Under the Radar: How Non-Web Protocols Are Redefining the Attack Surface

The ThreatLabz 2025 Protocol Attack Surface Report documents a surge in targeted non-web protocol attacks—notably DNS tunneling, DHCP/SMB exploitation, brute force and malware (including Cobalt Strike)—with retail, technology, and finance sectors disproportionately affected, resulting in data theft, ransomware incidents, and operational disruption; the full report provides detailed industry trends and mitigation recommendations.