Cyber attackers increasingly target SMBs because they are often the easiest path into larger supply chains. As cyberattacks are ramping up, specifically against Critical Infrastructure sectors, Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs) are feeling the pressure and asking what they can do to better protect themselves in reasonable ways.

Don’t Accept Failure

SMBs often feel overwhelmed when trying to address rising cyber risks.

• Some feel it is too complex or beyond what their capabilities and adopt a defeatist attitude (which will eventually be self-fulfilling)
• Most SMBs believe they lack the necessary resources, as many tools and services are prohibitively expensive
• Many see cybersecurity investment as a conflict with business priorities that focus on product release and sales
• A shrinking subset remains in denial, believing they won’t be targeted because they are too small (a belief that is increasingly being proven wrong)

A Reasonable Path Forward

The solution for SMBs is not a magic product or service, but rather to implement and vigilantly reinforce industry best practices. It is a practical approach that scales as SMBs grow. The objective is to make your organization a harder target, protect it from the most common attacks in your industry, and position yourself for rapid and confident recovery.

Cyber risk is managed, not eliminated. The goal is not to be impervious to attack, as even the biggest companies cannot achieve this, but rather to seek an optimal state of security based upon your business aspirations.

A reasonable investment, guided by the right expertise, can deliver a high return.

Cybersecurity is a synthesis of processes, behaviors, and tools that strengthen your operational environment, culture, and organizational practices.

Next Steps to Risk Management

To begin strengthening your security posture, consider a temporary fractional CISO or contract with security vendors who can help establish effective and efficient fundamental cybersecurity capabilities. This typically includes security policies, compliance, cloud/network/endpoint protections, identity and access management, patching, vendor risk coordination, and targeted employee training.

Ask your trusted community and peers for recommendations. Don’t make the mistake of selecting the first option. Instead, meet with a few vendors to evaluate and select the best for your business culture and security objectives.

If you need recommendations, check out the Clutch directory. I partnered with Clutch to curate a list of cybersecurity vendors based on actual customer ratings. Regardless of how you choose, pick a handful and schedule short exploration meetings to evaluate which is right for your organization.

Expert vendors bring the knowledge to assess and implement reasonable controls for SMBs to better manage cyber risks. Tell them your priorities, and good partners will work with you to find a combination of security controls to manage the right balance between costs, business friction, and the residual risks.

SMBs are actively targeted by cybercriminals because they are often easier prey and serve as entry points into larger supply chains. By adopting practical security best practices and leveraging expert guidance, SMBs can dramatically reduce their exposure and build resilience against the most common cyber threats.