Page 63 - Cyber Defense eMagazine January 2024

Top 6 Security Challenges of SMEs

Balancing the speed of growth with the quality of security is extremely difficult, but SMEs must find a way
to prioritize both. Otherwise, you could open your doors to the following risks and challenges.

1. Outdated Technology

Reliance on basic security strategies like firewalls and antivirus software is rife among SMEs. Who can
blame them? New cybersecurity technology is either too complex, expensive, or requires deep
knowledge to maintain. Providers’ pricing and packaging options are often not appealing to SMEs and
their specific and complex requirements, which makes purchasing and maintaining a security tech stack
overwhelming.

2. Overworked Teams

SMEs’ IT teams often turn the cogs with limited budgets and resources, meaning every business decision
requires careful prioritization. But this leanness leaves IT teams siloed from the rest of the business and
juggling multiple plates. For this reason, 90% of IT staff say they are paying less attention to security
alerts than last year.

Cyber Defense eMagazine – January 2024 Edition 63
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