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Why 70% of Ransomware Attackers Target SMBs — and How to Fight Back


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Ransomware continues to dominate the cyber threat landscape. But while headlines often spotlight attacks against global corporations, the reality is far more concerning for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs).


According to SentinelOne’s 2025 cybersecurity insights, a staggering 70% of ransomware attackers specifically target SMBs.



Why Are SMBs in the Crosshairs?

Cybercriminals have shifted focus toward SMBs for several reasons:

  • Perceived Weakness: SMBs typically have smaller IT teams and lower cybersecurity budgets, making them easier targets.

  • High Payouts, Low Resistance: Attackers know that downtime costs SMBs dearly, increasing the likelihood of a quick ransom payment.

  • Supply Chain Access: Compromising an SMB can open doors into larger enterprise ecosystems.


The True Cost of Ransomware

Beyond ransom demands, the damage to SMBs can be crippling:

  • Operational Downtime — Even one day offline can halt revenue streams.

  • Data Loss & Regulatory Risk — Breaches of sensitive customer or financial data can lead to fines and lost trust.

  • Reputation Damage — Customers often hesitate to return after learning a business was breached.


How SMBs Can Protect Themselves

While the threat is serious, SMBs are far from helpless. SentinelOne’s research reinforces that layered security and proactive defense make all the difference. Key steps include:

  • Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): A must-have to block account takeovers.

  • Endpoint Protection & EDR: Tools that detect and stop ransomware before it spreads.

  • Regular Backups: Offline, secure backups ensure you can recover without paying attackers.

  • Employee Awareness Training: Many ransomware infections start with a phishing email.

  • Incident Response Planning: Knowing who to call and how to act reduces downtime.


The Blue Ark Cyber Advantage


At Blue Ark Cyber, we help SMBs move from being an easy target to a hardened one. Our approach combines:

  • Enterprise-grade ransomware defense at an SMB-friendly cost.

  • Proactive monitoring to catch threats before they become breaches.

  • Employee training to reduce human error—the leading cause of ransomware infections.


Final Word

The data is clear: ransomware attackers are focusing on SMBs. But with the right strategy, your business doesn’t have to be part of that 70%.


👉 Contact Blue Ark Cyber today to learn how we can strengthen your defenses and reduce your risk.





 
 
 

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