Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) have had the rug pulled from under their feet with a surprising revelation: 58% of small firms and 70% of mid-sized ones were victims of cyber-attacks last year. Turns out, SMBs are like digital low-hanging fruits, easy to pluck for seasoned hackers. While some SMBs still live under the rock with the ‘too small to care’ attitude, the aftermath ranges from IP thefts to data breaches — all thanks to the assumption that their size could shield them from the big, bad world of cybercrime.
Amid the growing cyber threats, trendsetter SMBs aren’t sitting ducks, thankfully. They’re starting to suit up with managed security services (MSSPs), channeling their inner super-tech heroes to battle the evils of sophisticated phishing, ransomware, and umpteen unnamed cyber nemeses. These savvy moves towards ‘security maturity’ do more than just shield; they enhance business agility, offering a plush pillow of both proactive and reactive measures to cushion against potential cyber blows.
While the world gets cyber-smart, some SMBs still play catch-up with baseline security strategies, like setting up a Firewall that’s more of a ‘Please Don’t Enter’ sign than a robust security measure. With only a fraction adopting next-level defense mechanisms, they stand at the cyber battlefront with wooden shields. For these digital warriors, finding the right MSSP isn’t just an option; it’s a dire necessity. MSPs and MSSPs pop up like mushrooms, promising cyber salvation and flaunting shimmering testimonials. Due diligence before signing a digital life over to an MSS might just be the wise knight’s move.
**Hot Take**
In a world where even your smart fridge can side-eye your security measures, SMBs have become the low-key VIP lounges for cybercriminals. The cybersecurity crusade isn’t just for the silicon-stacked giants anymore. If SMBs keep thinking size matters in cyber-ville, they might just miss the memo until it’s spelled out in ransomware. Dear SMB owners, remember, in the cyber realm, it’s not about the size of your server, but the strength of your shields! Time to level up, folks, or it’s game over.
Original Article: https://www.techradar.com/pro/what-should-smbs-look-for-in-a-security-focused-channel-partner