Cyber Attacks Are Faster Than Ever. Can Your Business Keep Up?

Back in the day, cybercriminals would take their time creeping through your systems.

Now? They’re basically sprinting.

According to a new security report, the average “breakout time” in 2025 is just 62 minutes — that’s how long it takes a hacker to go from “I’m in” to “I’m stealing your data.”

Compare that to 84 minutes in 2024 and you’ll see where this is going: Cyber attacks are getting faster, more frequent, and scarier by the day.

Wait, What’s a Breakout Time?

Glad you asked. “Breakout time” is tech-speak for how fast a cybercriminal can move laterally across your network after first gaining access.

In plain English:

They’ve found a way in. Now they’re on the move — stealing files, passwords, financial info, and possibly shutting down your business from the inside.

And the latest record?
⏱️ Two minutes and seven seconds.
That’s less time than it takes to boil a kettle.

Let that sink in.

‍

‍

‍

The Human Factor: Still the Weakest Link

Here’s the bit nobody likes to hear…

Most of these breaches don’t start with Hollywood-style hacking. They start with… your team.

That’s right...the vast majority of cyber attacks still rely on tricking someone on your team into:

• Clicking a dodgy link
• Entering login details into a fake Microsoft 365 page
• Downloading a “job offer” PDF that’s actually malware

This technique is called phishing - and if you’ve ever thought “my business keeps getting spam emails,” you’ve already been targeted.

And they’re not just sending dodgy emails anymore. Cybercriminals now use social engineering tactics, pretending to be someone your employees know or trust.
(Think “Hi it’s Dave from IT, can you approve this invoice quickly?”)
Spoiler: It’s not Dave.

34 New Cybercrime Groups Just Popped Up

As if things weren’t bad enough, the report also revealed something else:

There are now over 230 active cybercriminal groups being tracked and 34 of them are new just this year.

That means more hackers, more tools, and more ways to breach your business.
They’re working overtime, and unless you’re prepared, you’re playing defence with one arm tied behind your back.

So What Can Your Business Do to Stay Safe?

You don’t need a full-time cybersecurity officer or million-pound systems — but you do need to get the basics locked down.

Here’s what we recommend to every client across Essex, Kent, and Greater London:

✅ 1. Educate Your Team (Regularly)

You are only as secure as your most gullible employee.

Run cybersecurity training sessions every few months. Show real phishing examples. Teach them to:

• Check email addresses carefully
• Avoid clicking unexpected links
• Never enter login details from an email link

We offer easy-to-digest, engaging training - perfect for busy teams.

✅ 2. Use Strong Passwords & Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Still using "Company123!" as your shared admin password? We need to talk.

Use a password manager to create and store random, unguessable passwords - and always enable MFA. That way, even if a password is stolen, the hacker still can’t get in.

✅ 3. Keep Software Updated

Outdated software is basically an open door to hackers. Keep everything patched...from your antivirus to your printer drivers.

Need help staying on top of updates?

Our managed IT service keeps your systems secure, patched, and running smoothly 24/7.

✅ 4. Invest in Real-Time Cybersecurity Tools

Antivirus alone won’t cut it anymore.

You need advanced tools that detect suspicious behaviour as it happens — before data is exfiltrated or systems are locked.

Think of it like having CCTV for your digital network.

We install and manage leading cybersecurity platforms for UK businesses of all sizes.

✅ 5. Back Up Your Data. Religiously.

No backup = no business.

In the event of a ransomware attack or breach, a clean, recent backup means you can restore operations without paying a hacker in Bitcoin.

We set up secure, automated backups stored off-site and in the cloud.

📉 Cyber Attacks Aren’t Slowing Down… But You Can Stay Ahead

To recap:

• Cyber criminals now move faster than ever (62 minutes average, 2 mins in extreme cases)
• There are more hacker groups than ever before (230+ and counting)
• Your team is the first line of defence
• You need to be proactive, not reactive

And most importantly, you’re not alone.

💼 Sonar IT Can Help You Stay Safe (And Sane)

If your business is based in London, Essex, Kent or anywhere nearby and you’re not 100% confident in your current cybersecurity setup…

Let’s talk.

We help small and medium businesses:

• Prevent breaches before they happen
• Train staff to spot threats
• Recover quickly if disaster strikes

📞 Call us on 0203 011 0805
📧 Email: ontheradar@sonarit.co.uk
🌍 Or schedule a free consultation: sonarit.co.uk/contact

‍