Companies must remain diligent as sophisticated cybersecurity threats evolve

RSM US Middle Market Business Index Special Report: Cybersecurity 2025

April 17, 2025
2025 Cybersecurity Special Report

A comprehensive analysis of emerging cybersecurity threats and risk mitigation strategies

Cybersecurity remains a prime concern for middle market companies, as evolving risks present nonstop threats to sensitive data and operations. Organizations face a daily challenge as cybercriminals continue leveraging traditional strategies like ransomware to launch harmful attacks, while new technology such as artificial intelligence and geopolitical concerns present a new level of risk.

While the threat environment continues to become more complex, reported breaches have declined in new RSM research. According to findings in the Q1 2025 RSM US Middle Market Business Index survey, nearly one in five (18%) middle market companies experienced a data breach in the previous year, falling from a record-high 28% in last year’s data.

The decline in reported breaches is certainly positive, but this year’s results are consistent with data from previous years outside of the spike in 2024. In addition, with methods becoming more sophisticated, some attacks may go undetected, highlighting the importance of continuously strengthening controls.
 

A few of the report’s key findings:

18%

of middle market executives reported suffering a data breach in the previous year, down from 28% in last year’s RSM research.

91%

of respondents are expecting to increase cybersecurity spending in the coming year.

82%

of executives carry a cyber insurance policy, but only 69% indicate they are familiar with their coverages.

25%

of survey respondents experienced at least one ransomware attack or demand in the last year, with larger companies more at risk.

The MMBI survey aggregated the responses of 402 U.S. and 101 Canadian middle market executives across a variety of industries. It was conducted from Jan. 6 to Jan. 27, 2025, on behalf of RSM by The Harris Poll.

The MMBI survey aggregated the responses of 402 U.S. and 101 Canadian middle market executives across a variety of industries. It was conducted from Jan. 6 to Jan. 27, 2025, on behalf of RSM by The Harris Poll.

Inside the report

Artificial Intelligence
Digital Identity
Business continuity and resilience
Addressing talent gaps
Cyber program confidence
Security in the cloud

Industry snapshots

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