In 2025, online security threats continue to evolve, posing significant risks to businesses of all sizes. Cybercriminals are developing more sophisticated attacks, exploiting vulnerabilities in digital infrastructure, and targeting sensitive data.

With global cybercrime damages expected to exceed $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, businesses must stay ahead of these threats to protect their digital assets, maintain customer trust, and ensure regulatory compliance.

This guide explores the most common online security threats in 2025 and provides actionable steps to help businesses strengthen their cybersecurity defenses.

The Most Common Online Security Threats

1. Malware Attacks

What It Is: Malware (malicious software) is a broad term covering viruses, ransomware, spyware, and worms that infiltrate systems to steal or corrupt data.

Real-World Example: The LockBit 3.0 ransomware attack in 2024 compromised thousands of organizations, demanding multi-million-dollar ransoms to restore access to critical data.

How to Prevent It:

• Use advanced endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions.
• Keep software and operating systems up to date.
• Train employees to recognize suspicious downloads and email attachments.

2. Phishing Attacks

What It Is: Cybercriminals impersonate trusted entities (such as banks or vendors) to trick employees into divulging sensitive information via email, SMS, or voice calls.

Real-World Example: In 2024, a major U.S. healthcare provider lost $22 million due to a phishing scheme where attackers gained access to patient records.

How to Prevent It:

• Implement AI-driven email filtering systems to detect phishing attempts.
• Conduct regular employee training on identifying phishing scams.
• Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) to protect login credentials.

3. Ransomware Attacks

What It Is: Attackers encrypt a business’s data and demand ransom payments in exchange for restoring access.

Real-World Example: The ALPHV ransomware group targeted a financial firm, disrupting services for thousands of clients and costing the company millions in recovery efforts.

How to Prevent It:

• Maintain offline backups of critical data.
• Employ zero-trust security frameworks.
• Regularly test incident response plans to ensure rapid recovery.

4. Denial-of-Service (DoS) & Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) Attacks

What It Is: Attackers flood a company’s servers with traffic, causing downtime and service disruptions.

Real-World Example: A 2024 DDoS attack on an e-commerce giant led to hours of website downtime, resulting in millions in lost revenue.

How to Prevent It:

• Utilize cloud-based DDoS protection services.
• Deploy rate-limiting and traffic filtering solutions.
• Implement content delivery networks (CDNs) to absorb malicious traffic.

5. Zero-Day Exploits

What It Is: Hackers exploit undiscovered vulnerabilities in software before developers can patch them.

Real-World Example: The CVE-2024-9999 vulnerability in a widely used enterprise CRM tool was exploited, exposing customer data before a patch was released.

How to Prevent It:

• Keep all software and applications updated regularly.
• Engage in bug bounty programs to uncover vulnerabilities early.
• Deploy intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS).

6. Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks

What It Is: Attackers intercept communications between two parties to steal sensitive information.

Real-World Example: In 2024, a financial services company suffered a MitM attack, exposing customer transaction data to attackers.

How to Prevent It:

• Use end-to-end encryption for all data transmissions.
• Implement secure Wi-Fi protocols and VPNs.
• Enforce strict authentication measures for online transactions.

7. Insider Threats

What It Is: Employees, contractors, or business partners with access to sensitive systems intentionally or unintentionally cause data breaches.

Real-World Example: A disgruntled ex-employee leaked customer databases, leading to severe reputational damage.

How to Prevent It:

• Implement role-based access control (RBAC).
• Monitor user activity with behavioral analytics.
• Establish strict data access policies.

8. Cloud Security Threats

What It Is: Data stored in the cloud is vulnerable to misconfigurations, account hijacking, and data breaches.

Real-World Example: A major cloud storage provider suffered an API misconfiguration, exposing millions of customer records.

How to Prevent It:

• Conduct regular security audits of cloud configurations.
• Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for cloud access.
• Use data encryption for cloud-stored files.

The Importance of Protecting Your Digital Assets

As digital assets become the foundation of business operations, their security is paramount. A breach can lead to financial losses, reputational damage, and regulatory penalties. Businesses must implement robust DAM solutions to ensure data security, efficient organization, and seamless collaboration.

Why Digital Asset Management (DAM) is the Best Solution

A DAM system provides a centralized, secure repository for all digital assets, ensuring:

• Access control: By defining who can view, edit, or share assets, businesses can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access and potential data leaks. Role-based permissions ensure only authorized users can interact with sensitive files, enhancing compliance with data security regulations.
• Version control: Unauthorized modifications or accidental deletions can disrupt workflows and impact brand consistency. With version control, businesses can track asset changes, revert to previous versions, and ensure that teams always work with the most up-to-date content, preventing costly errors and inefficiencies.
• Advanced security protocols: DAM systems utilize enterprise-grade encryption, secure authentication processes, and audit trails to monitor asset usage. These security layers protect businesses from cyber threats such as ransomware, phishing attacks, and insider breaches, ensuring the integrity of digital assets.
• Digital Watermarking: Digital assets are frequently at risk of unauthorized use or distribution, particularly in industries like media, marketing, and research. Digital watermarking embeds invisible, trackable watermarks within assets, allowing businesses to trace unauthorized distribution, identify leaks, and enforce copyright protections. This advanced security measure acts as both a deterrent and a method for holding violators accountable.
• Disaster recovery and backup: Cyber threats such as ransomware attacks can render critical files inaccessible. DAM solutions offer automatic backups and disaster recovery plans, ensuring that businesses can quickly restore assets without suffering operational downtime or data loss.
• Secure cloud-based access: With remote work and global collaboration becoming the norm, businesses need a way to securely store and share digital assets across teams and locations. DAM systems, particularly those built on robust cloud platforms, provide scalable, secure access to assets from any device while maintaining strict security controls.

Why MediaValet is the Most Secure DAM

MediaValet is designed with enterprise-grade security, making it the safest choice for digital asset management. In fact, SecurityScorecard rates MediaValet as the most secure DAM on the market. Here’s why:

• SOC 2 Type II & ISO 27001 certified: MediaValet has a robust suite of compliance certifications that underscore our commitment to excellence. Our high compliance standards, including our SOC 2 Type II certification, ISO 27001 certification, GDPR compliance, and adherence to over 90 global regulatory standards means businesses can confidently handle sensitive data, knowing that we meticulously adhere to regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, CCPA, and PIPEDA.
• Cloud-based with Microsoft Azure security: Built exclusively on Microsoft Azure, MediaValet leverages the strongest encryption and AI-powered threat detection. Built on Microsoft Azure, MediaValet is the premier choice for security-minded organizations. Microsoft Azure leads the industry with 60+ data regions, offering the most extensive global infrastructure security among cloud providers.
• Multi-factor authentication (MFA) & SSO: MediaValet streamlines access to the DAM by seamlessly integrating existing credentials through a unified login, bolstered by advanced single Sign-On (SSO) and Multi-SSO Options ensuring only authorized users can access sensitive files.
• Automatic backups & disaster recovery: MediaValet guarantees an impressive 99.9% service uptime keeping your assets safe even in the worst-case scenario.
• Forensic Watermarking Technology: MediaValet’s Forensic Watermarking is powered by Steg.AI. The technology will embed a unique, invisible, and unremovable identifier onto your image, GIF, PDF, or video. This not only protects intellectual property by reduces the risk of asset leaks and manipulations, and empowers teams to track any potential leak.

Investing in a MediaValet DAM means your assets are protected with cutting-edge security measures, giving your business the confidence to operate without risk.

I’m Jean Lozano, CTO at MediaValet.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of speaking with hundreds of our customers. What often emerges from these conversations is a pattern: DAM security tends to be initially overlooked in the vendor selection process, only to surface as a critical factor later in the sales cycle.

With this piece, I aim to highlight why a secure digital asset management system isn’t just important—it’s essential. Your business deserves top-notch protection, and I want to make sure you’re equipped with the knowledge to make informed decisions. This guide will delve into why security should be a central consideration right from the start of your DAM buying journey.

In this blog post we’ll cover:

• The state of data security,
• The importance of DAM security, and
• Integrating DAM security into the buying process.

The State of Data Security in the Digital Landscape

Our digital world is full of opportunities, but it also comes with significant challenges. With the surge in digital data due to cloud computing, IoT, and remote work, the need for robust security has never been greater.

Cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated and frequent. Just look at these recent breaches:

• Pegasus Airlines breach: In May 2022, the airline had a significant breach due to an unprotected AWS S3 bucket, exposing 6.5 terabytes of sensitive data, including flight information and personal data of employees
• MOVEit Transfer breach: In May 2023, the cybercrime group Clop exploited a vulnerability in MOVEit Transfer, affecting over 600 companies and exposing sensitive data of 40 million people
• Dropbox breach: In January 2024, 26 billion leaked records, including Dropbox data were found. Considered one of the biggest data breaches ever, it highlights the vulnerabilities and potential risks for growing organizations considering an option that cannot provide true security.
• T-Mobile API breach: In January 2023, T-Mobile faced a breach due to an API vulnerability, impacting 37 million customer accounts

These incidents highlight the devastating consequences of inadequate security, from financial losses to reputational damage. For instance, the global average cost of a data breach in 2023 was USD 4.45 million, marking a 15% increase over the past three years. Furthermore, cybercrime is projected to cost the world $23.84 trillion by 2027, up from $8.44 trillion in 2022.

As regulations tighten, businesses must prioritize security and compliance. There’s no excuse for anyone operating in the cloud to not take this seriously and make the necessary investments.

The Importance of DAM Security in the DAM Buying Process

Despite the critical need for DAM security, it often takes a backseat during the buying process. Many organizations focus on usability and scalability, forgetting to thoroughly assess security measures. This oversight can lead to significant vulnerabilities, as usability and scalability are important, but they do not protect against cyber threats.

Additionally, security is often not top of mind for marketers until a vendor selection process reaches the IT team. This delay in considering security can leave gaps in the evaluation process, as IT teams may uncover significant security deficiencies that were previously overlooked. Smaller organizations are especially susceptible to this risk because they often lack dedicated software oversight, increasing their vulnerability to cyber threats. These businesses frequently do not have the resources to invest in comprehensive security evaluations or the personnel to manage ongoing security needs.

For example, small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs) often fall prey to cyberattacks due to inadequate security measures. Studies have shown that over half of small businesses go out of business within six months of a cyberattack. Moreover, 70% of SMBs do not enforce multi-factor authentication, a critical security measure, and 43% of cyberattacks target SMBs specifically due to their weaker security postures.

These statistics highlight the critical need for integrating robust security evaluations early in the DAM selection process, ensuring that all potential vulnerabilities are addressed before they can be exploited. By prioritizing security from the outset, organizations can protect their data, reputation, and bottom line from the ever-growing threat of cybercrime.

Common Oversights when Buying a DAM

• Focus on functionality: Buyers often become distracted by features over security.
• Perception of low risk: There’s a misconception that DAM systems are low-risk targets.
• Vendor assurances: Companies may take vendors’ security claims at face value without due diligence.

Consequences of Ignoring DAM Security

• Data breaches: Breaches like Dropbox and MOVEit show the severe impacts of neglecting security.
• Compliance issues: Non-compliance with GDPR, CCPA, and other regulations can lead to hefty fines.
• Operational disruptions: Cyberattacks can halt operations, delaying critical projects or worse flat lining the business.

Integrating DAM Security into Buying Process

Ensuring robust security in your DAM system is essential to protect your organization’s valuable data from cyber threats. Here’s how to make security a central focus in the DAM procurement process.

1. Security certifications: Look for vendors with certifications like SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001. These certifications demonstrate that the vendor has met stringent security standards. SOC 2 Type II focuses on the operational effectiveness of security controls over a period, ensuring that your data remains protected. ISO 27001 is an internationally recognized standard for managing information security, highlighting a vendor’s commitment to maintaining robust security practices across their organization.
2. Comprehensive security features: Ensure the DAM system includes encryption, access controls, audit logs, and secure data centers. These features protect data integrity, limit access to authorized users, track user activities, and safeguard data in well-protected physical locations.
3. Vendor assessments: Thoroughly review vendors’ security policies and incident response plans. Understanding their approach to security and their preparedness for handling breaches will help ensure they can effectively protect your data.
4. Ongoing security management: Choose vendors that offer regular updates and continuous monitoring. This ensures that the system is protected against evolving threats and that any unusual activities are promptly detected and addressed.

Secure Your Digital Future with MediaValet

Security isn’t just an option—it’s a necessity. Prioritizing DAM security in your buying process protects your digital assets, ensures compliance, and maintains operational integrity. By integrating robust security measures, you can confidently navigate the digital landscape and safeguard your business’s future.

MediaValet is the #1 in DAM security, making security a priority from the outset will help safeguard your organization’s reputation and prevent costly incidents in the future. Book a demo today to learn more about how MediaValetcan secure your digital assets.

In today’s digital age it is crucial for organizations to understand the importance of digital rights management (DRM).

Content creation and distribution have become more important and far reaching than ever while content management is becoming more and more difficult to control. To top it off, copyright infringement has increased exponentially.

So, as an organization with terabytes worth of digital assets, and an asset library that is guaranteed to grow, how can you protect your brand and your brand assets?

Even if you catch the individual or entity that has stolen your digital property, engaging in a lawsuit will probably cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars, so what is the best course of action?

Preemptive protection or digital rights management.

Digital rights management can significantly protect digital property, and a dedicated digital asset management (DAM) system can massively support rights management initiatives.

But let’s delve into it in detail. This blog post will cover:

• What is Digital Rights Management?
• Who Needs to Understand Digital Rights Management?, and
• How Does a DAM Help Support Digital Rights Management?

What is Digital Rights Management and Why is it Necessary?

Digital rights management refers to the legal access, licensing, and copyrights of digital assets. The scope of DRM can protect organizations and stakeholders from asset misuse through access control and usage restrictions, licensingand expirationdates,

It’s important to uphold digital rights management across entire organizations but there are three main stakeholders that carry the responsibility. Digital Asset Managers, Marketing teams, and Creative teams need to have a clear understanding of how DRM impacts their work, and in turn protects the organization’s brand.

Who Needs to Understand Digital Rights Management?

Digital Asset Managers:

Digital asset managers oversee, implement and maintain the DAM. Responsibilities of a digital asset manager include acquiring, organizing and cataloguing digital assets. They also oversee the security of digital assets, enforce DAM best practices.

By implementing DRM measures, digital asset managers can control access to their valuable content, preventing unauthorized individuals from reproducing, distributing, or profiting from their creative works without permission.

DRM is instrumental in safeguarding intellectual property. It provides robust protection against unauthorized use, piracy, and plagiarism of digital assets.

Marketers:

When it comes to marketing teams, DRM practices can help to effectively safeguard brand integrity by preventing unauthorized use of logos, images, and other brand assets. can effectively protect brand assets, ensure secure distribution of digital marketing materials, and gain actionable insights through metrics and analytics.

Following digital rights management procedures enables marketing teams to have strict control over the distribution and usage of their valuable assets, reducing the risk of unauthorized use and ultimately, protecting the brand’s visual identity.

Creative Professionals:

Creative professionals need to understand that effective digital rights management helps to deter unauthorized use of creative works by clearly indicating ownership, copyright information, plagiarism protection and usage rights.

By incorporating DRM, creatives can assert ownership over their brand assets, ensuring that their rights are clearly defined and legally protected. This protection not only deters unauthorized use and distribution but also facilitates the secure sharing of their work, allowing for collaboration without compromising control.

How Does a DAM Help Support Digital Rights Management?

Digital asset management systems like MediaValet are an integral tool in supporting digital rights management (DRM) efforts. It provides a centralized repository for storing and organizing assets, making it easier to track ownership and usage rights.

By implementing a DAM, organizations can effectively manage, protect, and control their digital assets and facilitate DRM through watermarking, metadata management, and access controls.

Digital Asset Managers:

Asset managers can use custom permission settings to define and enforce specific permissions for different user groups, ensuring that only authorized individuals can access, modify, or distribute digital assets. This level of control helps maintain the integrity and exclusivity of their content, reducing the risk of unauthorized or inappropriate use.

They can use DAM reporting and audit logs to efficiently track and monitor digital asset usage. This feature is particularly valuable in ensuring compliance with licensing agreements. Audit logs can provide insights into how, when, and by whom the content is being utilized.

By leveraging DAM, digital asset managers can enforce licensing terms, monitor usage restrictions, and identify any potential violations or misuse of their assets to maximize the value and profitability of their digital assets while ensuring compliance with licensing agreements.

Marketers:

A digital asset management solution plays a critical role in secure content distribution for digital marketing materials. Clear labelling of assets with metadata and the application of expiration dates can provide a secure framework for content distribution. It can prevent unauthorized sharing, duplication, or modification of the digital marketing assets, thereby preserving campaign effectiveness and maintaining the desired message consistency across various channels.

DAM systems also offer valuable metrics and analytics capabilities that provide insights into content performance and audience engagement.

These systems can track and monitor the usage of digital marketing assets, enabling marketers to gather data on how their content is being consumed, shared, and engaged with by the target audience. This information allows for data-driven decision-making, helping to optimize marketing strategies, identify successful campaigns, and refine future content creation efforts.

Creative Professionals:

Forensic watermarking can help deter unauthorized use of creative works by clearly indicating ownership. Visible and invisible watermarks help deter unauthorized use of creative works by clearly indicating ownership. Metadata, such as copyright information and usage rights, embedded within digital assets, assists in tracking and establishing ownership, providing evidence of authorship and protecting against plagiarism.

Licensing agreements should clearly define how their works can be used, ensuring that their intellectual property is not exploited without proper consent.

A DAM system can enforce licensing terms, track usage permissions, and facilitate secure distribution, protecting the creative professional’s rights and ensuring compliance with licensing agreements.

A digital asset management solution can also enable secure collaboration by providing granular access controls, allowing creative professionals to share assets with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders while ensuring that permissions are strictly adhered to. This ensures that sensitive or unfinished work is protected and shared only with authorized individuals, mitigating the risk of unauthorized use or premature release of creative assets.

Digital Rights Management is a critical aspect of modern content management, enabling digital asset managers, marketers, and creative professionals to protect their valuable intellectual property and maintain control over its distribution and usage.

By implementing a digital asset management system like MediaValet organizations can safeguard their digital assets, ensure compliance and protect their brand as they continue to grow.