Cyber attacks affect all companies, whether large or small. However, there is a difference: SMEs fight against hackers with completely different tactics than large corporations. Ontinue, expert in Managed Extended Detection and Response (MXDR), highlights the security challenges small and medium-sized companies face.
Extortionate ransomware, attacks on servers or smuggling malware: hackers have devised umpteen methods to steal company data or paralyze infrastructures. Specialists cannot defuse new threats as quickly as they arise. In large companies, entire departments or even their own security operation centers deal with the defense against cyber attacks. Given their smaller size, SMBs can hardly keep up and face several hurdles in building their cyber resilience:
Lack of specialist staff
The struggle for well-trained IT security specialists usually wins supposedly more attractive employers. Well-known brands and large corporations, which often pay significantly higher wages, are more attractive to applicants than a small or medium-sized company. Due to a lack of IT experts, SMBs are particularly dependent on using external and managed services to protect their data and meet compliance guidelines.
Small budgets
Having your own Security Operation Center (SOC) that keeps a constant eye on the security status of the company is costly and would be an oversized investment for SMEs. The companies cannot control all possible gateways for hackers on their own. By purchasing various security solutions, SMEs try to protect their network and data in the best possible way. But the consolidation of these tools rarely succeeds. Result: Gaps in the safety net.
Low innovative power
Most SMBs simply lack the resources to identify and implement all cybersecurity trends. If they do not seek the help and advice of external IT service providers, there is a risk that they will implement measures belatedly and are therefore not optimally protected against cyber attacks.
So how can smaller companies overcome these challenges and strengthen their cyber resilience? To manage their cybersecurity needs, organizations should look to Managed Extended Detection and Response (MXDR) solutions. They give SMBs access to comprehensive and up-to-date cybersecurity services that would normally be too expensive or too complex to manage in-house.
Managed XDR solves many problems at once
Such platforms combine, for example, AI-based automation with expert knowledge in order to continuously evaluate IT environments and improve the security situation of companies. The platform detects security risks, accelerates the response to acute threats and increases the cyber resilience of the company.
In addition to the automated detection and combating of cyber attacks, sensitized and vigilant employees are also effective protection against hackers. Companies should invest time in building a resilient cyber culture at all hierarchical levels. Everyone should know how to recognize phishing emails, for example, or what safe practices apply when working from home.
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About Ontinue
Ontinue, the Managed Extended Detection and Response (MXDR) expert, is a XNUMX/XNUMX security partner headquartered in Zurich. In order to continuously protect its customers' IT environments, assess their security status and continuously improve them, combined Ontinue AI-driven automation and human expertise with the Microsoft security product portfolio.