Georgia cybercrime losses topped $534 million in 2025

Georgia reported more than $534.6 million in cybercrime losses in 2025, a 27% jump from the year before, as phishing, email fraud and ransomware kept targeting businesses. Atlanta-based Eclipse Networks is offering free cybersecurity consultations through Dec. 31 to help Georgia companies tighten defenses.

Why it matters: - Georgia businesses are facing more costly and more varied cyber threats. - Reported cybercrime losses in the state topped $534.6 million in 2025, according to FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center data. - The rise underscores how phishing, business email compromise and ransomware can hit companies far outside the traditional tech sector. - Eclipse Networks is using Cybersecurity Awareness Month to push local businesses toward basic safeguards that can reduce losses.

What happened: - Georgians reported more than $534.6 million in cybercrime losses in 2025, a 27% increase from 2024. - Georgia ranked ninth nationally in reported losses. - The main threats included phishing, email fraud and ransomware. - Atlanta-based managed IT and cybersecurity provider Eclipse Networks said it is offering free cybersecurity consultations to Georgia business owners through Dec. 31. - Business owners can request a consultation at more information or by calling 770-399-9099.

The details: - Georgia Power began notifying about 300,000 customers this month that an unauthorized party accessed personal information through its online customer portal. - The exposed data included names, addresses, phone numbers and other account details that could be used to impersonate trusted organizations. - Steven Ryerse, Eclipse Networks co-founder, said cyberattacks do not always require advanced hacking tools. - National FBI data showed ransomware incidents in 2025 hit legal services firms, contractors, engineering companies and consultants, along with manufacturing, healthcare and government organizations. - Phishing was the most frequently reported cybercrime nationwide in 2025. - Business email compromise produced more than $3 billion in reported losses nationwide. - Criminals are increasingly using AI-generated messages and impersonation tactics to make fraudulent requests appear legitimate. - A 2026 survey from the National Cybersecurity Alliance and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency found that 86% of small and midsize business leaders felt at least moderately confident in managing cybersecurity risks. - Only about half of those businesses required multifactor authentication across all key business accounts. - Eclipse Networks said each consultation starts with a discussion of the business owner's concerns, then a review of possible weaknesses in email protection, account access, backups and employee awareness. - Businesses receive a prioritized summary of recommended next steps in plain language.

Between the lines: - The gap between confidence and actual security controls suggests many businesses may feel prepared while leaving basic openings exposed. - The combination of AI-driven phishing and weak account controls makes routine employee behavior and payment verification a bigger security issue. - The focus on consultations signals that many organizations need practical, first-step guidance more than complex technical products.

What's next: - Cybersecurity Awareness Month continues through October with the 2026 theme, "Don't Make It Easy for Them." - Eclipse Networks will continue offering free consultations through Dec. 31. - Georgia business owners are being urged to require multifactor authentication, verify vendor payment changes through a trusted phone number, review account permissions and test backups regularly. - Eclipse Networks said the consultations are designed to identify gaps and explain how to begin closing them.