Security News > 2023 > September > SMEs overestimate their cybersecurity preparedness

57% of SMEs have fallen victim to at least one cybersecurity breach, among whom 31% reported that their business experienced a breach within the past 12 months alone, according to Guardz.

The survey findings highlight a glaring disparity between businesses' perceived readiness and the actual state of their cybersecurity protection: An overwhelming 70% of respondents are confident that their businesses are adequately prepared and resilient enough to withstand a cyberattack.

"These survey findings reinforce the critical and urgent need to prioritize cybersecurity preparedness within the SME community," said Dor Eisner, CEO of Guardz.

"Understandably, not all small business owners have the resources to obtain in-house cybersecurity experts - but that doesn't mean these companies should be left in the lurch. There are immediate and proactive actions SMEs can take to bolster their defenses in the face of growing threats, including working with certified MSPs who have the potential to not only offer comprehensive cybersecurity protection, but vital cyber insurance coverage as well," added Eisner.

Reputational damage, operational disruption, temporary loss of business, and business termination were also cited as significant concerns by the respondents, further underscoring the potential devastating impact of the cyber threats facing SMEs.

Simultaneously, the survey revealed the significant role that Managed Service Providers could play in enhancing SMEs' cybersecurity posture on this front: 78% of respondents indicated that they would be more likely to hire an MSP if they offered both comprehensive cybersecurity protection and cyber insurance.

News URL

https://www.helpnetsecurity.com/2023/09/22/smes-cyber-threats/