Scattered Spider Attacks: What Every SMB Insurance Firm Should Know—and Do—Now

Why SMBs Can’t Ignore Scattered Spider Threats in 2025

This week, Google’s Threat Intelligence Group raised the alarm: the cybercrime gang known as Scattered Spider, infamous for headline-grabbing attacks on major retailers, has shifted focus to U.S. insurance companies—starting with IT support teams. Why should small and midsize business (SMB) leaders care? These attacks target the exact tools and people you rely on to keep operations running. If a threat actor compromises your IT support helpdesk or vendor, company data and client trust are both at risk—regardless of company size.

Here’s the bigger risk: Insurance firms, even those with under 100 employees, handle sensitive client data and payments. Attackers use social engineering to impersonate staff, reset passwords, hijack remote support tools, and move laterally within the network. You may have fewer resources than a Fortune 500—making prevention even more critical.

Big Takeaway: These attacks aren’t limited to the big names.

Google confirmed that multiple U.S. insurance firms, not just the largest, have already experienced breaches that bear Scattered Spider’s hallmarks (GTIG, 2025). Verizon’s 2024 Data Breach Investigations Report found that 74% of breaches involve a human element—where someone is tricked or manipulated (Verizon DBIR, 2024).

Key Actions Every SMB Insurance Firm Should Take in the Next 30 Days

• 1. Lock Down Remote Access & Support Tools
  Disable unused remote desktop tools and require strong, multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all admin accounts. Most threat actors—including Scattered Spider—exploit weak or unmonitored logins to gain their first foothold. Don’t leave remote access open to just anyone.
• 2. Train Support & Staff to Spot Social Engineering
  Schedule a focused, scenario-based training session for all employees—especially those in IT support, finance, and HR. Show them how attackers impersonate co-workers or vendors to request password resets, refunds, or login details.
• 3. Audit Account Permissions and Threat Detection
  Review who has access to sensitive systems and data. Least privilege is key; only those who truly need admin access should have it. Consider a managed IT service with advanced identity threat protection to monitor for suspicious activity 24/7.
• 4. Test Your Incident Response Readiness
  Simulate a basic incident (e.g., a fake phishing email) and make sure everyone knows who to contact and what steps to take. Fast response reduces both downtime and recovery costs.
• 5. Consult with Cybersecurity and IT Experts
  If your existing support can’t provide clear answers about securing remote tools and monitoring for identity threats, now’s the time to talk to a qualified managed service provider.

Want a quick assessment of your greatest risks—no sales pitch? BoltWork can help you prioritize cost-effective protections. Book a 15-min security consult.

Why “Secure, Simplify, Reduce Costs” Matters More Than Ever

An SMB data breach today carries direct costs (legal, tech, ransom, downtime) and indirect damage (customer trust, regulatory scrutiny). The average cost of a breach for companies under 100 employees is now $58,000—with most victims spending months to recover (IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report, 2023).

Simplifying IT and cybersecurity isn’t about buying more tools—it’s about getting the right blend of smart automation, expert guidance, and proactive management. Done well, this approach reduces risk and controls costs so you can focus on running your business.

How BoltWork Shields SMBs from Today’s Threats

• Identity Threat Protection: Stops attackers from impersonating admins or staff (ITDR)
• Device Threat Protection: Blocks ransomware, malware, and unauthorized access on all endpoints
• IT Support Services (procurement, helpdesk, strategic guidance): Security included, not an afterthought

Not sure where to start or what your next steps should be? Don’t wait for a breach to make cybersecurity a priority.

Protect Your Business—Book a Free Security Assessment

Attackers aren’t waiting, and neither should you. BoltWork’s team specializes in keeping insurance firms secure and operations hassle-free—at a predictable cost. Book a 15-min security consult today and take the first step toward true cyber peace of mind.

References

• Google Threat Intelligence Group, 2025
• Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report, 2024
• IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report, 2023