Cyberattacks have surged dramatically, with the number of incidents reported through Hackmanac’s network reaching 17,770 in 2025, marking a staggering 113% increase from the previous year. This alarming trend reflects a broader escalation in cyber threats, as from 2018 to 2025, the total number of detected cyber incidents more than quadrupled, with a notable acceleration observed from 2023, which alone saw a 184% rise.
These cyber threats are not confined to a single region, affecting companies globally, including those in Europe and Italy. The increased dependence on major American technology providers, the vulnerability of supply chains, and susceptibility to disinformation campaigns are some factors contributing to this widespread issue. Many companies now find themselves grappling with risks that threaten business continuity, reputation, and the management of operations under heightened uncertainty, all of which can have cascading effects on customers, suppliers, and international partners.
The current geopolitical landscape further complicates the situation. Sofia Scozzari, CEO and Founder of Hackmanac, emphasized during a recent webinar that the lines between physical and cyber warfare have blurred, particularly in the wake of ongoing conflicts like the US-Iran war. “Companies, even those far from the theatre of operations, are already in the crosshairs,” she stated, referencing threats arising from compromised suppliers and disinformation campaigns. Notably, artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being leveraged both as a vector for attacks and as a defensive tool. Scozzari warned that organizations lacking advanced threat intelligence capabilities may soon find themselves facing crises ill-equipped to manage.
Fabrizio Milano D’Aragona, the AI Think Tank Coordinator at Assintel, echoed Scozzari’s concerns, highlighting the critical intersection of technology and geopolitical power dynamics. He argued that AI represents not only a technological innovation but also a paradigm shift in global power balances. “We need to help companies understand how the relationship between technology and power has an immediate and decisive impact on the productive fabric,” he said. This notion is particularly pertinent as the ongoing dialogue within Assintel’s AI Think Tank consistently underscores the urgent need for better data and information protection strategies.
The implications of these findings are significant. As the digital landscape becomes ever more interconnected, the vulnerabilities associated with cyber threats are likely to grow. Companies that fail to prioritize cybersecurity measures may face severe repercussions, not just in financial terms but also regarding their reputations and operational capabilities. With the dual pressures of evolving technology and shifting geopolitical landscapes, businesses must adapt swiftly to mitigate risks and safeguard their assets.
The conversation surrounding cybersecurity and AI will likely continue to dominate discourse among industry leaders and policymakers in the coming years. As organizations navigate these complexities, the integration of robust cybersecurity frameworks and the strategic application of AI will be essential in countering the growing tide of cyber threats.
