When small business owners think about cybersecurity, it can feel abstract, but the numbers paint a clear picture: small businesses are not only affected by cybercrime, they are often the ones hit hardest.
Here are a few statistics that show the current state of cybersecurity for small organizations:
1. Most small businesses are targeted.
According to recent reports, nearly half of all cyberattacks are aimed at small businesses. Attackers know that smaller organizations often have fewer defenses in place, which makes them easier targets.
2. Phishing is still the top entry point.
Over 80 percent of reported security incidents start with a phishing email. For small businesses, where employees may not have extensive IT training, a single click on a fake link can open the door to serious problems.
3. Ransomware costs are rising.
The average ransom demand from attackers has climbed into the hundreds of thousands of dollars, but even if a business does not pay, downtime and recovery can be devastating. For many small organizations, even a few days without access to data or systems can cause lasting damage.
4. Breaches are expensive.
Studies estimate that the average cost of a data breach for a small to mid-sized business is now well over $100,000. That includes lost revenue, recovery expenses, and in some cases, fines. For nonprofits or local businesses working with tight budgets, that kind of impact can be overwhelming.
5. Many businesses feel unprepared.
Surveys show that a majority of small businesses believe they would struggle to respond effectively to a cyberattack. This sense of unpreparedness is often due to limited resources or a lack of dedicated IT staff.
These numbers are not meant to cause fear, but rather to provide perspective. Small organizations often think they are too small to attract attention, but the statistics show otherwise. The encouraging part is that many of the most effective protections, like keeping systems updated, using strong passwords with multi-factor authentication, and backing up important files, are within reach of any business.
By staying informed and understanding the risks, small businesses can move from a place of uncertainty to a place of confidence. Cybersecurity is not about eliminating every possible threat, but about reducing risk so your team can focus on serving your customers, your congregation, or your community.
Ben Loveless
Co-founder and Developer
