Cyber security for SMBs has never been more important. Especially with the recent significant shift towards Attack-As-A-Service.

Traditionally, cyber criminals set their sights on larger entities with the assumption that once breached, they would yield greater financial rewards. However, the paradigm is now changing as advanced cyber-attack tools and services become more accessible via the dark web.

SMBs, with their limited resources and expertise, are therefore finding themselves increasingly in the crosshairs as these out-of-the-box hacking services become more accessible. This shift is evident in the growing number of attacks targeting smaller organisations, particularly in Australia.

According to recent statistics from MarketSplash, the ease of acquiring sophisticated cyber attack tools on the dark web has empowered criminals to launch devastating attacks on unsuspecting businesses.

SMBs, lacking the robust cyber security infrastructure of their larger counterparts, are increasingly becoming prime targets for cyber threats.

The statistics reveal a concerning trend, with a notable surge in cybercriminals offering hacking-as-a-service, allowing even less skilled individuals to execute complex attacks on unsuspecting businesses and their staff.

• Rise in Cyber Crime Services: The dark web statistics highlight a notable increase in the availability of cyber crime services, underscoring the commoditisation of hacking tools and expertise.
• Affordability of Cyber Attack Tools: The accessibility and affordability of advanced cyber attack tools on the dark web have lowered the barrier for entry, enabling a broader range of cyber criminals to target SMBs.
• Increase in Targeted Attacks: SMBs are witnessing a surge in targeted attacks, showcasing a shift in focus from larger enterprises to smaller, more vulnerable organisations.

In light of these emerging threats, MSPs that protect the IT infrastructure of SMBs in Australia must adopt a proactive and vigilant stance to safeguard their client’s digital assets.

Manage Protect urges businesses to prioritise cyber security and implement cost-effective measures to mitigate the risks associated with Attack-As-A-Service.

1. Cyber Security Training: Ensure that your clients and their employees have at least base-level training in recognising and responding to the growing number of cyber threats. Education is a powerful defence against social engineering and phishing attacks in particular.
2. SMB Threat Protection: As the hacking software grows thankfully so too do the solutions to meet them. At Manage Protect we’ve done a lot of the hard work sourcing the optimum threat protection solutions for your SMB clients so that you don’t have to.
3. Regular Security Audits: Conduct regular security audits to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses in the IT infrastructure of your clients. Timely identification allows for swift remediation and strengthens your credibility as an MSP as well as the overall security posture of your end users.
4. Incident Response Planning: Develop and communicate an incident response plan with your clients to streamline the response process in the event of a cyber attack. Having a well-defined plan can significantly minimise the impact of a security incident.
5. Collaboration with Cyber Security Experts: Consider partnering with cyber security specialists like Manage Protect to leverage our expertise and stay ahead of evolving threats. Managed security services can provide continuous monitoring and threat intelligence to enhance overall cybersecurity defences.

As the cyber threat landscape continues to evolve, SMBs in Australia must remain vigilant and proactive in defending against the growing menace of Attack-As-A-Service. By adopting the right solutions you too can employ a comprehensive cyber security strategy and implement it smoothly for your clients.

Regardless of where you are in your cyber journey, feel free to speak to the team for more tailored advice or guidance. As a first step, by following the recommended measures, SMBs can fortify their defences and navigate the digital landscape with confidence.