Building Cyber Resilience in SMBs ​With ​Limited Resources

COMMENTARY

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) increasingly have become prime targets for cybercriminals. While large corporations often dominate headlines when breaches occur, the reality is that SMBs are at even greater risk. Almost 70% of SMBs reported experiencing at least one cyberattack in the past year. The reasons are clear: SMBs often operate with limited budgets, inadequate cybersecurity tools, and a shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals. These factors make them particularly vulnerable to the sophisticated and evolving threats of today's cyber environment.  

SMBs are the lifeblood of our economy, and their drive and determination are truly inspiring. The businesses I interact with are exceptionally skilled and consistently deliver outstanding services and products to their customers. I must remind myself, however, that SMBs are not inherently technology companies. Because of budget challenges, they are often considered "soft targets" by threat actors.  

These smaller businesses just want their IT to work seamlessly and securely. Yet, when it comes to mitigating threats like cyber breaches, they are at a disadvantage. While many SMBs understand the importance of cybersecurity, they often need help prioritizing, implementing, and maintaining effective defenses due to limited resources — both financial and technical — compared with larger organizations.  

Understanding the Landscape 

The range of cyber threats facing SMBs is broad and constantly evolving. Common attack vectors include phishing, ransomware, denial of service, social engineering, and session hijacking, to name a few. Each threat can cause significant harm — whether through intellectual property theft, financial extortion, or reputational damage.  

The most successful cyberattacks exploit the gaps in an organization's cyber-risk strategy. For SMBs, these gaps frequently are the result of constrained resources, limited access to skilled talent, and a reactive approach to cybersecurity. In my conversations with customers and business partners, it's clear that while the concern for cyber-risk is universal, SMBs are often the least equipped to address these risks independently.  

People, Process, and Technology: A Comprehensive Approach 

To effectively address cyber threats, SMBs must adopt a holistic approach that focuses on three essential components: people, process, and technology.  

1. People: Bridging the Skills Gap 

One of the most significant challenges SMBs face is the lack of skilled cybersecurity professionals. Even the best technology and processes can fall short without the right talent. SMBs must assess their current workforce's skills and identify gaps. Addressing these gaps is crucial, whether through training existing employees, hiring new talent, or partnering with external cybersecurity firms.  

In many cases, it may be more practical for SMBs to engage with a trusted partner to supplement their in-house capabilities. Many of the customers I speak with utilize cybersecurity-focused consultancies for short- and mid-term implementations, or rely on managed service providers (MSPs). Additionally, leveraging software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions can be a cost-effective way to access advanced security tools without requiring extensive in-house expertise. These services often have guaranteed service levels, ensuring that experienced professionals manage critical security functions.  

2. Process: Defining Cyber Resilience 

While each organization has unique technical requirements, the need for a well-defined cyber-resilience strategy is universal. SMBs must develop processes tailored to their specific needs and adapt to changing business demands. A one-size-fits-all approach will not suffice. Instead, SMBs should consider standard frameworks like ITIL, Agile, and DevOps as baselines for developing their cybersecurity strategies, as these frameworks can help streamline processes and strengthen the overall cybersecurity posture.  

A key takeaway from my conversations with successful SMBs is the importance of designing sustainable business processes. Cyber resilience is an ongoing journey, not a static goal requiring continuous improvement and adaptability. Every organization must regularly evaluate and update processes to keep pace with evolving needs and emerging threats. By embracing a dynamic approach to process development, SMBs can stay ahead of the curve and maintain robust defenses.  

3. Technology: Choosing the Right Tools 

Technology is the cornerstone of any cybersecurity strategy. Given the wide range of available tools, SMBs must carefully select the solutions that best meet their specific needs. Whether focusing on network security, data protection, or identity management, the chosen technology must be both practical and scalable.  

SMBs should focus on ensuring their technology stack aligns with their cybersecurity strategy. This means evaluating on-premises and cloud-based solutions while carefully managing access to sensitive data. The objective is to choose technology that not only addresses immediate security concerns but also strengthens long-term resilience.  

Engaging Leadership and Industry 

A critical aspect of any successful cybersecurity program is the involvement of leadership at every level of the organization. From my discussions with business leaders who have established robust cyber resilience programs, one common theme emerges: Cybersecurity is a serious priority across the organization. It's not merely the IT department's responsibility but a critical business imperative that affects reputation, financial health, and legal compliance.  

To secure this level of commitment, SMBs must involve their leadership teams in developing and overseeing cybersecurity strategies. This entails conducting regular assessments of the program's effectiveness, incorporating feedback from both cybersecurity professionals and business leaders. When leadership is actively involved, it sends a clear message that cybersecurity is a priority, fostering a culture of security throughout the organization.  

Another critical factor is the willingness to seek external expertise. Successful SMBs often look beyond their internal resources, utilizing market analysis, user groups, vendor forums, and industry contacts to inform their cybersecurity strategies. For SMBs with limited staff and experience, these external resources offer valuable insights and support critical to the success of their programs. 

Conclusion: A Proactive Path Forward 

Cybersecurity is not a one-time effort — it's an ongoing commitment that requires vigilance, adaptability, and strategic investment. For SMBs, the path to cyber resilience may be challenging, but it is achievable with the right approach. By focusing on the critical areas of people, processes, and technology, and engaging leadership at all levels, SMBs can develop robust defenses that safeguard their assets, reputation, and future growth.  

Ultimately, it's not just about preventing attacks. It’s about building a resilient organization that can thrive in an increasingly digital and complex business environment. As threats evolve, SMBs must continuously adapt their strategies and solutions to protect their businesses. Through careful planning, ongoing evaluation, and a commitment to treat cybersecurity as a core business function, SMBs can transform their vulnerabilities into strengths and secure their place in the digital economy.