Cybersecurity Risks in Pest Control: What Every Company Needs to Know (and Do)

Even industries that seem “offline” or hands-on - like pest control - are not immune to cyber risk. As digital tools, cloud systems, and remote access become more integrated into operations, pest control companies face growing threats to their data, finances, and reputation.

Over the course of Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October, PestSure wants to call attention to the top threats pest control firms should watch in 2025 and how to defend against them.

1. Phishing and Social Engineering Evolved

Phishing remains a leading entry point but in 2025, it’s smarter, more targeted, and increasingly powered by AI. Attackers may impersonate your scheduling software vendor, supplier, or even a client, using deepfake audio or personalized email content. These campaigns are harder to spot because they adapt to your organization’s language and behavior.

2. Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) and Double Extortion

Ransomware continues to dominate the threat landscape, but now many attacks come via RaaS platforms meaning less technically skilled actors can launch sophisticated attacks using rented toolkits. Attackers increasingly combine data encryption with data theft, threatening to publish sensitive information if demands aren’t met. How serious is the ransomware threat? According to research from Identity Week, in the first half of 2025 alone, disclosed ransomware incidents rose nearly 49 percent compared to last year.

3. Business Email Compromise and AI-enhanced Scams

Business Email Compromise (BEC) schemes are growing more sophisticated, even integrating AI-generated voices or video snippets to convince victims of authenticity. Because pest control companies often handle contracts, vendor payments, and client billing, BEC scams pose a serious risk.

4. Unpatched Systems

In 2025, more devices (thermostats, sensors, vehicle telematics, smart traps, etc.) are connected via edge and 5G networks. These often lack strong security measures, becoming weak links in your network defense. Many software and firmware updates for tools and devices are frequently missed, leaving known vulnerabilities in your systems open for exploitation.

5. Insider and Third-Party Risks

Insider threats (intentional or accidental) remain a top concern especially when multiple staff members have access to scheduling systems, client data, or credentials. But in 2025, the threat extends to third-party suppliers, subcontractors, or app integrations. If those vendors are breached, your systems may be collateral damage.

The Digital Transformation of Pest Control

Many pest control businesses now rely on digital tools - service management apps, route planning, customer portals, remote monitoring devices, and cloud-based data storage. Each digital touchpoint is a potential attack vector. As a result, having weak cybersecurity is no longer just a risk - it’s a vulnerability your competitors might exploit against you.

Even a business that primarily operates in the field can be damaged by a data leak, ransomware attack, or compromised customer credentials.

How to Protect Your Pest Control Company in 2025

1. Conduct a Risk Audit and Prioritize

Map out your systems, software, and third-party integrations. Identify which ones hold sensitive data or control critical operations and prioritize them for stronger protection.

2. Enforce Strong Authentication and Password Hygiene

• Require complex passwords and prohibit reuse across systems
• Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible
• Monitor for leaked passwords using monitoring tools

3. Keep Backups Offline and Segmented

Maintain encrypted, immutable backups that are isolated from your main network. This helps when attackers try to leverage ransom demands by encrypting backups.

4. Patch Software and Firmware Actively

Create a schedule for updating your field devices, control systems, and network infrastructure. Prioritize patches for known vulnerabilities.

5. Train Employees Continuously

Make security training an ongoing effort, not a one-time event. Simulate phishing drills, test BEC attempts, and educate staff on how to identify suspicious requests or social engineering.

6. Vet Third-Party Vendors

Ensure contracts with vendors require security standards and liability protections. Monitor vendor access and restrict permissions to only what’s needed.

7. Prepare Incident Response and Cyber Insurance

According to a survey from StrongDM, only 17 percent of small businesses have cybersecurity coverage. As a result, it is important to have a clear plan for how to respond to a breach including steps to isolate systems, assess damage, and notify affected parties. PestSure offers cybersecurity insurance options and can help walk you through the options that best suit the needs of your business operations.

Final Thought

As the pest control industry evolves, so does its exposure to cybersecurity threats. Whether managing client data, scheduling systems, or remote devices, no element of your operation is off limits to cybercriminals. The key is to pair your commitment to physical pest control with digital protection.

During this Cybersecurity Awareness Month and beyond, make cybersecurity part of your core business strategy. Because prevention, vigilance, and preparation today are far more powerful than dealing with fallout tomorrow.

PestSure – Your Partner in Safety

Founded in 1980, PestSure is the only insurance and risk management provider that is 100 percent dedicated to the pest management industry. It offers industry professionals a full suite of insurance, risk management, and safety training and education offerings.

PestSure provides insurance, safety, and risk management consulting to pest management companies representing $2 billion in revenue, $400 million in payroll, and more than 13,000 service vehicles. The program is administered by Alliant Insurance Services.