Cyberattacks no longer target only large enterprises. Small and mid-sized businesses are attractive precisely because they often have fewer controls. Here are seven threats every business should plan for—and the practical steps that reduce the risk.
1. Ransomware
Ransomware encrypts your systems and increasingly steals data before encrypting it, adding the threat of a leak. Attackers now target backups first.
Defend with: managed endpoint protection with EDR, prompt patching, MFA, and backups with an isolated, tested copy.
2. Phishing and business email compromise
Convincing emails trick staff into revealing passwords or paying fake invoices. Generative AI has made these messages more polished and harder to spot.
Defend with: email security, SPF/DKIM/DMARC to stop spoofing of your domain, MFA and regular awareness training.
3. Credential theft and account takeover
Stolen or reused passwords let attackers log in as legitimate users—bypassing many other controls.
Defend with: multi-factor authentication, privileged access controls and prompt removal of leavers' access.
4. Unpatched and exposed systems
Internet-facing firewalls, VPNs and web applications with known vulnerabilities are scanned and exploited within days of disclosure.
Defend with: an up-to-date asset inventory, patch management, and regular vulnerability scanning and VAPT.
5. Third-party and supply-chain risk
Vendors, software providers and IT contractors with access to your systems or data can become an entry point.
Defend with: least-privilege vendor access, MFA for all remote access, and data-protection terms in vendor contracts.
6. Insider and accidental data leaks
Not every leak is malicious. Files emailed to the wrong person, sensitive data copied to USB drives or shared publicly in cloud folders all create exposure—and potential obligations under the DPDP Act.
Defend with: data loss prevention, controlled cloud sharing and encryption.
7. Web application attacks
Customer portals, e-commerce sites and APIs are exposed around the clock and often hold personal data.
Defend with: a web application firewall, OWASP-based testing and secure development practices. See Application Security.
The common thread
Most successful attacks exploit a small number of gaps: missing MFA, unpatched systems, weak email security and untested backups. Fixing these delivers most of the protection for a fraction of the effort.
Want to know where you stand? Book a Peritas Cyber Check or request a security assessment.
