Cyberattacks are no longer reserved for big-name corporations or headline-grabbing ransomware events. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) have become prime targets for cybercriminals—and the threat is only growing. The reason is simple: attackers know that many smaller organizations don’t have the same level of cybersecurity protections as larger enterprises. That makes them easier to breach and potentially more profitable.
SMBs Are Low-Hanging Fruit for Cybercriminals
Nearly 43% of all cyberattacks now target small businesses. While large enterprises may have full-time cybersecurity teams and advanced tools in place, many SMBs operate with limited IT resources or rely on basic security setups that aren’t equipped to handle modern threats.
This gap in protection creates an open door for cybercriminals. Whether it’s phishing emails, malware, ransomware, or stolen credentials, attackers look for weaknesses—and SMBs often have more of them than they realize.
The Fallout Can Be Devastating
The real danger isn’t just the breach itself—it’s the aftermath. When an SMB is hit with a cyberattack, the consequences are often far-reaching:
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Lost productivity from downtime and recovery efforts
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Damage to reputation, which can erode customer trust
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Financial losses from ransom payments, legal fees, or data recovery
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Regulatory fines for failing to comply with industry-specific data security requirements
The impact can be severe enough to put a company out of business. According to industry reports, 60% of small businesses that experience a data breach permanently close their doors within six months.
Cybersecurity Is Not a DIY Project
Protecting your business in today’s threat landscape isn’t something that can be handled with off-the-shelf antivirus software and a strong password policy. Threats are evolving daily, and so must your defenses.
That’s where Managed Service Providers (MSPs) play a critical role. MSPs that specialize in cybersecurity offer access to experienced security professionals who understand current attack tactics and how to defend against them. They monitor threats, apply updates and patches, and implement layered defenses that protect endpoints, networks, and user identities.
The Best Defense Is Proactive Protection
Cybersecurity isn’t a one-time fix—it’s an ongoing strategy. Partnering with an MSP gives your business a proactive approach to cyber risk. This includes:
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24/7 monitoring and threat detection
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Regular vulnerability assessments and security audits
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Employee cybersecurity awareness training
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Backup and disaster recovery planning
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Incident response planning and support
With expert oversight and real-time threat mitigation, you can focus on running your business knowing that your data, systems, and reputation are protected.
Small Business, Big Target
Size doesn’t determine risk—vulnerability does. Small and medium-sized businesses are being targeted not because of what they have, but because of what they lack: advanced security protections, dedicated IT staff, and up-to-date defenses.
If your business hasn’t taken steps to address cybersecurity, now is the time. Working with a trusted MSP gives you the knowledge, tools, and response you need to avoid becoming another statistic.
For more insights into how MSPs turn IT challenges into strengths, check out our article in the Indiana Business Journal here.
Every business faces IT challenges, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. Core Managed helps businesses secure their data, scale efficiently, and stay compliant. If you’re struggling with any of the issues discussed in this blog, let’s talk. Give us a call today at 888-890-2673 or contact us here to schedule a chat.