In 2025, cybersecurity is no longer optional for Italian SMEs – it’s an absolute priority.
In an increasingly complex and threatening digital landscape, reacting is not enough: preventing cyberattacks before they cause financial and reputational damage is essential. This guide will show you how to take a proactive approach to IT security, leveraging advanced technologies such as those offered by the Syneto group.

The Current State of Cybersecurity in SMEs

Italian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks.
Although these companies are often considered “less attractive” targets compared to large organizations, the reality is that cybercriminals frequently target SMEs, as they are perceived as easy prey with limited security resources and often inadequate preparedness. In fact, many SMEs lack a dedicated cybersecurity team or a structured information security plan.

Among the most affected sectors are:

• Manufacturing: This sector is particularly vulnerable, as companies often operate with outdated security systems, and any disruption to production can have devastating consequences. A ransomware attack, for example, can completely halt manufacturing activities, directly impacting contracts and credibility.
• Services: SMEs in the service sector (such as consulting firms or IT companies) handle sensitive data that can be stolen or manipulated. Data security is essential for maintaining customer trust.
• Online Commerce: E-commerce businesses and online stores are frequently targeted by attacks aimed at stealing financial and personal data, especially with the growing number of online transactions and digital payments.

Cybersecurity Trends in 2025

According to the Clusit Report 2025, the cybersecurity landscape is evolving rapidly. 84% of organizations have experienced at least one cyberattack in the past 12 months, with SMEs being the most affected. Let’s take a look at the key cybersecurity trends SMEs should consider for 2025:

• AI in cybersecurity: Artificial intelligence is being used both for defense and attack, turning cybersecurity into a technological arms race.
• Rise in targeted ransomware attacks: Cybercriminals are using increasingly sophisticated techniques to target specific sectors and companies.
• Importance of zero-trust security: The “zero trust” approach is becoming increasingly crucial for protecting corporate networks.
• Growth of cloud security: Cloud-based security solutions offer scalability and flexibility but require careful management.

These trends pose significant challenges for SMEs, including limited budgets, lack of in-house expertise, and difficulties in integrating complex solutions.
Cybersecurity adoption must take these factors into account, focusing on scalable and manageable technologies to ensure that security does not become a financial burden.

2025: A Turning Point?

Cybersecurity has never been more critical for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), especially with the evolving digital threat landscape.
SMEs are increasingly targeted by cyberattacks, which can have devastating effects on sensitive data, reputation, and business continuity. As highlighted by cybersecurity expert Alessandro Curioni:

“Cyber resilience is essential for success in 2025. SMEs must adopt advanced solutions to prevent attacks and protect their data before irreparable damage occurs.”

2025 could very well be the turning point for our country when it comes to cybersecurity—a topic that has been shamefully overlooked for decades.
The road ahead will undoubtedly be long, but beyond regulatory penalties, the real issue for our economic fabric could be one of competitiveness. Thousands of SMEs risk being sidelined in a market that will increasingly demand guarantees regarding data and system security. (Ilsussidiario.net)

5 Essential Steps to Protect Your SME

Here are five essential steps every SME should take to implement proactive cybersecurity:

1. Adopt a Strong Backup and Recovery Strategy

Regular and secure backups are essential for protecting business data.
Backup solutions must be immutable to prevent data from being altered or deleted by attacks such as ransomware. Additionally, having air-gapped backups—isolated from the network—ensures that even if the main system is compromised, data can be quickly recovered without permanent damage.

2. Implement a Zero Trust System

The Zero Trust principle is essential for effective protection.
It doesn’t matter whether a user or device is inside the corporate network—every access must be verified and continuously monitored. This approach reduces the risk that an internal attack could compromise the entire system.

3. Train Staff on Security Awareness

Employees are often the weakest link in cybersecurity.
Investing in ongoing training on digital security—such as recognizing phishing emails, best practices for creating strong passwords, and the importance of software updates—is a crucial step. Training must be an integral part of the company culture to prevent human error.

4. Continuous Threat Monitoring and Analysis

Proactive threat analysis and constant monitoring of company systems are essential for detecting suspicious activity before it can lead to an attack. Using vulnerability monitoring software helps identify weaknesses in the network that cybercriminals could exploit.

5. Collaborate with Cybersecurity Experts

SMEs should collaborate with cybersecurity experts to implement advanced solutions and ensure ongoing protection.
These professionals can help configure complex defense systems, recommend the best security solutions, and respond quickly when security incidents occur.

Conclusions

Taking a proactive approach to cybersecurity is one of the wisest decisions an SME can make.
Data protection and business continuity depend on the ability to prevent attacks before they occur. Implementing these security strategies not only helps defend against threats but also significantly reduces financial and reputational risks.In this context, Syneto’s technologies serve as a strategic ally for SMEs: with integrated solutions for backup, data protection, and disaster recovery, they enable the implementation of a strong, responsive defense against all types of cyber threats.
Adopting these solutions not only strengthens business resilience but also lays the foundation for sustainable competitiveness in the evolving digital landscape of 2025.