Cyber threats have grown more sophisticated, and small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are increasingly in the crosshairs. In this climate, the key question for business leaders is no longer whether their organisation will be targeted, but whether it is adequately prepared to respond.
To evaluate their readiness, SMBs should reflect on ten critical questions.
What emerging threats does the organisation face in 2025?
Cyber threats are evolving fast. AI-generated scams, deepfakes, and ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) are becoming more common, and businesses need to identify which threats are most relevant to their operations.
Is the business fully compliant with relevant regulations?
Compliance with frameworks like NDPR, GDPR, and other cybersecurity standards ensures legal protection, builds trust with clients, and demonstrates that the organisation handles data responsibly.
Does the organisation have a well-defined and tested incident response plan?
A documented plan helps teams respond quickly to breaches, reducing downtime and financial losses. Testing the plan regularly ensures it works under real-world conditions.
How often do employees participate in phishing awareness and cybersecurity training?
Employees are often the first line of defense. Regular training helps staff recognize and report phishing attempts or suspicious activities before they escalate.
Are third-party vendors thoroughly assessed for security vulnerabilities?
Vendors can be a weak link. Regular assessments and security requirements in contracts reduce the risk of breaches through third-party systems.
Is the organization’s cloud infrastructure regularly audited?
Cloud misconfigurations and unauthorized access are major risks. Regular audits help identify vulnerabilities and prevent data leaks.
Are data backups securely encrypted, properly stored, and routinely tested?
Reliable backups ensure data can be recovered after ransomware attacks or system failures. Testing restores ensures the backups actually work when needed.
Does the organisation enforce multi-factor authentication and least-privilege access controls?
MFA and limited access reduce the risk of account compromise. Only authorized users should have access to critical systems and data.
Is the business leveraging advanced, AI-driven security solutions?
Modern threats move fast. AI-powered tools can detect anomalies, suspicious behavior, and breaches faster than traditional antivirus systems.
Is cybersecurity embedded as a core element of business strategy?
Security should not be an afterthought. Treating cybersecurity as a strategic priority aligns protection with business goals and ensures long-term resilience.