8 Reasons Your Organization is Susceptible to a Cyberattack

In today’s digital landscape, organizations of all sizes are vulnerable to cyberattacks. However, small to mid-sized organizations often face unique challenges that can make them more susceptible to these threats. This presents an issue, as nearly 43% of cyber-attacks are targeted at small and medium-sized businesses, according to Accenture’s Cybercrime study. Below, we will explore eight reasons why your organization, particularly if it falls into the small to mid-sized category, may be at greater risk of a cyberattack. Not to worry: we’ll also review ways all organizations, regardless of headcount or budget, can combat cyber-criminals. By understanding these vulnerabilities, you can take proactive steps to strengthen your cybersecurity defenses, no matter how big or how small your company might be.

1. Fewer Resources Mean Less Time for Training

Due to budgetary and time constraints, smaller organizations may struggle to provide comprehensive cybersecurity training to their employees. This knowledge gap can weaken the organization’s first line of defense, as employees may be unaware of best practices and common threats.

Pro Tip: Enroll your team in quick, engaging, “micro-lesson” video training. Not only is it entertaining, but its automated delivery allows for consistent and relevant education that’s more likely to “stick.”

2. Your Organization is a Gateway

Small to medium-sized organizations conduct business with many 3^rd parties including partners, customers, and vendors of all sizes. They often handle these businesses’ sensitive information, and as a result often are targeted for their potential access to the sensitive or valuable data of other companies. This makes them an attractive target for cybercriminals who seek to exploit vulnerabilities to gain access to larger or “more valuable” networks.

Pro Tip: Have your team take some basic data privacy awareness training to help secure your organization’s data, and ensure your team knows how to protect your customers’ data as well.

3. They Might Get Away with It

Hackers often target small to mid-sized organizations as their activities are more likely to go unnoticed , while being less likely to be pursued legally if discovered. Smaller organizations tend to lack auditing technology that logs “data needed to both perform forensic analysis and establish admissible evidence.” As a result, someone attacking a small or mid-sized business is much less likely to get caught and brought to justice than someone who attacks a large corporation. The perceived lower risk of detection increases the chances of cyber-criminals attempting an attack.

Pro Tip: Run vulnerability scans to identify weaknesses in your network and systems before hackers get to them first.

4. Hackers Think You’ll Pay the Ransom

When hit by ransomware, smaller businesses may be more inclined to pay the demanded ransom due to limited options and the potential impact on their operations. This makes them attractive targets for cybercriminals seeking financial gains.

Pro Tip: Create an incident response plan your whole team can access in the case of a cyber-event. Include a section about what to do in the case of a ransomware attack, making it clear that there is no expectation to pay a ransom and that there are guides and resources to help in these situations.

5. Your Organization is a Treasure Trove of Valuable Data

Regardless of size, all organizations possess valuable data and assets that can be monetized or used for malicious purposes. This includes customer information, intellectual property, financial records, and more. Cybercriminals understand the value of this data and actively seek opportunities to exploit it.

Pro Tip: Audit how your data is stored and handled. Watch this webinar for a quick overview on how to get started.

6. Technology Can Be Expensive

Smaller organizations often face budget constraints, making it challenging to invest in costly cybersecurity technologies and solutions. This lack of resources can leave them more vulnerable to attacks and less equipped to defend against sophisticated threats.

Pro Tip: Find a solution that offers multiple tools in one. Your team’s time will be freed up as they won’t be stuck managing different providers and platforms.

7. Less Regulation = More Opportunity for Cyberattacks

Compared to large enterprises, small and mid-sized organizations may be subject to fewer regulatory requirements and industry standards related to cybersecurity. This can result in a lower level of adherence to cybersecurity frameworks, leaving them more exposed to potential breaches.

Pro Tip: Do a quick (and free) cybersecurity assessment to see where your organization stands in terms of its cyber-posture. Many assessments map to key frameworks so you can make sure you’re aligned with top regulatory bodies.

8. Cyberattacks Are Evolving in Sophistication

Cybercriminals continually refine their tactics, techniques, and procedures to exploit vulnerabilities in organizations’ systems. This ever-evolving nature of the threat landscape means that organizations, regardless of size, must stay vigilant and adapt their security measures to counter emerging threats.

Pro Tip: Stay on top of the cybersecurity landscape with a curated feed of cyber-threats, news, and incidents.

Bigger ≠ Better: All Organizations Can Have Strong Cybersecurity

The increasing prevalence of cyberattacks requires all organizations to prioritize cybersecurity to protect their valuable assets, minimize downtime, and protect their reputation. There are many ways to train your team despite limited resources, in addition to policies, plans and procedures that can fortify your organization against cyberattacks.

Looking for cybersecurity that scales with your organization? Let’s talk.