Imagine receiving an emergency call from your IT manager on a Monday morning: your systems are locked, your data is encrypted, and a ransom message is displayed on all screens. This nightmare scenario is no longer an exception. In 2025, Quebec SMEs have become prime targets for increasingly inventive cybercriminals. Why? Because they are often ill-prepared, poorly insured, and still underestimate the risks. Here are the five most formidable cyber threats facing SMEs this year.
1. Targeted phishing, or how to manipulate your employees in just a few clicks
Phishing emails are smarter than ever. In 2025, cybercriminals will use generative AI to personalize their attacks with employee names, real-world context, and tailored tones. A single click can give them access to your systems. SMEs are particularly vulnerable because awareness is still too low.
What to do: increase phishing simulations, integrate ongoing training, and adopt a rapid reporting tool.
2. Ransomware undetectable thanks to AI
Modern ransomware is invisible to traditional antivirus software. It uses highly sophisticated bypass techniques, often based on AI. Once activated, it encrypts everything, including your connected backups.
What to do: Adopt EDR/XDR solutions, isolate backups, and define a clear incident response plan.
3. Vulnerabilities in collaborative tools (Teams, SharePoint, etc.)
With remote working, Microsoft tools are ubiquitous. But if they are poorly configured, they become open doors. Overly broad permissions, accidental public sharing, or the lack of MFA can be enough.
What to do: Audit settings, strengthen authentication, and train users in best practices.
4. Attacks via the IT supply chain
Cybercriminals don’t always target you directly. In 2025, many attacks will come through poorly secured IT suppliers. A booby-trapped update or a compromised partner can infect your systems.
What to do: Assess your suppliers’ security practices and require clear contractual provisions on cybersecurity.
5. AI-assisted social engineering
In 2025, cybercriminals will use avatars, cloned voices, and even deepfakes to deceive your employees. They can pose as a customer, executive, or partner with a degree of realism that is astonishing.
What to do: Implement two-factor verification procedures for all sensitive requests, even if they appear to come from a superior.
Cyber threats in 2025 are more invisible, intelligent, and targeted than ever before. SMEs that fail to adapt risk paying a high price, both financially and in terms of reputation. The good news? There is still time to act.
If you recognize some of the issues raised in this article, the specialists at Mon Technicien can help you see things more clearly. Our team is already working with several Quebec SMEs to strengthen their IT security.
in your taskbar.