Cybersecurity isn't just a big business problem. If you run a small or medium-sized business (SMB), you're a prime target for cybercriminals. Hackers know SMBs often lack the robust security of larger companies, making them easier to exploit. Many SMB owners mistakenly believe their size makes them invisible to cybercrime—but that overconfidence is a vulnerability.
Think of cybercriminals like burglars. They don't always go after the biggest, most heavily guarded targets. Instead, they look for easy opportunities—an unlocked door, an open window, an alarm system that isn't working. In the digital world, this translates to weak passwords, outdated software, and employees who unknowingly click on phishing emails.
Verizon's Data Breach Investigations Report found that around 46% of cyberattacks target small businesses. The impact can be devastating. Other research shows that in 2020 alone, there were over 700,000 attacks on small businesses, costing a total of $2.8 billion.
The financial damage can be substantial. According to IBM and the Ponemon Institute, the average cost of a data breach in 2022 was $4.45 million, a 2.2% increase from $4.35 million in 2021. Factor in downtime, recovery costs, legal fees, and reputational damage, and it's easy to see how the costs add up. Additionally, non-compliance with regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, and CPRA can result in hefty fines, even for small businesses.
Still not feeling the urgency? Let's take a look at a few real-world examples of small and medium-sized businesses that suffered significant losses:
As these examples show, there's no guarantee that your business won't be next.
Cybersecurity is like a house. You need strong walls, sturdy locks, and a good alarm system. Without those basic protections, it's only a matter of time before something goes wrong.
First, identify the most valuable digital assets in your business. These might include customer data, financial records, personal information, and login credentials. Ask yourself, what’s the potential fallout if a hacker gains access to this information? Understanding what you need to protect will clarify where to focus your security efforts.
Many people imagine cyberattacks as genius hackers breaking through firewalls, but in reality, most attacks start with an employee clicking on a phishing email.
Human error accounts for around 68% of data breaches. Conversely, this means that properly trained employees can prevent attacks before they happen.
That's why cybersecurity education should be a top priority. Teach your employees:
Conducting simulated phishing tests to see how they respond to realistic attacks is also effective.
Some of the most basic cybersecurity measures are surprisingly easy and yet overlooked by many SMBs. Make sure you're doing the following:
Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are attractive targets for cyberattacks, and the methods used by cybercriminals are constantly evolving. Here's a breakdown of four threats that pose a significant risk due to their potential for damage and frequency:
Phishing attacks are fraudulent attempts to trick employees into revealing sensitive information. Attackers may pose as banks, vendors, or even company executives, sending deceptive emails or messages that entice employees to click on links or enter login credentials.
This technique is extremely common, accounting for 80% of all cybersecurity incidents. Spear phishing, where emails are customized to target specific employees, can be particularly deceptive.
Ransomware is a type of malware attack that encrypts a company's important files and demands payment (a ransom) in exchange for decryption. Attackers gain access to a system by exploiting an employee's click on a malicious link or through a vulnerable remote access point and lock down business data.
Many companies hit by these attacks find it difficult to continue operations and may be forced to pay the ransom to recover their data, especially if they haven't been diligent about backups. Additionally, some attackers use a tactic known as "Double Extortion," where they threaten to release the stolen data publicly in addition to encrypting it.
Cybersecurity threats don't always come from external attackers. Intentional or accidental mistakes by company employees can also be significant risk factors. There are cases where malicious employees steal customer data or leak confidential information to competitors.
On the other hand, even well-intentioned employees can inadvertently trigger an attack by opening a phishing email or misconfiguring settings. Security incidents caused by human error account for approximately 90% of the total, making them a considerable risk factor.
Many SMBs rely on external vendors for services such as cloud computing, IT support, and software. However, if these third parties have weak security, it can significantly impact your own business's security.
For example, a vendor could be infected with malware, which then spreads to your network through a supply chain attack. Additionally, data breaches or unauthorized access to cloud services can severely damage your company's reputation and business continuity.
Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) may not have the same large budgets for cybersecurity as big corporations, but that doesn't mean you need to expose your business. You can significantly reduce your risks by implementing cost-effective, high-impact security measures.
While entering a second factor for authentication might seem like a hassle, enabling MFA can prevent 99% of account takeovers. It's a simple step that can make a huge difference in protecting your business.
Investing in next-gen firewalls and antivirus software with Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) can block harmful traffic and eliminate threats before they reach your devices, a crucial step in preventing cyberattacks.
Cloud-based security services are a smart choice for SMBs with limited IT staff. These services often handle automatic updates, compliance, and backups, freeing up your team to focus on other important tasks while ensuring your data is secure.
Many modern security tools use AI to detect anomalies and block real-time attacks. AI-powered security platforms can strengthen your defenses without requiring constant human oversight, reducing the workload while keeping your business protected.
Many SMBs think complying with regulations like GDPR or HIPAA is too complex and expensive. The truth is, it's not as difficult as it seems. You can meet compliance requirements by taking basic measures without breaking the bank.
Identifying your business's specific security challenges is essential to implement strong security measures effectively. This will allow you to prioritize and address the areas that need the most attention.
SMBs often ask: "Can we afford to invest in cybersecurity?" But the more important question is: "Can we afford not to?" A single cyberattack can be devastating, but basic security investments can prevent major financial loss.
Many SMBs don’t have the budget to hire a dedicated cybersecurity expert. In this case, outsourcing to a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) can be an effective way to strengthen your security while keeping costs down.
The world of cybersecurity is constantly evolving, and keeping up with new threats and solutions can be a full-time job in itself. By working with an expert, you can ensure your business stays secure while focusing on what matters most—your core operations.
Cyber insurance can help cover financial losses resulting from a cyberattack. However, it should not be seen as a substitute for strong cybersecurity measures. The best strategy is to prioritize prevention, not just rely on insurance.
Recently, more clients are requiring businesses to have cyber insurance. Additionally, insurance providers now offer a variety of affordable cyber insurance plans. While having insurance can help protect against the impact of a cyberattack, it’s important to have a solid cybersecurity strategy in place to minimize the risk to your business.
Cyber threats are evolving quickly. With AI-driven attacks, supply chain breaches, and deepfake scams, SMBs face a variety of risks now and in the future. However, cybersecurity doesn't have to be overwhelming. By taking proactive steps now, you can significantly reduce these risks and protect your business's future. For enhanced protection, especially in complex IT infrastructures, consider leveraging a professional Managed Detection and Response (MDR) service to continuously monitor for threats. Start today—the cost of doing nothing is simply too high.
[1] StrongDM, "35 Alarming Small Business Cybersecurity Statistics for 2025," StrongDM Blog, Jan. 2025. [Online].
[2] U.S. Small Business Administration, "Protect your small business from cybersecurity attacks," SBA Blog, Feb. 2024. [Online].
Available: https://www.sba.gov/blog/protect-your-small-business-cybersecurity-attacks
[3] UpGuard, "The cost of a data breach in 2024," UpGuard Blog, Feb. 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.upguard.com/blog/cost-of-data-breach.
[4] L. Abrams, "FatFace sends controversial data breach email after ransomware attack," *BleepingComputer*, Mar. 2021. [Online].
[5] Alex Scroxton, "Retailer FatFace pays $2m ransom to Conti cyber criminals," ComputerWeekly.com, Mar. 2021. [Online].
Available: https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252498463/Retailer-FatFace-pays-2m-ransom-to-Conti-cyber-criminals
[6] Y. Kuk, "Ransomware attack cripples Wood County computer systems," *The Blade*, Dec. 10, 2024. [Online].
[7] Verizon, "2024 Data Breach Investigations Report," Verizon, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.verizon.com/business/resources/reports/dbir/