The Numbers Don't Lie: Small Business Is Big Business for Hackers
It's not paranoia—it's math. In 2025, a whopping 43% of all cyberattacks are aimed directly at small businesses, and that number has only been rising each year. If you run or work for a business with fewer than 1,000 employees, you’re officially in the cyber crosshairs. It’s a harsh reality: nearly half of all breaches now happen to companies just like yours, while big names often grab the headlines but make up a smaller fraction of those attacked.
Why the Shift? Understanding the Cybercriminal Mindset
1. Resource Shortages = Easier Targets
Small businesses usually don't have full-time IT staff, let alone dedicated cybersecurity pros. Instead, it's often someone (who's already wearing several hats) trying to handle tech emergencies when they arise. Lack of time, budget, and security know-how create easy entry points—and bad actors know this.
2. Attack Surface Explosion
Moving operations to the cloud or the sudden shift to remote/hybrid work means more devices, logins, and endpoints than ever. Each one is a potential open door. Yet, just 20% of small businesses use multi-factor authentication, and only 14% have a formal security plan.
3. Old Tech & Even Older Habits
Outdated software and hardware are absolutely everywhere in the SMB world. Tight budgets lead to putting off updates or sticking with “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Every unpatched program or unsupported operating system is a beacon for attackers working with automated tools.
4. Human Factor: The Biggest Vulnerability
Cybercriminals don’t always need a sophisticated exploit. Often, all it takes is convincing someone to click the wrong link. A staggering 95% of cybersecurity incidents involve human error—usually thanks to phishing or social engineering. It’s so effective, attackers keep coming back.
The Most Common Attacks Small Businesses Face
Phishing & Social Engineering
- Phishing attacks come disguised as legitimate emails or texts tricking staff into sharing sensitive info or downloading malware. Small companies see one malicious email per 323 they receive—much higher than larger organizations.
- Social engineering goes beyond emails, with scammers calling employees, impersonating vendors, or posing as the boss to get inside info or authorize payments.
Malware & Ransomware
- Malware remains king for SMBs—18% of attacks involve it, often riding in on infected attachments or compromised websites.
- Ransomware isn’t just for the big leagues: 82% of ransomware attacks hit small businesses in recent years. Some ransomware groups focus exclusively on easy targets, betting that a smaller ransom is more likely to be paid quickly and quietly.
Business Email Compromise (BEC) & Financial Fraud
BEC attacks are soaring. Criminals impersonate executives or partners to trick employees into transferring money or sensitive files. These attacks, combined with data breaches, can upend contracts, destroy reputations, and drain bank accounts.
The Business Impact: Real Risk Beyond Dollars
- 60% of small businesses close within six months of a cyberattack.
- Direct costs: lost time, revenue, and the immediate price of recovery (which can be hundreds of thousands of dollars).
- Indirect costs: damaged customer trust, possible lawsuits, regulatory penalties, and long-term reputation hits.
- Most SMBs lack cyber insurance, or aren’t sure what their policies actually cover. (For more on this, check out our deep dive: Cyber Insurance in 2025: Are You Really Covered?)
How to Protect Your Business (Without Breaking the Bank)
Security doesn't have to be expensive or overwhelming. Here’s how to get ahead of the threats today:
1. Patch, Update, Repeat
Keep your operating systems, software, and plug-ins up to date. Yes, it can be a pain—but most attacks exploit known vulnerabilities that have (often) been fixed months earlier.
2. Turn On Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Everywhere
This is one of the simplest, most effective protections against account takeovers. Set up MFA for email, banking, and business apps. It takes minutes and blocks most credential-based attacks.
3. Automate Backups—And Test Them
Back up all critical data, applications, and systems. Use the “3-2-1” rule: three copies, two media types, one offsite or in the cloud. And actually restore a file every so often to make sure your backups work!
4. Level Up Employee Training
Invest in cybersecurity awareness training for everyone—even part-timers and temps. Teach your team to spot phishing, use strong passwords, and ask questions when something feels off. Simulated phishing tests can help keep folks on their toes. Check out our guide: Why Regular Cybersecurity Training Is Your Secret Weapon Against Breaches.
5. Get a Formal Cybersecurity Policy in Place
Create and enforce written policies on data handling, password standards, device usage (especially if people use their own phones/laptops), and how to report a suspicious activity. This reduces confusion and makes it easier to respond quickly when something happens.
6. Consider a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP)
You don’t have to go it alone. Partnering with a trustworthy MSSP like B&R Computers gives you access to experts, real-time monitoring, and threat response—without the cost of hiring your own security team. Learn how outsourcing IT security helps you sleep better.
7. Lock Down Your Financial Tools
Use separate systems or accounts for payroll and payment processing. Set alerts for unusual account activity, and double-check requests for wire transfers—especially those that arrive via email.
8. Prepare for the Inevitable: Build an Incident Response Plan
When (not if) something happens, clear steps and quick action will save you time, money, and stress. Assign roles, list key contacts, and practice your response at least once a year.
Take Action Before Cybercriminals Come Knocking
Small businesses may be targets, but they don’t have to be victims. Proactive, practical steps can make a world of difference—many require more vigilance than budget. If you’re unsure where to begin, or want a friendly guide to walk you through a security overhaul, B&R Computers is here to help you build a cyber defense that fits your size, goals, and budget.
Want to know your current risk level? Use our cyber hygiene checklist, or contact us for a free consultation. Let’s keep your business, your people, and your future safe from digital threats—starting today.
Ready to build real resilience? Contact B&R Computers now for expert advice, real-world solutions, and a partner you can trust.
