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The Guardz 2025 SMB Cybersecurity Report

As cyber threats increasingly evolve, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are realizing the stark reality of cybersecurity risks. According to the latest Guardz 2025 SMB Cybersecurity Report, almost half of U.S.-based SMBs have already faced a cyber attack, prompting urgent calls for enhanced preparedness and professional support.

Key Findings of the Report

The report found that 43% of SMBs reported experiencing a cyber attack in the last five years, with 27% facing such incidents in the past year alone. This alarming statistic indicates that cybersecurity is not just a theoretical concern but a pressing issue that can disrupt operations and threaten the survival of these businesses.

Dor Eisner, CEO and Co-Founder of Guardz, remarked, "In 2025, SMBs are confronting the reality that cyber threats are no longer distant possibilities, but daily risks with the potential to disrupt or even destroy a business." This sentiment resonates through various sectors, particularly in education, where employee negligence is noted as a significant cybersecurity concern.

While 80% of SMB owners believe that the need for cybersecurity has grown over the past year, 52% still depend on untrained individuals or themselves to manage vital security functions. This lack of professional support positions them at greater risk, particularly when data shows that companies with a defined incident response plan are better equipped to mitigate damage during attacks.

Persistent Vulnerabilities and Challenges

The report highlighted key ongoing vulnerabilities faced by SMBs. These include:

• - Phishing, ransomware, and employee mistakes as the top threats.
• - 45% of SMBs identified employee negligence as their greatest concern, with many acknowledging inadequate training and awareness as contributing factors.
• - Only 58% of SMBs utilize network firewalls, and 41% have endpoint protection, indicating a significant gap in foundational security practices.

Moreover, 42% of respondents expressed concerns over outdated technology, particularly in the healthcare sector, reinforcing the urgency for technological upgrades and better training across industries.

Rising Awareness, Yet Inadequate Preparation

Despite increasing awareness, SMBs still under-invest in cybersecurity. The report states that 50% of SMBs have raised their cybersecurity budgets, yet 31% do not know their actual spending on these defenses. Only 34% have formal incident response plans developed with cybersecurity professionals, and 27% lack cyber insurance altogether.

The reliance on personal management of cybersecurity issues among business owners is particularly alarming. In 33% of cases, owners directly handle alerts, which is time-consuming and outside their core expertise.

A Turning Point for Managed Service Provider (MSP) Engagement

With the rise of threats, many SMBs are now turning towards Managed Service Providers (MSPs) for assistance. According to the report, fears of cyberattacks (52%) and a sense of responsibility to customers (40%) are the primary factors driving this shift towards external professional help.

Furthermore, the data highlights that 80% of SMBs with a formal incident response plan managed to avoid severe damage during cyber attacks. This underscores the critical importance of preparedness and working alongside skilled partners to enhance cybersecurity resilience.

Conclusion

As we navigate through 2025, the findings of the Guardz 2025 SMB Cybersecurity Report serve as a wake-up call for small businesses. Investing in cybersecurity is not optional; it is essential for survival and growth in an increasingly digital world. For businesses seeking to safeguard their operations, collaboration with MSPs could be the key to navigating the complexities of cybersecurity and fostering a secure future.

To explore further details and statistics from the report, you can access the full findings here.