A Legal Perspective from Sciolla Law Firm, Philadelphia
As we mark Cybersecurity Awareness Month this October, the threat landscape for small and midsize businesses—especially here in the Greater Philadelphia area—has never been more urgent. From ransomware to phishing scams, today’s digital dangers are real, costly, and evolving fast.
At Sciolla Law Firm, we regularly work with clients to navigate the legal, financial, and regulatory ramifications of cyber incidents. Whether you're a family-run shop in South Philly or a fast-growing startup in Center City, your business’s digital security must be a priority—not an afterthought.
Ransomware Attacks Are Escalating
In the first quarter of 2025 alone, ransomware attacks have jumped a staggering 126%. Nearly 60% of businesses report being affected over the past year. These attacks don’t just lock your files—they can shut down your operations, steal client data, and demand hefty payouts that threaten your bottom line.
The legal and reputational damage following a ransomware breach can be equally devastating. Quick response, transparency, and legal compliance are essential—and we’re here to help you prepare for and respond to these events properly.
Cloud Data: Convenient, But Exposed
With 82% of data breaches involving cloud storage, it’s clear that convenience often comes at the cost of security. From CRM platforms to client databases, more of your sensitive information lives online than ever before.
Without the proper safeguards, your business could be in violation of state or federal privacy laws, especially if customer or employee data is compromised. Investing in secure platforms, routine audits, and policy reviews is essential—and Sciolla Law can assist with the legal compliance side of your cybersecurity strategy.
The Financial Fallout Is Real
The average cost of a data breach in the U.S. has soared to $9.36 million. Ransomware-related damages range from $5.5 to $6 million. These are numbers that most small and midsize businesses simply cannot absorb.
For many companies, even a single breach could mean closure or litigation. A proactive investment in cybersecurity isn't just IT—it’s risk mitigation and legal protection.
Small Businesses Are Prime Targets
Despite what many believe, hackers often target the little guys. In fact, 43% of all cyberattacks target small businesses, yet only 14% feel prepared.
Philly’s vibrant small business community—from boutiques and restaurants to real estate and professional services—is particularly vulnerable due to leaner IT budgets and limited in-house expertise. That’s why education and legal preparedness are so critical.
Phishing: The Most Common Gateway
Over 3 billion malicious emails are sent every single day. Phishing scams, where bad actors trick employees into clicking links or revealing credentials, remain the #1 cause of breaches.
Employee training, simulated phishing drills, and strong internal protocols go a long way. From a legal standpoint, clear policies, consent disclosures, and breach response plans can protect your business and demonstrate good faith in the event of an incident.
The Consequences Are Sobering
Here’s a chilling fact: 60% of small businesses shut down within six months of a successful cyberattack. This isn’t just an IT issue—it’s a survival issue.
Your client trust, vendor relationships, and legal standing can all be impacted. Cybersecurity Awareness Month is your call to reassess risks, update policies, and ensure your business can weather a digital storm.
How Sciolla Law Can Help
From cyber incident response to regulatory compliance, policy drafting, and contractual protections, Sciolla Law Firm helps Philadelphia-area businesses stay protected and proactive.
We understand how local businesses operate—and how state, federal, and industry-specific laws impact your digital responsibilities.
If you have questions about your legal obligations, data protection practices, or how to respond to a cyber incident, don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact us today to discuss how we can help fortify your legal and cyber defenses.