^SecurityCybersecurity in 2025: How to Protect Yourself (and Your Finances) from Evolving Threats

This article was reviewed by Chris Singer, CFP®.

Cybersecurity has become one of the most important forms of financial protection in today’s world, and with the holidays coming, scams are likely to increase. With technology continuously changing and advancing, it’s important to stay on top of the latest threats and, with them, the latest ways to protect yourself. From deepfake phone calls and AI-generated phishing emails to scams that imitate trusted institutions, the online threat landscape has never been more sophisticated. 

The good news is that you can take practical steps to protect yourself. Awareness and strong digital habits remain the most powerful tools in your cybersecurity toolkit.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

• Why cybersecurity matters more in 2025
• The top five ways to protect yourself
• What to do if you suspect a breach or scam
• How to build long-term digital resilience

Why Cybersecurity Matters in 2025

With the advancement of Artificial Intelligence, cyber-criminals can now make phishing scams more realistic. Deepfake technology allows criminals to mimic real voices and video calls. And the amount of personal data available online has made it easier than ever for attackers to create convincing, targeted schemes.

According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, Canadians lost over $500 million to reported fraud in 2024—and experts estimate that number represents only a fraction of actual cases. High-net-worth individuals and business owners are particularly appealing targets because of the potential rewards for attackers.

But cybersecurity doesn’t have to be complicated or intimidating. It starts with awareness and a few consistent, proactive habits.

How AI Is Impacting Cybersecurity

AI is making it easier for cyber-criminals to use social engineering—using psychological manipulation to trick people into a desired outcome, in this case, making security mistakes—to enhance their scams. Currently, the most common uses of AI include:

• Imitating Human Interaction: cyber-criminals can use AI to imitate the tone, style, and content of genuine human communication. Not just emails anymore, but phone calls, chatbots, and even video calls.
• Deep Fakes: Using  AI, cybercriminals can impersonate others with a high level of accuracy, which can trick victims into revealing sensitive information, spreading misinformation, or completing financial transactions (such as, but not limited to, sending money).
• Voice Synthesis: Sourcing audio data from online sources—such as interviews, customer service calls, or videos shared to social media—cyber-criminals can use AI to create highly accurate imitations of people’s tone, cadence, and pronunciation.

Unfortunately, the better AI gets, the harder it is to spot the scams, making it ever more important to stay vigilant, follow strict cybersecurity practices, and always trust your instincts.

Common AI Scams in 2025

For the most part, cyber-criminals aren’t necessarily coming up with new scams this year, but are using AI to enhance old ones. Some of the most common scams currently are: 

• Grandparents Scam: Cyber-criminals are using deep fake and voice synthesis technology to impersonate the children and grandchildren of elderly persons, pretending to be in trouble and requesting help in the form of funds.
• Romance Scams: These scams involve cyber-criminals using AI to create phony personas, which they use to match with victims online. Once a connection is established, the cyber-criminals will exploit the victim, asking for funds.
• Investment Scams: Using AI, cyber-criminals are able to deceive victims into believing in a phony investment opportunity. These scams, often promising guaranteed returns, have resulted in significant financial losses.
• Phishing and Vishing Scams: These scams have been around for years, but AI is making it harder to detect what’s real from what’s fake. Be on the lookout for anything that seems off, and trust your instincts.

AI can be used to create fake websites, social media accounts, and other devices to make the scam seem even more believable. While AI can seem compelling initially, there are often tells. Be on the lookout for clues like misshapen objects, strange movements or blurriness, and inconsistencies. The better AI gets, the more serious you need to take your cybersecurity. Let’s get into how you can do just that.

Five Ways to Protect Yourself Online

1) Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Everywhere

Multi-factor authentication adds a second step to logging in to your accounts—typically via a code, app, or physical device. It’s one of the simplest and most effective ways to block hackers. Here are a few tips on how to make this count:

• SMS verification is better than nothing, but whenever possible, opt for authenticator apps or hardware tokens instead.
• Enable MFA on all banking, investment, and email accounts.
• Review which devices have access to your accounts every few months.

Why it matters: Accounts protected with MFA are up to 99% less likely to be compromised.

2) Strengthen Your Password and Device Security

Weak passwords and outdated devices can make you susceptible to a cyber attack. Here’s how you can better protect yourself:

• Use long, unique passphrases for each account.
• Store them safely in a reputable password manager.
• Regularly update your devices and software to ensure the latest security patches are installed.
• Avoid reusing passwords across platforms, especially for financial or email accounts.

If you share devices with family or staff, make sure each user has their own login credentials and permissions.

3) Stay Alert to Sophisticated Phishing and Social Engineering

Today’s phishing attacks are far more convincing than the “Nigerian prince” emails of the past. Many use stolen branding, AI-written language, and even deepfake voice messages to trick you into clicking a link or transferring money.

Be cautious of:

• Urgent or threatening messages from “banks” or “service providers.”
• Emails or texts with generic greetings instead of your name.
• Links or attachments from unfamiliar senders.
• Requests to change payment details or share sensitive information.

Always verify requests for money or personal data through another channel—call your advisor or bank directly using a verified number. Never click a link in an unverified email.

Tip: Cybercriminals often gather information from social media to personalize scams. Be mindful of what you share online.

4) Secure Your Home Network and Smart Devices

Many homes now have dozens of connected devices and smart technology. Each one has the potential to be utilized by cyber criminals.

• Set up separate Wi-Fi networks: one for personal use, one for guests, and one for smart-home devices.
• Change default passwords on every device.
• Keep all software and firmware up to date.
• Use a VPN (virtual private network) when travelling or connecting to public Wi-Fi.

For high-value properties or multiple residences, consider a professional cybersecurity assessment to identify vulnerabilities across your home network.

5) Include Cyber Risk in Your Financial Planning

Cybersecurity should be considered a component of your financial well-being. Here’s how:

• Review your insurance coverage to ensure it includes cyber protection, identity theft, and ransomware.
• Ask your financial advisor or accountant if they use encrypted client portals.
• Build cybersecurity reviews into your annual financial checkup, just as you would tax planning or investment reviews.

Think of cybersecurity as another layer of wealth protection. A small investment in prevention can save enormous costs later.

If You Suspect a Breach or Scam

Falling victim to a scam can be unsettling, but it happens to people across every industry and income level. The key is to act quickly and methodically.

1. Change your passwords immediately on all affected accounts.
2. Enable MFA if it’s not already active.
3. Contact your financial institutions to freeze or monitor accounts.
4. Run a malware scan on your devices using trusted security software.
5. Report the incident:
   • In Canada, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.
     

Avoid paying any ransom or responding directly to scammers. Instead, work with professionals—your IT advisor, bank, or legal counsel, and the police—to manage recovery.

Building Long-Term Digital Resilience

Cybersecurity isn’t a one-time task; it’s a long-term habit. The most secure individuals are those who stay current, cautious, and consistent.

• Schedule quarterly reviews of your online accounts and security settings.
• Educate family members and staff about safe digital practices.
• Keep sensitive conversations and document transfers within secure systems.
• Stay informed through reputable cybersecurity resources or your financial advisor.

Key Takeaways

Technology will continue to evolve, and so will the threats that come with it. But with strong digital habits and awareness, you can protect both your personal information and the wealth you’ve worked hard to build.

By approaching cybersecurity the same way you approach financial planning—with foresight, discipline, and professional support—you can stay one step ahead in an increasingly digital world.

• Enable multi-factor authentication on all major accounts.
• Use strong, unique passwords and a password manager.
• Verify emails and calls before responding or sharing information.
• Protect your home network and smart devices.
• Treat cybersecurity as part of your financial plan.