There's a common misconception that cybercriminals only go after large corporations with deep pockets. The reality is quite different: small businesses are now the primary target for many types of cyber attacks.
The Numbers Don't Lie
According to recent data:
- 43% of all data breaches involve small businesses
- 60% of small businesses that suffer a significant cyber attack go out of business within six months
- The average cost of a data breach for a small business is $120,000
Why Attackers Target Small Businesses
1. Weaker Security Posture
Large enterprises have dedicated IT security teams, enterprise-grade tools, and significant budgets. Small businesses typically don't have these resources, making them easier targets.
2. Gateway to Larger Targets
Many small businesses are vendors or partners to larger companies. Compromising a small business can provide access to their larger clients.
3. Valuable Data Without Enterprise Protection
Small businesses still handle sensitive data—customer information, financial records, intellectual property—but often lack the sophisticated protections that larger companies have.
4. Less Detection Capability
Without 24/7 monitoring and security operations, attacks on small businesses can go undetected for months, giving attackers plenty of time to extract value.
What You Can Do
The good news is that basic security hygiene can prevent most attacks:
- Keep software updated - Most attacks exploit known vulnerabilities that have patches available
- Use strong, unique passwords - And enable multi-factor authentication everywhere possible
- Train your team - Human error is involved in 95% of security incidents
- Back up your data - Regular, tested backups are your best defense against ransomware
- Get professional help - Consider managed security services that provide enterprise-grade protection at small business prices
The Bottom Line
Cybersecurity isn't just for big companies anymore. Every business, regardless of size, needs to take their security seriously. The cost of prevention is always less than the cost of recovery.
*Want to know where your security stands? Request a free security assessment to help you understand your risks and priorities.*