Cybersecurity is no longer just a concern for large corporations. For small and medium businesses (SMBs), protecting your data, your customers and your reputation from cyber threats is essential for growth and stability. Cybercriminals often view SMBs as easier targets, assuming they have fewer resources dedicated to security. In fact, research shows that 35% of small organizations feel their cyber resilience is not enough.
A single security incident—from an unpatched PC to a successful phishing email—can lead to significant consequences, both financial and reputational. Can you afford to lose customer trust? The good news is that you can take proactive steps to build a strong defense. A few smart strategies can help you stay confident, competitive and ready for what’s next. Understanding how to protect your business empowers you to move forward securely.
Why SMBs are a prime target
Cyberattackers are strategic. They search for the easiest entry points, such as outdated systems, weak passwords and unsecured networks. With money as a primary motivator, the potential payoff from a single successful attack is too great for them to ignore. Experts predict that the annual cost of global cybercrime will reach $10.5 trillion in 2025.
Endpoints like PCs are a major battleground. Attackers use methods like phishing to steal credentials and deliver malware, while ransomware continues to cause widespread disruption. For SMBs, the impact can be devastating. This is why building a proactive security plan is not just an IT task—it’s a core business strategy.
Building a proactive defense
Protecting your business starts with a foundational understanding of your risks and a multi-layered approach to security. While cyber threats are constantly evolving, so are the solutions designed to stop them. Here are a few key areas to focus on:
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- Secure Your Foundation: Every PC is a potential entry point. Your best defense will be devices that have security built-in from the ground up. Hardware protections, secure boot processes and identity safeguards provide a strong first line of defense right out of the box.
- Stay Current: Cybercriminals exploit known vulnerabilities in old software. Regular updates and patches are simple yet powerful actions that fix security holes before attackers can use them. With Windows 10 support ending, now is the time to upgrade your systems.
- Empower Your Team: Human error is a leading cause of security breaches. Training employees to recognize threats like phishing and follow secure practices turns your team from a potential vulnerability into your greatest security asset.
Take the next step with our eGuide
These steps are just the beginning. To help you build a comprehensive security strategy, we’ve created a detailed eGuide: 8 Cybersecurity Strategies for Small and Medium Businesses. This guide offers practical advice and actionable steps to help you protect your business and customer data.
Dell Technologies and AMD are here to help
We believe in the power of technology to help your business thrive. A secure environment allows you to focus on innovation and growth.
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- Refresh Your Hardware: Upgrade to the latest Dell commercial AI PCs powered by AMD Ryzen™ AI PRO processors (laptops, desktops). These devices offer advanced, built-in security features to protect against modern threats and unlock new levels of productivity.
- Add Software Protection: Layer on software solutions to monitor for suspicious activity across your PCs, network and cloud environments, ensuring you can detect and respond to threats quickly.
- Get Expert Support: If your IT team needs assistance, Dell Security Services can help. From managed security awareness training to incident response and recovery, our experts are ready to support your security operations.
Don’t wait for a threat to become a crisis. Take control of your cybersecurity today. Download our free eGuide to get started.
