alerts, improving account security, or learning more about fraud prevention, our team is here to support you. Give us as a call at 866.872.1866 or visit your local branch.
And for more insights, watch our recent webinar from Cybersecurity Month 2025 below.