2025 Data Breach Investigations Report Executive Summary

The document is the executive summary of the 2025 Data Breach Investigations Report (DBIR) which analyzes a total of 22,052 security incidents, with 12,195 confirmed data breaches. This report represents the highest number of breaches ever analyzed in a single edition, providing insights into the current state of cybercrime. The analysis indicates a significant increase in the role of third-party relationships in breaches, and highlights that credential abuse remains the most common initial access vector, followed closely by vulnerabilities. Furthermore, ransomware incidents have surged, accounting for 44% of breaches, with a notable increase in attacks targeting small and medium-sized businesses. The report also discusses the involvement of the human element in breaches and the emergence of espionage-motivated attacks. Additionally, the document outlines trends such as the rise of generative artificial intelligence being utilized by threat actors. The report aims to inform organizations about potential threats and the evolving landscape of cybersecurity challenges they may face.