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Key Takeaways:
- Nearly half of all data breaches affect small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs).
- Many SMBs underestimate their appeal to cyber criminals, but their valuable data and weaker defenses make them prime targets.
- Security Operations Center (SOC) services provide SMBs with 24/7 threat monitoring, rapid incident response, and compliance support to reduce cyber risks.
More than 50% of small businesses experienced at least one cyberattack in 2024, often incurring losses between $84,000 and $148,000 per incident, according to SpyHunter.
Additionally, small businesses were the target for 43% of all data breaches, according to the 2019 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report.
With fewer resources and less robust security systems than large enterprises, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are prime targets for cybercriminals.
To combat this, leading IT consultancies, such as BlueGrid.io, have launched Security Operations Center (SOC) services. The goal is to help protect businesses from cyber threats and ensure Network and Information Systems Directive 2 (NIS2) compliance.
“Cybercriminals don't discriminate based on company size — they follow the path of least resistance. This makes the cybersecurity journey equally important for small businesses and enterprises alike,” BlueGrid CEO Ivan Dabic told DesignRush.
“SOC as a Service transforms enterprise-level cybersecurity into an accessible solution through a cost-effective subscription model, enabling organizations of all sizes to leverage advanced threat detection capabilities and security expertise without the substantial capital investment and specialized staffing traditionally required.”
The Surprising Factors Putting SMBs at Risk
Many SMBs assume their size makes them less appealing to attackers, but cybercriminals know better.
This is because SMBs often manage valuable data, including customer records, payment information, and supply chain details.
Cyberattackers view these businesses as lucrative targets — and in some cases, as entry points into larger enterprise networks.
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“SMBs have become primary targets for cyberattacks because they typically lack robust security resources while still possessing valuable data, creating an attractive combination of high-value assets and low defensive barriers,” shares Dabic.
“This vulnerability is compounded by the fact that many small businesses serve as entry points to larger enterprise networks through supply chain relationships, making them strategically valuable targets for attackers seeking maximum impact with minimal resistance.”
Compounding the issue is the fact that SMBs frequently face resource limitations.
Many operate without dedicated teams or advanced security infrastructure, making them vulnerable to cybersecurity threats like ransomware, phishing scams, and data breaches.
This week's Threat Report: WannaCry ransomware attack illustrates risk of using unlicensed software https://t.co/VT7eaNOCC0pic.twitter.com/TGK8X1dJ81
— NCSC UK (@NCSC) May 22, 2017
High-profile incidents like the WannaCry and NotPetya ransomware attacks, both of which occurred in 2017, exploited outdated software that many SMBs still use.
How the NIS2 Directive Improves SMB Defense
With SMBs facing mounting risks, frameworks like the NIS2 Directive aim to enhance security across industries.
The directive expands its scope to include a broader range of businesses — many of which are SMBs — and mandates baseline cybersecurity practices such as:
- Risk management protocols
- Incident reporting requirements
- Enhanced cooperation between organizations and member states
By adopting these measures, SMBs can significantly reduce their risk exposure and improve their ability to recover from cyberattacks.
After all, prevention is better than cure.
Strengthening Defenses with SOC Services
To bridge the gap between limited resources and growing cyber risks, SMBs are turning to providers like BlueGrid.io, which offer tailored solutions that address key security concerns:
- Continuous Monitoring: 24/7 surveillance ensures that suspicious activities are identified in real-time.
- Incident Response: A rapid action plan can minimize downtime and reduce data loss.
- Compliance Support: SOC services can guide SMBs in meeting NIS2 requirements and other regulatory standards.
- Threat Intelligence: Access to updated threat data allows businesses to proactively defend against emerging cyber threats.
In relation to this, BlueGrid also supports SMBs by integrating cybersecurity awareness training into their service:
“Addressing the cybersecurity gap is crucial beyond financial concerns — it's about preserving trust in your entire business ecosystem,” says Dabic.
“When security breaches occur, the damage extends far beyond immediate monetary losses to shattered client confidence, regulatory penalties, and damaged reputation that can take years to rebuild.”
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According to Hiscox’s Cyber Readiness Report 2024, 34% of business leaders feel their organization is not properly equipped to handle attacks.
Embracing SOC services like BlueGrid’s alongside improved security frameworks like NIS2 is a powerful strategy to combat these evolving cyber risks.
Investing in proactive cybersecurity measures is essential for protecting customer trust, operational continuity, and long-term business success.
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