Top 5 SME Cybersecurity Mistakes & Opportunities in 2024

Many small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) misperceive cybersecurity as an IT issue for technical specialists. By recognizing organizational protection as an imperative for all employees to advance, even the smallest teams can overcome their top challenges — and transform cybersecurity from a cultural liability into a competitive advantage.

Cultures of Complacency

• Challenge: SMEs often believe they are too small to be targeted by cyberattacks. In reality, cybercriminals view SMEs as easy, under-protected targets.
• Solution: The most successful SME cybersecurity teams leverage an All-in-One Cybersecurity Platform that is purpose-built to enable enterprise-grade protections for small organizations.

Complexity

• Challenge: Many SME security teams struggle to either manage a sprawling tech stacks of standalone security tools or afford a sufficient set of technologies to provide adequate protections
• Solution: Cynet provides complete breach protection by unifying a full suite of cybersecurity capabilities in a simple, cost-effective solution.

Lack of Skill

• Challenge: 71% of organizations have unfilled cybersecurity positions, reports WEF.
• Solution: To scale their security skills, small teams are opting for security platforms backed 24/7 by built-in MDR support .?

Bad Habits

• Challenge: 28% of breaches are due to human error, according to Verizon’s 2024 DBIR.
• Solution: SME security teams must continuously monitor user activity to pinpoint risky or suspicious behaviors that are indicative of compromised accounts or malicious insiders.

Inadequate processes

• Challenge: Many SMEs lack a clearly articulated, well-rehearsed incident response plan.
• Solution: Customize an incident response template to define roles and responsibilities for fast, accurate results.?

By addressing these common mistakes, SMEs can significantly improve their defense posture, foster a culture that prioritizes protection, and secure success for their business. Threat actor tactics will only increase in volume and sophistication. The time to act is now. Book a demo to learn how Cynet can help.

Opportunities to Strengthen Cybersecurity Culture

1. Leadership Engagement and Role Modeling: Leaders must prioritize cybersecurity and demonstrate its importance through their actions. By modeling good cybersecurity behaviors, leadership can foster a company-wide culture of vigilance.
2. Fostering a Security-First Mindset: Encourage employees to treat cybersecurity as part of their daily responsibilities, not just an IT issue. Building a “security-first” mindset helps integrate security awareness into the company culture.
3. Investing in Cybersecurity Tools and Resources: SMEs should consider investing in affordable cybersecurity tools such as endpoint security solutions, intrusion detection systems, and data encryption. There are many solutions tailored specifically to SMEs that can help prevent attacks.
4. Regular Security Audits and Assessments: Perform regular cybersecurity audits to identify weaknesses in systems and processes. Penetration testing and vulnerability assessments can help SMEs stay ahead of potential threats.
5. Collaboration with Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs): For SMEs that lack in-house expertise, partnering with MSSPs can provide access to advanced cybersecurity services, such as 24/7 monitoring, threat detection, and incident response, often at a fraction of the cost of building these capabilities internally.

By avoiding common mistakes and seizing these opportunities, SMEs can create a robust cybersecurity culture that helps protect their business, customers, and reputation from cyber threats.