Study: 66 Percent of Small Businesses Worldwide Have Faced Cyberattacks in The Past Year

Study: 66 Percent of Small Businesses Worldwide Have Faced Cyberattacks in The Past Year

For the third year in a row, SMBs are reporting big increases in the frequency of cybersecurity attacks.

Hackers are increasingly targeting small businesses in the U.S. and around the globe, according to a new study that surveyed over 2,300 participants in the IT and cybersecurity industries. 

For the third year in a row, small and medium-sized businesses are reporting a “significant increase” in cybersecurity attacks, according to the research published by the Ponemon Institute and Keeper Security. Sixty-six percent of SMBs globally have reported a cyber incident in the past 12 months. 

In the U.S., 69 percent of organizations surveyed reported the loss of sensitive corporate or customer information in the past year. That’s a 19 percent increase from four years ago, according to ZDNet

But while companies are becoming increasingly aware of cyber threats, particularly in the face of high-impact ransomware attacks on businesses and governments, many of the people surveyed said they were not confident in their organization’s ability to respond to the incidents. 

Forty-five percent of respondents said that the IT posture of their workplace is “ineffective,” and another 39 percent claimed there was no form of “incident response” in place to deal with breaches. 

The main threats continue to be phishing attacks, compromised devices used by employees, and credential theft, ZDNet reported. None of the findings are shocking to cybersecurity professionals who have been warning of the potential drawbacks of IoT devices, especially as more workplaces ask their employees to bring their own laptops to work. 

Nearly 50 percent of respondents said they use business-critical applications from devices outside of the workplace. Despite the participants acknowledging that this practice potentially puts their business security at risk, the use of outside devices to complete work does not look like it will fade any time soon. 

About the Author

Haley Samsel is an Associate Content Editor for the Infrastructure Solutions Group at 1105 Media.

Featured

  • NOLA: The Crescent City

    Twenty years later we finds ourselves in New Orleans. Twenty years ago the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina forced exhibitors and attendees to look elsewhere for tradeshow floor space. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • GSX
  • Nothing Artificial About this Intelligence

    I have been looking forward to this year’s GSX show in New Orleans, the Cresent City, or if you prefer The Big Easy. It seems like quite a while since we’ve been here. Twenty years ago, ASIS, as it was known then was literally washed out of the city by someone known as Katrina. It is a good thing to come back to NOLA. Read Now

  • From Monitors to Mission Control

    Security Operations Centers (SOC) were once defined by rows of static monitors, each displaying a single feed with operators quietly watching for issues. That model has become obsolete. Incidents evolve too quickly, data comes from multiple locations, and decisions must be made in seconds—not minutes. Read Now

  • New Gas Monkey Garage Venue Uses AI-Enhanced Video Technology

    Gas Monkey Garage, the automotive custom shop and entertainment brand founded by Richard Rawlings of Fast N’ Loud TV fame, has opened a vibrant new restaurant and bar in South Dakota, equipped with advanced, AI-enhanced video tech from IDIS Americas. Read Now

  • Data Driven, Proactive Response

    As cities face rising demands for smarter policing and faster emergency response, Real Time Crime Centers (RTCCs) are emerging as essential hubs for data-driven public safety. In this interview, two experts with deep field experience — Ross Bourgeois of New Orleans and Dean Cunningham of Axis Communications — draw on decades of operational, leadership and technology expertise to share how RTCCs are transforming public safety through innovation, interagency collaboration and a relentless focus on community impact. Read Now

New Products

  • Unified VMS

    AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.