Cyber Security for SMEs: Strategies, best practices, and solutions against cyberattacks

August 7, 2025

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face an increasing threat from cyberattacks. According to ENISA, over 80% of surveyed SMEs stated that cybersecurity issues would have a serious negative impact on their business, with 57% believing they would likely become bankrupt or go out of business.

Many of these businesses lack the resources and budgets for robust cybersecurity measures, making them prime targets for cybercriminals. So, how can SMEs bolster their digital security and protect themselves from these attacks?

Recognizing the threat

SMEs often underestimate cyberattack threats, relying too heavily on perceived digital security. This underestimation exacerbates the issue, as a significant proportion of attacks specifically target SMEs, many of which end up out of business within months of a security incident.

To avoid becoming another statistic, SMEs must take proactive measures to protect themselves.

Cyber Security is not just a concern for large corporations; it is essential for businesses of every size and sector.

Key cyberthreats facing SMEs

The most common threats SMEs face include:

Ransomware: Malware that encrypts company data, demanding a ransom for its release. This can paralyze operations by locking access to critical information until the ransom is paid or alternative solutions are found.
Phishing: Attempts to obtain confidential information by posing as trusted entities, such as in CEO fraud schemes. Cybercriminals use fraudulent emails or messages to trick employees into revealing credentials or sensitive data.
Malware: Malicious software designed to infiltrate or damage IT systems. It can enter through insecure downloads, compromised websites, or suspicious email attachments. Once inside, malware can steal data, spy on activities, or corrupt files.
Social Engineering: Techniques to manipulate individuals into divulging confidential information. Attackers exploit trust and lack of cybersecurity awareness to access protected systems or sensitive data.
Supply Chain Attacks: Targeting suppliers to gain access to company systems. These attacks leverage trust between companies and their vendors, compromising security via third parties.
DDoS Attacks: Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks overwhelm a company’s servers with massive traffic, causing systems to crash or operate extremely slowly. This can completely disrupt online operations, harm service availability, and damage reputations.

Security strategies for protecting SMEs

To effectively guard against these threats, SMEs should adopt a series of strategies and best practices.

1. Invest in Cyber Security

Although it might seem costly, cybersecurity investment is necessary. This includes acquiring up-to-date security software, hiring specialized personnel, and providing continuous training for employees.

Challenge: Limited budgets and resources are among the main reasons SMEs are vulnerable to cyberattacks.

2. Training and awareness

Employee cybersecurity training is critical. Staff should understand potential threats and recognize and avoid them. Regular training programs can include phishing simulations and workshops on best practices for digital security.

Impact: Proper training significantly reduces errors risk, as human factors are often the weakest link in the security chain.

3. Implement basic security measures

SMEs, including micro-businesses and self-employed professionals, can enhance their digital security through simple yet effective measures:

Use strong passwords and update them regularly.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for all accounts.
Keep all systems and software updated to protect against known vulnerabilities.
Perform regular backups of critical data and store them securely.
Develop and maintain an incident response plan to manage and mitigate damages in case of an attack.

Benefict: Even a few basic security measures can significantly reduce cyberattack risk.

Cyber Security services and solutions for SMEs

For SMEs seeking comprehensive and cost-effective protection, managed security solutions offer robust defenses against a wide range of cyber threats without significant investment in infrastructure or specialized personnel.

Some tailored solutions include:

Secure business platform: A centralized platform enabling companies to manage their Cyber Security needs, offering protection against malware, data breaches, and continuous expert support from dedicated Security Operations Centers (SOC).
Email protection services: These services, such as our Clean Email Business solution, filter malicious and unwanted emails, reducing the risk of phishing and email-based attacks while enhancing business communications security.
Advanced connection security: Tools that safeguard employees from viruses, malware, phishing, and other threats, as well as provide web content filtering to control access to harmful sites.

Cyberattacks are increasingly numerous, complex, sophisticated, and fast-moving.

The high prevalence of cyberattacks targeting Spanish SMEs underscores the urgent need to enhance cybersecurity protection and training. By investing in security measures, educating employees, and adopting best practices, SMEs can strengthen their defenses against cyberattacks and ensure operational continuity in an environment where threats continue to evolve rapidly.

■ We at Telefónica Tech offer the best professionals, capabilities, and comprehensive specialized support to SMEs, so that any company, regardless of size and sector, can effectively protect itself against cyber threats.

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