Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) often approach cybersecurity like teenagers behind the wheel; they travel on convinced that bad things “won’t happen to me.” This naïve mindset blinds them to the rising onslaught of cyber threats, from phishing scams and deepfake attacks to ransomware and data breaches. VikingCloud’s 2025 SMB Threat Landscape Report reveals the harsh truth: SMBs are squarely in the crosshairs, and unprepared businesses may not survive the hit.
A Dangerous Gap Between Awareness and Action
One in three SMBs experienced a cyberattack last year. The same number say a $10,000 incident could shut them down. Still, 71% admit their cyber defenses can’t handle modern threats.
Despite knowing the risks, 60% underestimate their true exposure. Many run outdated software or have no cybersecurity measures at all.
CyberSecurity Self-Management Is Failing Small Businesses
Nearly 74% of SMBs manage cybersecurity on their own. Most rely on undertrained employees or family members. Only 15% have hired internal experts or external providers.
Even worse, one in four don’t understand their own cybersecurity risk profile.
Critical Weaknesses Exposed
The report lists glaring vulnerabilities:
- 23% use easy-to-guess, AKA “bad”, passwords.
- 22% have no mobile device security policy.
- 18% skip software updates.
- 16% don’t back up data.
- 14% lack multi-factor authentication.
It’s a recipe for disaster, especially since 80% of data breaches exploit weak passwords.
Consequences SMBs Can’t Afford
Last year, 53% experienced Wi-Fi or network issues. Others faced point-of-sale failures (33%), phishing attempts (48%), and website downtime (45%). Some even fell for deepfake scams.
Such disruptions come with heavy costs. One in five businesses say a cyberattack could end them. For 32%, just one day of downtime or $10,000 in losses is all it would take.
AI: A Game-Changer in Cyber Defense
The new new thing. SMBs are eyeing AI as a lifeline. According to VikingCloud, 65% say cybersecurity is the top function AI could improve. AI helps detect threats, guide real-time responses, automate updates, and catch phishing attempts, all ways to avoid the damage of a successful cyber attack.
But SMBs lag in deploying advanced tools. Only 18% use penetration testing. Just 22% monitor the dark web. AI can close these gaps, if businesses adopt it.
Cybersecurity: From Afterthought to Strategic Edge
Cybersecurity isn’t just protection. It’s a competitive advantage. Nearly half of SMBs now see it as key to growth, not just risk management.
Top reasons to invest:
- Protect customer data (55%)
- Enable safe growth (52%)
- Guard digital assets (48%)
- Outpace competitors (24%)
Cyber defenses are now a business must-have.
Four Key Takeaways: What SMBs Must Do Now
- Make Cybersecurity a Priority: It’s more than IT. It’s survival.
- Know Your Weak Points: Assess risks before they cost you.
- Bring in the Experts: Don’t go it alone.
- Adopt AI Tools: The right tech can level the playing field.
VikingCloud’s report makes one thing clear—inaction is the biggest threat of all.
