General

Learn how Deepengine helps SMBs solve compliance and security with a free, all-in-one vulnerability scanning platform.

Navigating compliance: how Deepengine democratizes cybersecurity for SMBs

Header

In the world of startups, there's a persistent myth among small and mid-sized enterprises:

And while it's tempting to focus on closing yet another funding round or launching the next exciting feature, this mentality is fundamentally damaging. It often means insufficient security measures, or none at all. Hackers are well-aware of this and exploiting it extensively. Although massive breaches at Fortune 500 giants grab the headlines, smaller firms have become the quiet favorites of cybercriminals across the globe, and for a multitude of reasons.

In this post we’re gonna dig into those reasons, learn about impacts, and quickly touch on solutions. 

Adversaries go for the “easy ones” first

And it just makes perfect sense. Corporate giants have the funds and resources to robustly protect themselves. Small businesses frequently skip cybersecurity, turning themselves into prime hacker targets with outdated defenses simply because of lack of resources. They patch problems sporadically instead of investing in continuous, robust solutions. This lack of strategic security planning leaves them exposed, with vulnerable software, flimsy passwords, and unpatched systems, all looking like a warn invitation for the attackers.

Numerous teams lack at least basic monitoring tools or intrusion detection mechanisms, allowing cyber threats to remain undetected for extended periods. This situation gives attackers opportunity to siphon off sensitive information or maintain their foothold in systems. In today's digital landscape, granting hackers access for a few minutes can be all it takes.

3. Being prioritized because of Supply chain attacks

This is a big one. Small businesses often serve as vendors, suppliers, or service providers to much larger organizations that do have something to lose. Hackers leveraging automation and ransomware to hit multiple SMBs simultaneously to find their way to their larger partners — a strategy that is devastating in attacks like the 

SMBs more likely to pay ransoms when hit with ransomware due to lack of adequate firewalls, EDR, and weak systems . With limited backup infrastructure, and greater sensitivity to downtime, these companies often calculate that paying is less costly than extended recovery efforts.

The consequences of cyberattacks on small businesses go far beyond what would think. According to multiple Ponemom studies we see a clear trend:

Now's the best time to get secured, even if you're Series A

Modern cyberwarfare is worse than you think

We're in the time where industries are intricately connected, and cyber warfare has become a regular aspect of life. Govts. frequently seek to extend their influence via teams of hackers. It's no longer the solo hacker in a tiny airbnb, hunched over Python scripts to make a quick buck. Instead, it's about extensive organizations — coordinated adversary teams with dedicated funding, strategic plans, and an impressive level of technical expertise.

Compliance matters, but it shouldn't be the only motivation

Each year, regulations like GDPR, CCPA, and industry-specific requirements continue to grow. These rules don't exempt small businesses. Non-compliance penalties can be devastating, and regulators are increasingly holding businesses of all sizes accountable for data protection failures. Unfortunately, SMBs often treat these requirements as mere checkboxes.

Prepared businesses look super attractive and go a long way

With rising awareness, products developed with cybersecurity in mind stand out in the market. More than ever, customers and partners require proof of security protocols before engaging in business.

Finding the perfect-fit security is everything

The promising news is that effective cybersecurity solutions are accessible without needing huge corporate budgets. Small businesses can find alternatives to hiring pentesting teams for $20-$40K manual pentests and risking going bankrupt. 

Instead, they can substantially bolster their security posture using automated vulnerability platforms like Deepengine, and investing more into team's education and awareness:

In recent years, the cybersecurity field has undergone significant shifts. Hackers now see small businesses as lucrative yet easy marks, escalating their efforts accordingly. The concern isn’t about whether a cyberattack will hit your small business, but when it will happen and how ready you'll be to handle it. By identifying the particular weaknesses that appeal to cybercriminals, and by enforcing the right security protocols, you can safeguard not only your data but also secure your business's longevity and the interests of your 3rd parties and customers.

Tight on budget but want to build a resilient business?

 to find out if Deepengine is right fit for you or 

 with a Free account today to build robust business and sleep better at night. 

In this article, we're discussing hackers' mindset behind attacking small organization and potential reasons why SMBs are often targeted. 

Why do hackers target small businesses?

Streamlining security, scanning, and vulnerability management for companies' external assets.

Insights | Deepengine – one platform for easy cybersecurity management

Insights

Take your part in building the best-in-class cybersecurity platform

Welcome to the Deepengine Blog

Start discovering your security vulnerabilities today