Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are frequent targets of cyberattacks, making security strategies mandatory in companies’ systems so that their operations remain unaffected. To get an idea, the volume of cyber threats has increased by 37% since 2023 for SMEs, and professionals have only 87 seconds to review each incident and understand if it is a genuine threat.
Then, we have increased attacks, especially in the private sector, and IT teams are shrinking, with an average of 2.63 people per team. The scenario is challenging, and information is the main tool for guaranteeing your company’s cyber security and knowing how and through what paths the enemy appears. In this article, we’re going to understand a little about each of the main threats that lurk around SMEs, which have the potential to cause a lot of damage if security isn’t a priority for the company.
Ransomware
Ransomware remains the most prevalent malware threat among SMEs. In the last year, 85% of ransomware victims were small businesses. It attacks SMEs by exploiting vulnerabilities in outdated systems and spreading them through phishing emails.
Phishing
Phishing is an identity-based ransomware attack that represents a silent danger to SMEs. They are 39.6% of all email threats, involving malicious users pretending to be trusted entities to deceive users into divulging sensitive info and powering ransomware attacks.
IoT Devices Security Weaknesses
The Internet of Things (IoT), essential to SME operations, often has security weaknesses and lacks prompt security measures. Underguarded IoT devices are entry points for cyber threats, which shows the need to enhance security protocols.
Botnets
Botnets are compromised devices controlled by a single entity, targeting SMEs through Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, data theft, and spam/phishing campaigns, weakening SMEs’ operations and reputation.
APTs – Advanced Persistent Threats
APT has common tactics such as long-term multi-staged attacks, supply chain exploitation, use of custom malware and zero-day vulnerabilities, establishment of Command and Control (C2) servers, lateral network movements, and data exfiltration.
Conclusion
In summary, the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber threats demand that SMEs prioritize cybersecurity. By understanding these threats and implementing robust security measures, SMEs can better protect their operations from potentially catastrophic damage.
Stateside has expertise in solving issues with cybersecurity resources and allocating teams into SMEs. Learn about our solutions.
