SMB Cyberattacks Are Frequent and Costly
- Blue Ark Cyber
- Aug 22
- 2 min read
Cybersecurity isn’t just an enterprise problem anymore—it’s a daily challenge for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). According to Microsoft’s latest research (2024), cyberattacks on SMBs are happening more often and at higher costs than ever before.
The Reality: SMBs Are Prime Targets
Microsoft found that nearly 1 in 3 SMBs experienced a cyberattack in the past year, most commonly through phishing emails, ransomware, or business email compromise. While many smaller companies assume attackers only go after big corporations, the data shows otherwise: cybercriminals increasingly see SMBs as “easy targets” due to limited budgets, smaller IT teams, and weaker defenses.
The Cost of Cyberattacks on SMBs
The financial impact of these attacks is staggering:
The average cost of an SMB cyber incident exceeded $250,000.
Some businesses reported losses of up to $7 million.
Costs include direct remediation, downtime, regulatory penalties, reputational damage, and lost customer trust.
For an SMB with tight margins, even one incident can be devastating. In fact, a significant number of small businesses are unable to recover after a major breach.
The Prevention Gap
One of the most striking insights from Microsoft’s report is that 98% of attacks could be stopped with basic cybersecurity hygiene. This includes practices such as:
Enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA)
Keeping software and devices updated
Training staff to recognize phishing attempts
Regularly backing up critical data
Yet many SMBs still lack the resources, expertise, or processes to implement these protections consistently.
What This Means for SMB Leaders
The message is clear: cybersecurity is not optional. As Microsoft’s research highlights, threats are growing, costs are rising, and attackers are innovating faster than ever. But the good news is that with the right strategy, SMBs can protect themselves without breaking the bank.
How Blue Ark Cyber Can Help
At Blue Ark Cyber, we specialize in helping small and medium businesses strengthen their security posture. Our tailored approach ensures that:
You get enterprise-grade protection at an SMB-friendly cost.
Your staff is trained to spot and stop threats before they escalate.
Your business is equipped with proactive monitoring and rapid response capabilities.
Cybersecurity doesn’t have to be complicated or unaffordable—it just has to be done right.
Take Action Now
Don’t wait until after a breach to take cybersecurity seriously. Protect your business today.
Contact Blue Ark Cyber to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help secure your SMB.
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