# IT education in 2025: 

Imagine this: you step into an elevator and find yourself standing next to the CEO of a successful startup. In those few seconds of ascent, he manages to tell you that the coolest feature of their product wasn't written by a prestigious university graduate, but by a self-taught developer who was working as a barista just six months ago. Sounds like a Silicon Valley screenplay? But this is the reality of the IT industry in 2025.

The tech world is changing at the speed of light, and traditional education can no longer keep up with the trends. Today, it's not about where you studied, but whether you can quickly adapt and master new skills. In this article, we'll explore which knowledge will become the gold standard in the coming years and how not to be left behind by the technological revolution.

## Artificial Intelligence: When robots become colleagues

If AI once seemed like something out of science fiction, in 2025 it has become as commonplace as morning coffee. Over 56 percent of machine learning engineers worldwide reported using these tools daily, while approximately 45 percent of data scientists also indicated daily usage. This isn't just statistics—it's a new reality where humans and machines work in tandem.

Moreover, the global machine learning market is growing steadily, projected to reach $113.10 billion in 2025 and further grow to $503.40 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 34.80%. Imagine that! What used to require months of development can now be done in weeks.

### Market statistics

![](img/аі-статистика-.jpg)

Sources: [Statista](https://www.itransition.com/machine-learning/statistics), [Elite Brains](https://www.elitebrains.com/blog/aI-generated-code-statistics-2025), [Eluminous Technologies](https://eluminoustechnologies.com/blog/artificial-intelligence-statistics/)

Interestingly, AI isn't just for data scientists in white coats hunched over algorithms. This technology penetrates all areas of IT:

Backend developers integrate AI functionality directly into products. Remember how primitive website search used to be? Now it can understand context and even user mood.

UI/UX designers create interfaces that "talk" to users. Chatbots have stopped being annoying robots and turned into smart assistants.

Marketers use AI for content personalization to a level that once seemed magical. The system can predict which headline a specific user will prefer.

By 2025, AI might eliminate 85 million jobs but create 97 million new ones, resulting in a net gain of 12 million jobs. The IT sector can gain the most economic benefit from AI implementation among all industries—$400–700 billion/year. That's more than the GDP of many countries!

## Blockchain: From hype to real value

### Technology evolution

Remember 2017, when everyone talked about blockchain but few understood what it was? Eight years have passed, and the situation has changed dramatically. 60% of Fortune 500 companies are now actively working on blockchain and distributed ledger technology (DLT) initiatives. This marks a sharp rise from just 47% one year ago.

Today, blockchain isn't just about cryptocurrencies. It's the foundation for transparent voting, supply chain tracking, document authenticity verification, and much more.

### Market prospects

The growth figures are staggering: the global blockchain technology market will grow from $17.5 billion in 2025 to more than $825 billion in 2034. That's a nearly 50-fold increase in nine years!

### Who can profit from this trend?

Blockchain developers create smart contracts and decentralized applications (DApps). It's like being an architect during a construction boom.

Logistics and supply chain specialists use blockchain to track goods in real-time. Imagine: you scan a QR code on a coffee package and see the entire journey of the beans from plantation to your cup.

Marketers launch NFT campaigns and manage digital communities. This is a new level of audience engagement.

## Cybersecurity: A war that never ends

### Scale of the threat

Every 39 seconds, somewhere in the world, a cyberattack attempt occurs. Daily, more than 30,000 cyberattacks happen on websites worldwide. It's like an invisible war that goes on 24/7.

The economic damage is impressive: cybercrimes will cost the world more than $10.5 trillion per year by mid-2025. For comparison, this is more than the entire global income from drug trafficking, arms dealing, and human trafficking combined.

### Cybersecurity market statistics

![](img/кибербезпека.jpg)

## Cloud technologies

### Total migration

More than 94% of companies worldwide use cloud services. Practically every business has at least one cloud platform in their IT infrastructure, and most use multi-cloud strategies.

It's like switching from owning a car to car-sharing—more convenient, cheaper, more efficient.

### Cloud economics

The figures are impressive: the global cloud technology market exceeded $680 billion in 2024, and by 2027 it's expected to reach more than $947 billion.

### Investment boom

80% of companies plan to increase cloud technology budgets throughout 2025. Main investments will go to developing new cloud applications, analytics, data storage, and cloud security.

### Cloud market statistics

![](img/cloud-tech.jpg)

## UI/UX Design

### Impact on profit

Here's a fact that will make any businessman think: companies that invest in quality UX design get an average of 32% more profit than competitors with worse user experience.

### Cause of failures

70% of failures of new applications and websites happen due to poor UX design, not due to lack of functionality or technical errors. It's like building a beautiful house but forgetting to make a convenient entrance.

### UI/UX impact statistics

![](img/uxui-.jpg)

### Interdisciplinarity

UI/UX design is no longer the prerogative of designers only. This knowledge is increasingly mastered by product managers, business analysts, frontend developers, QA engineers, and even marketers. This helps them better understand user needs and create truly in-demand products.

## DevOps

## Age of automation

83% of IT companies worldwide have implemented DevOps practices. This isn't just a trend—it's a necessity for survival in a world of fast releases and high stability requirements.

Kubernetes is used in more than 80% of containerized projects. It's like universal packaging for applications—works equally well everywhere.

### DevOps statistics

![](img/devops.jpg)

## Game development 

### Growing market

The global video game market exceeded $221 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to $300+ billion by 2026. This is more than the film and music industries combined.

### Mobile revolution

More than 55% of the game industry's revenue comes from mobile games. Pocket devices have become the planet's main gaming platform.

### Unity — King of engines

Unity is the world's most popular game engine, used by more than 60% of mobile and VR game developers.

### Interdisciplinary team

Game projects unite specialists from different IT directions: from UI/UX designers to DevOps engineers, from analysts to marketers. It's like the film industry—you need a whole army of professionals to create one product.

## Practical tips: How to start your journey

### 1. Determine your starting point

Honestly assess your current skills. Don't try to learn everything at once—that's the path to burnout.

### 2. Choose one main trend

It's better to become an expert in one area than a dilettante in all. Focus on what genuinely interests you.

### 3. Start with free resources

The internet is full of quality free courses. YouTube, Coursera, edX—start with them before investing in paid education.

### 4. Practice on real projects

Theory without practice is dead weight. Create pet projects, participate in open source, make something with your hands.

### 5. Communicate with the community

Join professional communities, attend meetups, participate in conferences. Networking is an investment in your career.

### 6. Follow trends

Subscribe to specialized blogs, listen to podcasts, read industry news. IT changes quickly—it's important to stay informed.

Learning in IT today isn't about one narrow specialization, but about flexibility, the ability to work at the intersection of directions, and understanding the product creation process comprehensively.

The most effective specialists are those who constantly keep their finger on the pulse of trends and develop related skills. This doesn't mean you need to know everything about everything. It means you need to be ready to learn for life.

Choose a direction that inspires you and learn systematically. Now is the perfect time to become a competitive specialist in the world of technology.

Remember: in IT there's no second place. There are only those who keep up with changes and those who are left behind. Which group do you want to be in?

Discover the latest IT eduction trends with The Cymes!

IT trends in 2025: What to learn today?

# Top 15 most in-demand programming languages in 2025

In today's technological world, programming languages are not just tools for creating software; they are key factors that determine a programmer's success. As technology evolves and the demand for new software solutions increases, the question of which programming language to choose becomes particularly relevant. In this article, we will explore the 15 most in-demand programming languages for 2025, their features, areas of application, and reasons why you should consider learning them.

## Python

Python consistently ranks at the top of programming language charts, and there are many reasons for this. This programming language is considered versatile, as it is used in various fields, from web development to data science and artificial intelligence. Python features a simple and understandable syntax, making it ideal for beginners. More experienced developers appreciate its powerful libraries, such as NumPy for numerical computations, Pandas for data manipulation, and TensorFlow for machine learning.

Thanks to its versatility, Python has become the primary language for many startups and large companies looking to quickly implement their ideas. For example, in the field of data science, Python is used for data analysis, visualization, and model creation. This makes it an indispensable tool for analysts and scientists.

![Image from Pexels](img/pexels-cottonbro-8720589.jpg "Image from Pexels")

Image from Pexels

## Java

Java remains a popular programming language used by many large companies worldwide. Its stability and cross-platform capabilities, thanks to the Java Virtual Machine (JVM), make it ideal for creating complex enterprise systems. Java has a rich ecosystem of libraries and frameworks, such as Spring, which facilitates the development of microservices and web applications.

This programming language is known for its reliability and security, making it perfect for banking systems, enterprise resource planning systems, and large web services. Due to its wide application, Java continues to be an important language for developers aiming to work in corporate environments.

## JavaScript

JavaScript is the foundation of modern web development. Without this language, websites would not be as interactive and dynamic as they are today. JavaScript is used to create interactive web pages, and with the advent of Node.js, it has also become popular in server-side development. This makes JavaScript one of the most widely used programming languages for both front-end and back-end development.

In addition, JavaScript supports a multitude of frameworks and libraries, such as React, Angular, and Vue.js for the front end, and Express.js for the back end. This allows developers to create complex web applications that can scale and adapt to changing user requirements.

## TypeScript

TypeScript is a superset of JavaScript that adds static typing. This reduces the likelihood of errors in large projects and makes the code more organized. TypeScript is becoming increasingly popular among large teams that seek to ensure a high level of support and reduce error risks.

Since TypeScript compiles to JavaScript, developers can leverage all the benefits of JavaScript while enjoying the advantages of static typing. This makes the refactoring process more predictable and decreases the number of errors in large systems. TypeScript is actively used in projects where code clarity and maintainability are paramount.

## Kotlin

Kotlin has become the primary programming language for Android development, receiving support from Google. It is compatible with Java but features a more concise and user-friendly syntax, making mobile app development faster and more enjoyable. Kotlin also offers a safer approach to handling null values, which reduces the likelihood of errors in code.

This programming language is actively used not only for Android but also in server-side development through Kotlin Multiplatform. This allows developers to create cross-platform solutions that maintain high performance and usability.

## R

R specializes in statistical analysis and data visualization. It is a primary tool for analysts, scientists, and statisticians. In data science, R is used alongside Python but has its unique advantages, including ready-to-use packages for complex mathematical modeling and interactive graphics.

Due to its powerful functionality, R remains an essential tool for those building careers in analytics or planning to work deeply with data. It allows for quick and effective processing of large volumes of data, making it indispensable in scientific research and business analysis.

![Image from Pexels](img/pexels-craigmdennis-57007.jpg "Image from Pexels")

Image from Pexels

## C#

C# is widely used for creating desktop and web applications, as well as games using Unity. This programming language relies on a robust Microsoft ecosystem, ensuring stability and support. C# offers a straightforward syntax, making it accessible for newcomers, while providing great flexibility for experienced developers.

C# is often utilized for developing enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, as well as in virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) applications. Due to its power and versatility, C# remains an important choice for developers looking to work in various fields.

## Swift

Swift is a modern programming language used for developing applications for iOS and macOS. It was designed by Apple as a safer and faster alternative to Objective-C. Swift offers a simple syntax, making it easy to learn, while providing powerful tools for developers.

Proficiency in Swift opens up opportunities to millions of Apple device users, making this language especially in demand. If your goal is to secure a job in mobile development, learning Swift may be one of the best decisions for achieving success.

## PHP

PHP remains the dominant language for server-side logic in many websites. Although PHP may not seem as "trendy" as it did a decade ago, it is still the backbone for creating dynamic web applications. Many popular content management systems (CMS), such as WordPress and Drupal, run on PHP.

This programming language is actively used for developing server applications due to its powerful frameworks, such as Laravel and Symfony, which simplify web development. PHP remains one of the choices for those looking to quickly launch in the web industry.

## C++

C++ is a classic in the realm of high-performance code. This programming language is ideal for developing AAA-level games, system software, drivers, or high-speed financial algorithms. C++ requires in-depth knowledge, but it rewards developers with excellent control over memory and execution speed.

This language is actively used in the gaming industry, where performance is crucial, as well as in financial technologies, where high-speed data processing is necessary. If you aim to work with systems that require maximum resource control, C++ will be an excellent choice.

## Go

Go, developed by Google, is rapidly gaining popularity due to its simplicity and high performance. Go is ideal for distributed systems and microservices, characterized by concurrency, simplicity, and fast compilation. This language is actively used in cloud computing and server-side development.

Due to its clarity and efficiency, Go is becoming increasingly popular among large corporations and startups that need high throughput and seamless scalability. If you plan to engage in development under modern conditions, Go is a language worth considering.

## Ruby

Ruby, along with the Rails framework, has become popular among startups for quickly launching products. This programming language is known for its simple syntax and the philosophy of "convention over configuration," allowing ideas to be implemented rapidly. Although Ruby does not dominate the market, it maintains its niche among small and medium-sized companies that value quick results.

Ruby ensures high productivity in web application development, making it popular among startups looking to enter the market quickly. The Ruby on Rails framework allows developers to focus on business logic, reducing configuration time.

![Image from Pexels](img/pexels-pixabay-60504.jpg "Image from Pexels")

Image from Pexels

## Scala

Scala is a hybrid language that combines functional and object-oriented programming. It runs on the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) and offers features that match Java's performance while providing richer capabilities for development.

Scala is often used in Big Data projects with Apache Spark, as well as in financial technologies. This language is becoming increasingly popular in scenarios where complex data processing and high reliability are essential. If you intend to work in data processing, Scala is worth your attention.

## Rust

Rust positions itself as a safer alternative to C++. It eliminates memory leak issues while maintaining high performance, making it ideal for system programming, blockchain technologies, IoT, and even browser and operating system development.

Rust features a complex memory management system that may initially intimidate newcomers, but its focus on safety makes it a promising choice for critical projects. If you are interested in system programming or developing high-performance applications, Rust should be part of your toolkit.

## Dart

Dart, along with the Flutter framework, allows for the creation of cross-platform mobile and desktop applications with a shared codebase. This language aims to compete with JavaScript in the front-end domain, providing developers with the ability to compile code quickly and work with powerful UI-building tools.

The growing popularity of Flutter indicates active adoption of Dart development for the mobile market. If you plan to develop cross-platform applications, Dart will be an excellent choice for achieving your goals.

## Final thoughts

Choosing a programming language to learn is a crucial step in a programmer's career. Each of the languages presented in this ranking has unique advantages and areas of application. Identify your career goals and select a language that best aligns with your professional development. Regularly monitor market trends, as technologies tend to change rapidly. Cultivate flexibility, enjoy the learning process, and refine your skills with each project you undertake. Wishing you success in your learning journey and new achievements in the world of programming!


From Python's versatility in AI to Rust's system-level safety, discover which languages match your passions and help you build the future in web, mobile, data science, or game development. Your coding journey starts here!

Top 15 most popular programming languages in 2025

# Future trends in IT: What to expect in 2025

We all know, that the IT field is changing very quickly. Fast technology improvements are transforming industries, making new chances, and bringing special challenges. Keeping up with such trends is thus important for success for both workers and companies. Based on recent predictions and industry knowledge, this article considers the main trends that will shape the IT sector in 2025.

## 1. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

### AI is on top!

Of course, we can’t but refer to artificial intelligence dominating the talks within the tech world. From routine daunting tasks to making complex decisions, it has a great impact on different industries. With AI technologies advancing, there has been a fast rise in demand for professionals skilled in AI and machine learning.

### What to learn?

The aspiring tech professional should be geared toward:

* Machine Learning basics: In order to work in AI, you need to understand linear regression, neural networks, and the algorithms behind them. You can lay a strong foundation by taking courses and online tutorials.
* Big data: Learn how to handle large datasets, which are important for training AI models. Knowledge of data preprocessing methods and visualization tools like Tableau or Power BI will give you an upper hand.
* Cloud platforms for AI: Google AI and AWS Sagemaker are two important platforms for using AI applications. Learning how to use these platforms will make your work easier and improve your projects.

### Real-time AI models

Developing AI models that can be used in real time is an increasingly important area. This trend will help businesses make decisions in a timely manner using real-time data, improving efficiency and shortening response times.

### Case studies

Look to the healthcare sector, where AI is applied to the examination of medical images for the discovery of diseases. Companies like Zebra Medical Vision are using AI programs that can find problems like pneumonia and breast cancer more precisely than some human radiologists. This saves time and greatly improves the level of patient care.

### Challenges and considerations

Although AI has huge benefits, it also comes with challenges:

* Ethical issues: The use of AI gives rise to ethical issues concerning privacy, bias, and decision-making. Companies need to address these issues with care.
* Job displacement: Automation can displace jobs in some sectors, bringing about social challenges that need to be addressed.
* Data dependency: AI models require large amounts of good quality data that are often difficult to obtain and manage properly.

![Image by Pexels](img/imgonline-com-ua-dexif0hbdyz53u3bi.jpg "Image by Pexels")

Image by Pexels

## 2. Cybersecurity

### The growing need for cybersecurity

With more devices linking to the internet and breaches in data occurring frequently, cybersecurity has become very important today. In 2025, organizations will focus on security in protecting sensitive information to gain customer trust.

### Challenges and considerations 

Cybersecurity has its challenges: 

* Constantly evolving threats: Cyber threats keep changing, so ongoing training and adjustment of strategies are needed.
* Resource constraints: Many organizations lack the resources to implement comprehensive security measures, leaving them vulnerable.
* Compliance issues: Navigating the complex landscape of regulations can be daunting for companies, especially those operating in multiple jurisdictions.

## 3. Cloud computing development

### The shift to cloud technologies

The movement to cloud-based solutions is something that will most likely continue growing. Companies are adopting platforms such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud in order to improve the management of their systems. This change does not only bring about cost savings but also brings about scalability and flexibility.

### Important learning areas

To remain relevant in this field, consider learning about the following:

* Containerization and orchestration: Docker and Kubernetes are some of the critical technologies for app containerization, ensuring the app and its constituent parts can be packaged and work seamlessly, regardless of changes in locations or situations. 
* CI/CD automation: Knowledge of Jenkins and GitHub Actions will go a long way toward continuous integration and deployment. Continuous integration and delivery practices help development teams deliver more frequently and reliably than ad-hoc methods. 
* DevOps integration: Integration of development and operations (DevOps) practices will gain more ground, where teams can collaborate with each other to fast-track processes. Most organizations that adopt the DevOps methodologies report reduced time-to-market and an increase in the quality of the product.

### Industry examples

A company like Netflix has been able to implement these practices of DevOps and thus deploy codes thousands of times in a day. This agility enables them to quickly respond to user feedback and remain ahead of their competitors.

Challenges and considerations

Cloud computing has benefits, but also challenges:

* Data security: Keeping private information in the cloud makes one worried about data breaching and regulation compliance.
* Vendor lock-in: Companies could become so reliant on a particular cloud provider that switching between providers or relocating their data becomes difficult or impossible.
* Downtime risks: Issues or outage from the side of the cloud service provider may interrupt business activities.

## 4. Rust: The language of the future

### The rise of Rust

Rust is increasingly popular for its emphasis on performance and safety. Many groups are turning to Rust to put a stop to memory leaks and ensure safe multithreading. This systems programming language is designed to keep memory safe without sacrificing performance, which makes it a great choice for developers.

### Learning Rust

To get ahead of this trend, consider focusing on:

* Rust basics: Learning the basics of a language via online courses or community resources. Involvement in the Rust community can be rewarding in terms of insight and assistance.
* High-Performance apps: Learning how to write applications where high performance is a must, as Rust really shines at building system-level, game development software, and more.
* WebAssembly (Wasm): How Rust can be used in WebAssembly for web development. This pairing enables developers to run high-performance applications in web browsers.

### Industry adoption

As more and more companies adopt Rust, knowledge of this language will give a competitive advantage in the job market. Companies like Mozilla and Dropbox are already using Rust in production, showing its increasing importance.

### Challenges and considerations

While Rust is full of good things, there are also some difficulties:

* Steep learning curve: The special ownership system and the strict rules from the compiler may make Rust hard to learn for developers.
* Limited resources: Rust has fewer libraries and frameworks compared to older languages, which can make development slower.
* Community size: The Rust community is growing but is still smaller compared to the communities for languages like Python or Java, which reduces opportunities to collaborate.

![Image by Pexels](img/imgonline-com-ua-dexifsbusfclynsel.jpg "Image by Pexels")

Image by Pexels

## 5. Quantum computing

### The future of computing

Quantum computing is not some vague idea about the future; it's slowly becoming a reality. Companies like IBM and Google lead the way with cloud access to quantum computers. It can solve problems that classical computers cannot handle, in particular, in areas like cryptography, material science, and complex system simulations.

### Learning quantum computing

The professional should focus on the following areas in order to get into this niche field:

* Quantum physics basics: The professionals should first learn quantum mechanics, which is the basis for quantum computing. Online courses and academic resources can provide a solid foundation.
* Quantum programming languages: Familiarity with languages such as Qiskit and Cirq, designed for writing quantum algorithms.
* Algorithm development: This skill will be indispensable once quantum computing becomes more mainstream.

### Quantum Computing case studies

In 2023, researchers at Google presented a quantum algorithm that greatly decreased the time needed to solve some optimization problems. This achievement created new opportunities for industries like finance and logistics, showing the powerful potential of quantum computing. 

### Challenges and considerations 

Quantum computing has several challenges: 

* Technical complexity: The technology is still new, and making quantum algorithms needs special skills.
* High costs: Construction and maintenance of quantum computers are expensive, making them less accessible to many organizations.
* Uncertain regulation: Regulatory frameworks for quantum technology are still being worked out as it develops, creating uncertainty for businesses.

## 6. Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR)

Augmented and virtual reality technologies are increasingly becoming part of several sectors, including entertainment, healthcare, and education. Their immersive capabilities are changing user experiences and opening up new avenues of engagement.

### Skills for AR/VR development

You should focus on 3D design basics to get started with AR/VR. Understanding the basic rules of 3D design is needed to create interesting environments. Industry-standard programs for 3D modeling include Blender and Maya. The VR/AR programming requires you to learn languages like C# and C++ to make experiences engaging. Knowledge of how to use game engines like Unity and Unreal Engine will also be useful.

### Industry applications

AR/VR is increasingly being used in training, gaming, and even virtual meetings. For example, VR in healthcare trains students on surgical procedures without the risks associated with performing real surgeries, increasing learning and better preparing students for real-world challenges.

### Challenges and considerations

While there are many exciting opportunities within AR/VR, there are also some important challenges to consider:

* High development Costs: The resource intensiveness of AR/VR content creation can discourage investment by smaller organizations.
* User adoption: It can also prove difficult to get users to adopt and use AR/VR technologies as not everyone is comfortable with the idea of immersion.
* Technical limitations: The quality and accessibility of AR/VR experiences may also be constrained by hardware limitations, affecting user satisfaction.

## 7. The importance of continuing learning

### Keeping up with the fast-paced industry

As technology changes, so must your skills. There is a need for continuous learning to remain competitive in IT. Things can change fast, so what matters today may not matter tomorrow.

### Lifelong learning mindset

Cultivate a lifelong learning mindset. Be open to new challenges and new areas to explore. With this kind of thinking, you will be able to adjust to change and seize opportunities as they arise.

Developing a problem-solving mindset is something that you can't afford to overlook in IT. The ability to analyze challenges, think critically, and find innovative solutions will make you stand out in the competitive job market.

## So, what can we wait for in this field?

The IT world in 2025 will be  filled with opportunities. Workers can prepare for success by paying attention to important trends such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing, programming languages like Rust, quantum computing, and AR/VR. These fields will require continuing learning and improvement of skills to move forward.

We want you to know that flexibility and openness to new technologies will be your greatest strengths. The road ahead may be tough, but the rewards that can be reaped are huge!


What technologies will determine the IT sphere in 2025? Explore future trends and learn how to prepare for change to remain a sought-after specialist.

The future IT trends of 2025: What to do to stay afloat

# Identifying Phishing Scams 

Chief executive officers (CEOs) have high-profile jobs that make them a target for hackers or even former disgruntled employees looking to breach the company’s databases. Phishing scams are common attacks typically involving an email or private message.

A phishing scam might look like it’s from a team leader or employee. It may also appear to be from a customer or company owner. Since many companies list staff on their websites, bad players easily access information.

Fortunately, company leaders can identify and prevent data theft by following simple rules and being aware of the potential for fraud. Here is how to identify phishing scams.

## 1. Know the Risk

The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) received [800,944 complaints in 2022](https://www.ic3.gov/) about potential internet crimes. The complaints resulted in $10.3 billion in losses. Phishing emails are just one way criminals try to get data.

When leaders understand how prevalent attacks are, they can be hyper-vigilant about how they respond to messages and emails and what credentials they share. Pay attention to business news. What attacks were successful, and how did scammers gain access? Keeping a running list of examples may prevent rushed reactions during a busy day.

## 2. Avoid the Story

Phishing emails often contain an elaborate story about protecting an account, financial information or company. Since CEOs and chief financial officers (CFOs) often have access to credit card accounts with high spending limits, cybercriminals may spend more time developing a believable story when targeting these individuals.

The story usually encourages the recipient to click on a link or button and input information on a website. The story could be as simple as saying the CEO needs to respond to interview questions for an article in a famous publication. Once they click on the link to the questionnaire, a keystroke logger or other malicious software can track their movements or open backdoor entries into company-wide databases.

## 3. Trust No Messages

Phishing scams may come from other sources, such as direct messages. With the global nature of the economy changing and more people working remotely, companies have begun using more online platforms daily. For example, the Darktrace 2023 Threat Report reveals that [83% of Fortune 500 companies](https://darktrace.com/threat-report-2023) utilize Microsoft products such as Teams to conduct virtual meetings.

Because cybercriminals know that most companies use the software, they attempt to trick CEOs by sending them direct messages that appear to be from a colleague. According to the same report, they identified some abnormalities delivered via Microsoft Teams in an effort to infect the target individual’s network with DarkGate malware. The hackers used SharePoint as a destination and used the name of a person. However, the person was not an employee. The hackers sent many messages on Microsoft Teams, trying to deliver fake links and infect the system.

Once a person clicked on the mock Sharepoint link, a process began where executable files and scripts were downloaded and hundreds of HTTP POST connections were made, which then went to a DarkGate endpoint.

The best way to avoid a CEO or anyone else in the company clicking on a link that might infect the entire system is to set a policy that no one clicks on links arriving via messages or emails.

## 4. Install Firewalls and Virus Protection

Even the most vigilant person sometimes falls for a seemingly innocuous message. Hackers might also target CEOs on a personal level, hoping to gain access to their private funds or information they can use to gain access to company databases.

People are on social media with their lives laid out for the world to see. Such personal details can lead to scams that seem almost authentic. For example, the scammer might grab the CEO’s adult child’s name from details on social platforms. They then craft an email or phone call where they pretend to be that person or a representative for them and ask for money to get out of a crisis or get home.

The scam taps into the person’s emotions and fears for their loved one, creating a sense of urgency and spawning a panic state in the recipient. They may not make decisions as clearly as they otherwise would. Although company leaders tend to measure their responses, people are human. They may click on a link and send money or open their finances to cybercriminals before realizing what they’ve done.

A good course of action for CEOs is to never click on a link or send gift card codes remotely. Always use a separate phone or way of directly contacting the loved one and ask if they sent the message.

CBS News reports [Americans lost about $10 billion](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/what-being-targeted-by-grandparent-scam-sounds-like-60-minutes/) to online scams. The "grandchild in trouble" attempt can come through direct message, email or phone. However, scammers may also mention a wife, friend, child or relative in trouble. Although older adults are a popular target, CEOs may also fall victim to similar attempts because of their access to large amounts of funding. A valued employee needs help, the CFO wants the CEO to authorize a significant expenditure or the company owner is in trouble could all be phishing attempts personalized to the brand.

Avoid scams by slowing down responses and thinking. Ask questions only the person would know.

## 5. Be Cautious of Password Alerts

SC Magazine reported that fraudsters [sent fake Office 365 password alerts](https://www.scmagazine.com/news/phishing-scheme-shows-ceos-may-be-most-valuable-asset-and-greatest-vulnerability) to business owners, CEOs and other corporate leaders. Around 45% of the attempts targeted CEOs, and 9.7% went to managing directors.

Malicious phishing pages trick leaders into sharing passwords. The hackers can then get into the system and gather sensitive data. They might then steal emails and customer information or install ransomware and demand payment to release the systems a company relies on to conduct business.

CEOs should never click on a link, even from a prompted alert, but always go directly to the website or software to change credentials. If the attacker gets into the email account of a C-level executive, they can spy on the company, sell trade secrets and develop malicious schemes against the company.

## 6. Slow Down

Executives have a lot of work on their plate. The health of the company hangs in the balance. It’s natural to take shortcuts to speed up processes and try to accomplish more. However, sidestepping security protocols can put the entire organization at risk.

According to Forbes, around [76% of CEOs](https://www.forbes.com/sites/louiscolumbus/2020/05/29/cybersecuritys-greatest-insider-threat-is-in-the-c-suite/?sh=37dc9ab67626) bypass company security protocols to finish things faster. Hackers know these statistics and benefit from them by creating more sophisticated phishing attacks. They create imaginary fires that the person must put out immediately and encourage them to act now.

Instead, leadership should practice pausing before responding to a sudden urgent request from an outside party or even what appears to be internal. Take a few minutes to collect thoughts before responding and follow security protocols, even if they take additional steps and time.

## Create and Follow Protocols to Identify and Avoid Phishing Scams Targeting CEOs

The best way to avoid phishing attempts aimed at company leaders is to put strict policies in place for handling emails and messages. Although CEOs juggle multiple hats, security should be a cap without room for creativity or adaptation. Take the time to ensure everything is legitimate and reduce the risk of compromising company data.


Phishing scams are getting trickier—especially for CEOs. Learn how to spot suspicious messages, avoid common traps, and protect your company with smart, simple strategies.

Identifying Phishing Scams That Target CEOs

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