[Blog](/blog) Show links Resources [Blog](/blog) [Breaches](/breaches) [eBooks, reports, & more](/resources) [Events](/events) [News](/news) [Attack Surface Management](/category/attack-surface-management) Show links Categories [Attack Surface Management](/category/attack-surface-management) [Company News](/category/company-news) [Compliance and Regulations](/category/compliance-and-regulations) [Cybersecurity](/category/cybersecurity) [Data Breaches](/category/data-breaches) [DevOps](/category/devops) [Human Cyber Risk](/category/human-cyber-risk) [Risks and Vulnerabilities](/category/risks-and-vulnerabilities) [Third-Party Risk Management](/category/third-party-risk-management) [Vendor Risk Management](/category/vendor-risk-management) [What is the Cyber Threat Landscape?](/blog/cyber-threat-landscape) Publish date July 4, 2025 {x} minute read # What is the Cyber Threat Landscape? [Get a demo](/contact-sales) [Free trial](/demo) [Download the PDF guide](/resources/complete-guide-to-data-breaches) [Free trial](/demo) Written by [Catherine Chipeta](/team/catherine-chipeta) Cybersecurity Writer Catherine's work has influenced leaders in technology, SaaS, government, and financial services. Reviewed by [Kaushik Sen](/team/kaushik-sen) Chief Marketing Officer Kaushik has a background in software engineering, enterprise solution architecture, and data analytics. He brings a unique, data-driven perspective to cybersecurity education. Table of contents eBook A Complete Guide to Data Breaches Free resource ### A Complete Guide to Data Breaches Learn how to avoid a costly data breach with a comprehensive prevention strategy. [Download now](/resources/complete-guide-to-data-breaches) The threat landscape means the entire scope of potential and recognized [cybersecurity threats](https://www.upguard.com/blog/cyber-threat) affecting user groups, organizations, specific industries, or a particular time.  As new [cyber threats](https://www.upguard.com/glossary/cyber-threat) emerge daily, the threat landscape changes accordingly.  The main factors contributing to the dynamic threat landscape include: * Increasingly sophisticated tools and attack methods; * Greater reliance on information technology products and services, such as [SaaS offerings](https://www.upguard.com/blog/saas-security-risks); * Networks that encourage and enable the distribution of cybercrime profits, such as the dark web; * Greater availability of skills, personnel, and finances to drive [cyber attacks](https://www.upguard.com/blog/cyber-attack); * External factors, such as a global pandemic or financial crisis; * Faster software releases with added functionality; * New hardware development, such as [Internet of Things (IoT)](https://www.upguard.com/blog/internet-of-things-iot) devices. ## What Cyber Threats Does the Threat Landscape Cover? The threat landscape consists of the factors that pose a risk to each entity in their respective contexts. Context relates to the specific elements that affect the level of risk posed to a user group, organization, specific industry, or a particular time, such as: * The value of sensitive information available; * The level of [information security](https://www.upguard.com/blog/information-security) in place; * Geopolitical factors – many threat actors target groups or individuals from specific countries or regions, such as [Advanced Persistent Threats](https://encyclopedia.kaspersky.com/glossary/apt-advanced-persistent-threats/) ([APTs](https://encyclopedia.kaspersky.com/glossary/apt-advanced-persistent-threats/)). ## The Current Cyber Threat Landscape The threat landscape changes every time a new event causes a significant shift or impact on the context of affected entities. Below are examples of recent events contributing to the current threat landscape. ### 1. The COVID-19 Pandemic **‍**Global lockdowns began in 2020, forcing organizations to shift to facilitate work-from-home (WFH) arrangements. Remote working broadened organizations' [attack surfaces](https://www.upguard.com/blog/attack-surface) dramatically.  The introduction of Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD) policies introduced new [attack vectors](https://www.upguard.com/blog/attack-vector). Security professionals needed to develop strategies to secure unmanaged endpoints, such as smartphones and personal laptops. Threat actors quickly took advantage of these [vulnerabilities](https://www.upguard.com/blog/vulnerability), with the healthcare sector experiencing a [35% rise in data breaches between 2020 and 2021](https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/health-tech/healthcare-data-breaches-hit-all-time-high-2021-impacting-45m-people). [Track supply chain risks with this free pandemic questionnaire template >](https://www.upguard.com/blog/free-template-vendor-pandemic-questionnaire) ### 2. The Russia-Ukraine Conflict Growing tensions between the two nation-states have escalated into war. Well known for its sophisticated cyber attacks, [Russia has been the suspected perpetrator in a slew of global attacks in 2022](https://www.upguard.com/blog/how-australian-businesses-can-prepare-for-a-russian-cyberattack). ### 3. The Growing Adoption of Third-Party Vendors The ever-growing trend of outsourcing critical operations has seen a distinct rise in [third-party data breaches](https://www.upguard.com/blog/prevent-third-party-data-breaches). Cybercriminals have recognized this opportunity and are now directing their efforts toward large-scale [supply chain attacks](https://www.upguard.com/blog/supply-chain-attack). By targeting several [third-party](https://www.upguard.com/blog/what-is-third-party-risk) and fourth-party[ ](https://www.upguard.com/blog/what-is-fourth-party-risk)providers in one attack, hackers can gain unauthorized access to larger amounts of [sensitive data](https://www.upguard.com/blog/sensitive-data) with less effort.  [Learn how to prevent third-party data breaches >](https://www.upguard.com/blog/prevent-third-party-data-breaches) ## How to Protect Against the Threat Landscape While the threat landscape is unpredictable, [effective risk management](https://www.upguard.com/blog/information-risk-management) is achievable. Here are three ways to protect your organization against the threat landscape: ### 1. Understand the Different Types of Threats There are many different cyber threats, each becoming more sophisticated daily. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of these threats improves your ability to defend against hackers. Common cyber threats include: * Malware * Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) * Social engineering attacks, such as phishing scams * Ransomware attacks * Zero-day vulnerabilities * Human error [Learn how to manage different types of cyber threats >](https://www.upguard.com/blog/cyber-threat) ### 2. Gain Visibility Over Your Attack Surface The most effective way of understanding the current risks affecting your organization is by having visibility over them. A [well-managed attack surface](https://www.upguard.com/blog/attack-surface-management) enables the creation of a more tailored [cyber threat intelligence program](https://www.upguard.com/blog/what-is-cyber-threat-intelligence) in the future.  Greater attack surface visibility should be pursued as part of a broader [cyber threat detection and response](https://www.upguard.com/blog/cyber-threat-detection-and-response) strategy. ### 3. Use Defensive Measures Implementing a robust [information security policy](https://www.upguard.com/blog/information-security-policy) with effective mitigation strategies is the key to [minimizing an organization’s cyber risk](https://www.upguard.com/blog/reduce-cybersecurity-risk). Common strategies include: * Using [two-factor authentication (2FA)](https://www.upguard.com/blog/two-factor-authentication) or multi-factor authentication (MFA) * Patching software regularly * Deploying anti-virus software  * [Implementing an attack surface management security solution](https://www.upguard.com/product/breach-risk) A cyber threat detection platform can also help you proactively identify and manage cyber threats. For more details, [read our post ranking the top cyber threat detection tools on the market.](https://www.upguard.com/blog/top-cyber-threat-detection-tools) eBook A Complete Guide to Data Breaches Free resource ### A Complete Guide to Data Breaches Learn how to avoid a costly data breach with a comprehensive prevention strategy. [Download now](/resources/complete-guide-to-data-breaches) ## Related posts Learn more about the latest issues in cybersecurity. Attack Surface Management #### [Find Out if You're Exposed on the Dark Web](/blog/find-out-if-youre-exposed-on-the-dark-web) Answer 5 quick questions to predict what a dark web scan will find about your company. Then run the free scan to see your real exposure. [](/team/lance-turner) [Lance Turner](#) October 14, 2026 Data Breaches #### [Your First Dark Web Scan Report, Explained](/blog/your-first-dark-web-scan-report-explained) You scanned your domain. What do the results mean? [](/team/lance-turner) [Lance Turner](#) October 13, 2026 Cybersecurity #### [12 Cybersecurity Horror Stories of 2026 (No Costume Required)](/blog/cybersecurity-horror-stories-2026) A warning ignored once becomes a headline. Read more about these 12 real 2026 cybersecurity incidents, and the sign each one gave before it made the news. [](/team/revashni-moodley) [Revashni Moodley](#) October 14, 2026 Data Breaches #### [Good Security Rating? Your Dark Web Exposure Says Otherwise](/blog/good-security-rating-your-dark-web-exposure-says-otherwise) Scan your domain to see just how exposed you are on the Dark Web. [](/team/lance-turner) [Lance Turner](#) October 13, 2026 Cybersecurity #### [Left Unsupervised: 10 Times Access Outlived Its Authorization](/blog/10-times-access-outlived-authorization) Access granted once shouldn’t mean access forever. Read more on how unmonitored access caused 10 of these real-life breaches and what they taught us. [](/team/revashni-moodley) [Revashni Moodley](#) October 29, 2026 Cybersecurity #### [Surviving a LockBit Ransomware Attack: The ROI of Visibility](/blog/surviving-a-lockbit-ransomware-attack) Read how veteran CISO Nick Gicinto saved his alma mater from a LockBit ransomware attack by discarding the standard playbook. [](/team/nicholas-sollitto) [Nicholas Sollitto](#) June 1, 2026 [All posts](/blog) Experience superior visibility and a simpler approach to cyber risk management [Get a demo](/contact-sales) [Free trial](/demo)