Cybersecurity in the SMB space — a growing threat

Cybersecurity in the SMB space — a growing threat

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals. Despite adopting digital technology for remote work, production, and sales, SMBs often lack robust cybersecurity measures.


SMBs face significant cybersecurity challenges due to limited resources and expertise. The cost of data breaches can cripple operations, making preventive measures essential. This is a growing tendency that continues to pose a challenge for businesses. For example, the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre reports that around 50% of SMBs in the UK are likely to experience a cybersecurity breach annually. Addressing cybersecurity requires a multifaceted approach, combining technological solutions with fostering a security-aware culture within the organization.


A rising tide of cyberthreats


Kaspersky presents the findings of its 2024 threat analysis for the SMB space, including real-world examples of attacks.


To get information on the threats facing the SMB sector, Kaspersky analysts cross-referenced selected applications used in the SMB space against Kaspersky Security Network (KSN) telemetry to determine the prevalence of malicious files and unwanted software targeting these programs, as well as the number of users attacked by these files. KSN is a system for processing anonymized cyberthreat-related data shared voluntarily by opted-in Kaspersky users. We included the following programs in our research:


Microsoft Excel;
Microsoft Outlook;
Microsoft PowerPoint;
Salesforce;
Microsoft Word;
Microsoft Teams;
QuickBooks;
Microsoft Exchange;
Skype for business;
ClickUp;
Hootsuite;
ZenDesk.

Percentage of unique files with names that mimic the top 9 legitimate applications, 2023 and 2024 (do ..

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