Cybersecurity experts have been locked in a battle with hackers for decades. It is a technological arms race. Every evolution of security technology and techniques is tested and probed for new weaknesses. New innovations which provide benefits to societies can also enhance cyber gangs’ armouries. When a silver bullet is purported to be found, thus far, hackers have always found another route in. For cybersecurity, unfortunately, there is no such thing as a flawless defence, but there is defence in depth, and by understanding their exposures and monitoring their points of vulnerability that cannot be eliminated, businesses of all sizes can stop cybersecurity incidents in their tracks or minimize the damage they cause.
Every business is a target
Every organisation, from SMEs to multinationals, has become dependent on technology. Virtually every business is connected and, by extension, exposed to cyber security risks. Smaller businesses typically lack the resources to invest in cybersecurity teams and support compared to their larger peers. They are increasingly aware of this. Over a quarter of small businesses (28%) with annual revenues below US$1mn believe that is the top threat facing their business, they also feel more exposed than ever, with 25% now stating that they are unprepared to deal with the risk (2022: 19%)
However, this does not mean that they are doomed to become perennial victims for hackers. Smaller businesses have smaller attack surfaces. They tend to have fewer employees and points of entry, exposing them to fewer risks. Those that recognise that they are at risk and seek to take the steps within their means to mitigate it are vastly better protected than those who continue to believe that they are not big enough to be interesting to cyber criminals, or don’t make enough money to be a target. They are, and they do. Whether it is their business or client data or their money that is of interest - every business, to some degree, is exposed.