// EDITOR’ S QUESTION //

MEs are increasingly finding themselves at risk of complex cybersecurity attacks. Their size no longer protects them from risk; in fact, it often makes them more vulnerable.

Sophisticated actors routinely target SMEs as entry points into broader organisations or as high-impact, low-resistance victims in their own right. Artificial Intelligence, now a tool used by both defenders and attackers, enables more convincing and scalable threats.

Nearly half of UK businesses, and 70 % of medium-sized firms, reported a cybersecurity breach in the past year. With the average cost of the most disruptive incidents at £ 1,205, even a minor breach can cause major operational disruption, erode stakeholder trust and lead to lasting reputational damage that far outweighs the initial financial impact for budget-conscious SMEs.

Phishing remains the most common cyberattack, with 84 % of UK firms targeted through email, SMS, phone or social media. Unlike past opportunistic malware, today’ s AI-driven phishing campaigns are highly coordinated, using automated, personalised messages that blur the line between legitimate and malicious interactions, exploiting human behaviour over technical flaws.

The persistent reliance on social engineering underscores a critical reality: despite advancements in cybersecurity technologies, the human element remains the most exploitable point of failure.

Equally concerning is the rise in impersonation attacks, where malicious actors pose as trusted organisations or executives in order to deceive recipients into transferring funds or disclosing confidential data. This threat thrives on psychological manipulation, brand spoofing and gaps in internal verification protocols. For SMEs, where governance frameworks and approval processes may lack the rigour of larger enterprises, such attacks present severe consequences.

The advent of Generative AI has further escalated this threat landscape. Tools capable of real-time voice cloning, hyper-realistic image fabrication and contextually accurate text generation now empower malicious actors to conduct deception at a scale and authenticity previously unattainable.

Despite the scale of these threats, effective defence doesn’ t require enterpriselevel budgets. It requires strategic prioritisation. A critical first step is adopting a‘ defence in depth’ strategy. SMEs should layer traditional protections like firewalls, antivirus, encryption and regular patching with more advanced tools.

Solutions like Endpoint Detection and Response( EDR) or Extended Detection and Response( XDR) provide continuous monitoring across networks, endpoints and cloud environments. These AI-driven platforms detect and isolate threats early, reducing potential damage without the need for large in-house security teams.

Employee awareness is another cost-effective defence. OryxAlign’ s simulated phishing tests and tailored cybersecurity training have proven to reduce breach risks by up to

80 % over 12 months.

By identifying gaps in staff knowledge and delivering ongoing, targeted education through interactive platforms, SMEs can strengthen their‘ human firewall’.

DESPITE THE SCALE OF THESE THREATS, EFFECTIVE DEFENCE DOESN’ T REQUIRE ENTERPRISE- LEVEL BUDGETS.

Additionally, SMEs should prioritise data oversight, implementing clear policies around data access and device usage. With remote and hybrid working here to stay, securing endpoints and enforcing multi-factor authentication( MFA) is essential.

In this landscape where cyberthreats are constant and evolving, resilience hinges on a strategic blend of technology, policy and human vigilance, empowering SMEs to safeguard their operations effectively and sustainably. �

Intelligent SME. tech

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