Many small business owners think they’re too small to be noticed by hackers. The truth is, SMBs are a favorite target—often because they’re easier to breach. This post explains why attackers go after small companies and what you can do to defend your business.scription.
It’s a myth that cybercriminals only go after big corporations with deep pockets. In fact, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are often the preferred targets—and the reasons why might surprise you.
Why Are SMBs Targeted?
- Limited Security Resources
Most small businesses lack dedicated cybersecurity teams, making them easier to infiltrate. Hackers know this and exploit it. - Valuable Data
SMBs still hold sensitive data—customer records, credit card numbers, health information—making them attractive targets. - Supply Chain Weak Points
Many SMBs are part of larger supply chains. Hackers often use small businesses as stepping stones to breach larger enterprises. - Assumption of Safety
A false sense of security leaves many SMBs unprepared. Thinking “we’re too small to matter” leads to poor security hygiene. - Quick Payoffs
SMBs may be more likely to pay ransoms quickly to minimize business disruption, especially if they lack incident response plans.
Common Attacks on Small Businesses
- Phishing Emails: Trick employees into clicking malicious links or giving up credentials.
- Ransomware: Encrypts your systems and demands payment for recovery.
- Business Email Compromise (BEC): Impersonates executives or vendors to redirect payments.
- Credential Stuffing: Uses leaked passwords from other breaches to access your systems.
- Software Vulnerabilities: Unpatched systems create easy entry points.
What Can You Do to Protect Your Business?
1. Implement Basic Cyber Hygiene
- Use strong, unique passwords with multifactor authentication (MFA)
- Keep all systems and software updated
- Regularly back up critical data
2. Train Your Employees
Your team is your first line of defense. Provide frequent training on phishing and safe practices.
3. Have an Incident Response Plan
Know what to do when—not if—a cyber incident happens. Quick response limits damage.
4. Use a vCISO or MSSP
If you don’t have in-house expertise, work with a virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) or a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) like TemperdTek. We specialize in helping SMBs stay protected using the same tools and strategies big businesses use.
5. Conduct Regular Risk Assessments
Identify your vulnerabilities before attackers do. A good risk assessment doesn’t just check boxes—it informs a smart security strategy.
Final Thoughts
Cybersecurity isn’t just a technical issue—it’s a business survival issue. Today’s threat landscape means small businesses can’t afford to ignore security. But you don’t have to do it alone.
At TemperdTek, we’re on a mission to bring enterprise-level security tools and consulting to the businesses that need it most. Let’s protect what you’ve built—together.