” Is my business secure?”
One of the biggest back-of-the-mind things that worry SMB owners as threats like ransomware grow more frequent in targeting SMBs. Owners worry whether they will ever be fully prepared to face threats.
Why? Let us explore
Cybersecurity has become a Gordian Knot that many SMBs are trying to cut as threats topple them from their progress, reputation, and in many cases, their business.
Unlike the common misconception that cybercriminals only target large organizations, more bad guys see SMBs as a viable target with bigger data treasure chests requiring less effort and time to infiltrate. It is no surprise that there has been a rise in ransomware attacks on SMBs in the past two years. 88% of the breaches faced by SMBs were ransomware (DBIR 2025).
As SMBs try to ameliorate their preparedness, they are faced with multiple challenges that make cybersecurity a Gordian knot for them to cut.
71% of cyber leaders from Small and Medium Businesses have reported that they have already reached a tipping point where they can no longer adequately secure themselves against evolving threats (World Economic Forum Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025).
Challenges SMBs struggle with
The following are some immediate challenges SMBs are struggling with:
Evolving threats
Cyber threats are evolving at a rate that SMBs can no longer keep up with. Cybercriminals are using AI for multiple purposes, from drafting phishing emails to creating a unique strain of ransomware. There is a rise in threats like GenAI-powered phishing attacks, cloud-focused ransomware attacks with automated exploit chains, and EDR-deceiving threats.
Limited budgets
The reality most SMBs ignore is that cyberthreats can cost them their business. They commit the mistake of not prioritizing cybersecurity, with owners often seeing cybersecurity as a cost center. They settle with budgeted solutions and teams that limit capabilities and weaken resilience against advanced threats.
Burned out teams
SMBs are struggling with limited teams, with two out of three SMBs having reported moderate to critical skills gap (WEC, Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025). For most SMBs, burnout is an immediate challenge with security being managed by their IT team, which is often limited in cybersecurity expertise. And for organizations that can afford specialized experts for cybersecurity, the challenge is to retain them.
Security drift/tech sprawl
SMBs add new technology over time to address their cybersecurity and compliance needs. They also do this to compensate for their limited teams. However, as more complexities add up with tech sprawl, they get exposed to the risk of security drift.
Lack of preparedness
SMBs often lag behind modern cybersecurity preparedness and training needs, with most of them implementing rigid training modules that are executed on an annual basis, failing to keep up with changing training and compliance requirements. It makes implementation of basic cybersecurity measures (like endpoint protection, patch management, backups, etc.) a challenge.
Third party risks
SMBs have to rely on multiple vendors and third-party providers to fulfill their business needs. Any cyber threat on a third-party provider can directly impact them. Nearly half of SMBs have reported having to alter their business supply chain in the past six months due to disruptions (MetLife US Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index 2025).
Rising risk of non-compliance
Almost half of small business owners are spending too much time and money on navigating regulatory requirements (MetLife and US Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index 2025). SMBs face the risk of non-compliance with regulations like NIS2 and GDPR becoming tighter. They lack dedicated compliance expertise to help them, especially with aspects like policy management, gap assessment, and identifying third-party risks.
How can SMBs secure themselves from security and compliance risks?
They can:
- Start with prioritizing cybersecurity, ensuring basic cybersecurity measures and awareness of best practices like enabling MFA, using strong passwords, etc.
- Plan and execute a cybersecurity framework (like NIST CSF or ISO27001). The cybersecurity practices that are recommended by regulatory bodies are quite effective in establishing a healthy cybersecurity posture.
- Consider platformization of cybersecurity, which can unburden their teams and improve their focus on business.
- Partner with an MSSP who can save them from buying things they don’t need and making more ROI from what they have.
