At LB Tech Solutions, we’ve seen first-hand how damaging an attack can be from lost revenue to damaged reputations. Let’s break down why SMBs are on hackers’ radar and how the right cybersecurity system can change everything.
Why Hackers Target SMBs
Many small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) think hackers only go after big companies. That is not true. Criminals often target SMBs because they hold valuable data but have fewer security defences.
1. Limited IT Security Resources
Most SMBs do not have a full-time IT security team. This leaves gaps in their systems. Hackers look for these weak spots.
2. Access to Valuable Data
Customer information, payment details, and supplier records are worth a lot to criminals. Hackers sell this data or use it for fraud.
3. Stepping Stones to Larger Companies
If you work with bigger businesses, you could be a way in for attackers. They might use your systems to reach your partners or clients.
4. Smaller Security Budgets
Tight budgets mean older systems, less security training, and fewer tools. This makes attacks easier for cybercriminals.
Case Study: GreenLeaf Landscaping
Here is a real example that shows the risks.
The Situation
GreenLeaf Landscaping, a 20-person local gardening business, manages customer bookings and invoices through a cloud system. One Monday morning, staff couldn’t access files. Instead, a ransomware message appeared, demanding £8,000 in Bitcoin.
What Happened
An employee had opened a fake invoice email containing malware. This allowed attackers to lock all company files and take down the business’s website.
The Business Impact
- 4 days without taking bookings or processing payments.
- Loss of trust from several corporate clients
- £5,000 spent on emergency IT recovery ( excluding the ransom demand)
How a Solid Cybersecurity System Could Have Helped
If GreenLeaf had invested in the right protections, the attack could have been stopped before it caused damage. Here’s how:
Advanced Threat Protection
Email filtering and anti-malware tools would have blocked the fake invoice before it reached staff.
Employee Cyber Awareness Training
Regular training and phishing simulations would help staff recognise suspicious emails.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Even if credentials were stolen, MFA would have stopped unauthorised access.
Automated Backups & Recovery
Daily, secure backups could have restored files within hours, not days.
24/7 Monitoring & Rapid Response
Constant system monitoring would immediately detect unusual activity, isolating infected devices before the ransomware spreads.
The Takeaway for SMBs
Cyberattacks aren’t just a problem for “big companies.” They’re a growing threat to every organisation, especially those that think they’re too small to be a target.
With the right cybersecurity system in place, you can protect your data, avoid costly downtime, and keep your clients’ trust intact.
How LB Tech Solutions Can Help SMBs Stay Protected
At LB Tech Solutions, we help SMBs put strong, affordable security in place so they can focus on growing their business without worrying about the next cyberattack.
Ready to secure your business? Book a free cybersecurity assessment with our team today and take the first step towards a safer future.
