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Cyber attacks aren’t just a problem for large corporations, small businesses are increasingly at risk, and the consequences can be severe.
As we look at the landscape in 2025, the latest small business cyber attack statistics reveal a worrying rise in both the number and impact of attacks targeting smaller organizations.
If you run a small business, understanding these statistics is essential for protecting your company, your data, and your reputation.
In this post, we’ll break down the most important trends and stats for 2025, explore why small businesses are such attractive targets, and most importantly give you practical, actionable steps to strengthen your cybersecurity.
The State of Small Business Cyber Attacks in 2025
Alarming Statistics Every Business Owner Should Know
61% of small businesses were targeted by a cyber attack in the past year.
Attackers increasingly view smaller companies as “easy pickings” due to limited security resources.40% of successful attacks led to direct financial loss.
Ransomware, wire fraud, and stolen data cost small businesses more than ever before.Ransomware remains the most common cyber threat, accounting for 27% of reported incidents, closely followed by phishing scams.
Only 33% of small businesses have a dedicated cybersecurity team.
Most rely on basic protections or outsourced IT, which can leave critical vulnerabilities.54% of businesses hit by an attack needed at least 24 hours to recover.
Downtime means lost sales, frustrated customers, and lasting reputational harm.70% of small business owners wrongly believe they aren’t likely targets.
This dangerous myth is a key reason attackers succeed so often.
(These are just some highlights—see the original report for the full list of 51 statistics! The link can be found at the end of this blog post.)
Small Business Cyber Attack Statistics - Why Are Small Businesses a Favorite Target for Cyber Criminals?
There are several reasons hackers love targeting smaller companies:
Weaker Security: Smaller budgets mean fewer protections like advanced firewalls, monitoring, or employee training.
Lack of Awareness: Staff may be unaware of common threats or lack the skills to spot phishing and social engineering.
Faster Payouts: Criminals know small businesses are more likely to pay ransoms quickly to restore operations.
Small Business Cyber Attack Statistics - The Most Common Attack Methods
Phishing: Deceptive emails or messages trick employees into revealing passwords or clicking malicious links.
Ransomware: Malware that encrypts business data and demands a ransom for its release.
Social Engineering: Manipulating staff to disclose confidential information or allow unauthorized access.
Brute Force Attacks: Automated attempts to guess passwords, especially on remote access portals.
Small Business Cyber Attack Statistics - How Can Small Businesses Defend Themselves?
Invest in Security Awareness Training
Train your employees to recognize phishing emails, suspicious links, and the signs of social engineering.
Enforce Strong Password Policies
Require unique, complex passwords and encourage the use of password managers.
Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
MFA greatly reduces the chance of unauthorized access even if passwords are compromised.
Keep Systems and Software Updated
Regularly patch your operating systems, software, and plugins to close security gaps.
Back Up Data Regularly
Automate backups and store them securely offline backups can save you from ransomware.
Partner with Cybersecurity Experts
If you don’t have in house expertise, work with a reputable cybersecurity provider to audit and improve your defenses.
Call to Action
Are you concerned about your small business’s cybersecurity?
What steps are you taking to protect your organization?
Share your experiences in the comments below, and subscribe for more expert tips and industry news.
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