Debunking the Myth: Why SMBs Are Not “Too Small to Be a Target” for Cyber Attacks

In the latest ISMG Editors’ Panel discussion, editors examined critical cybersecurity vulnerabilities facing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). They highlighted the frequent misconception among SMEs that they are “too small to be a target,” an assertion echoed by Sean Mack, who leads ISMG’s CXO Advisory Practice. Mack warns that this mindset fosters inadequate security measures, rendering them appealing targets for opportunistic cybercriminals.

Another topic of concern addressed was the stagnation of enterprise artificial intelligence initiatives, which often remain trapped in “pilot purgatory.” The panel revealed that a staggering 95% of these projects fail to advance, leading many employees to resort to consumer AI solutions. Successful firms typically achieve results by tailoring AI tools to their specific operational needs.

The session also delved into the emerging landscape of agentic commerce, where AI agents facilitate transactions that pass authentication hurdles but introduce new challenges in fraud and dispute management for payment processors.

These discussions are crucial as they align with the evolving tactics identified in the MITRE ATT&CK Framework. The mindset that SMEs are not viable targets may relate to a lack of awareness regarding initial access tactics often employed by adversaries. These attackers leverage social engineering techniques to exploit vulnerabilities in SMEs, potentially employing methods of persistence and privilege escalation as they infiltrate systems.

As the ISMG Editors’ Panel continues to convene weekly, past discussions offer valuable insights into pressing issues such as whistleblower revelations regarding Social Security data and U.S. election security challenges. Business owners are encouraged not to overlook these discussions, as they underscore the necessity of robust cybersecurity measures in an increasingly complex digital landscape.