5 IT Security Risks Every Small Business Should Watch Out For in 2025

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) encounter an unparalleled degree of cybersecurity threats. Cyber incidents, such as data breaches, ransomware attacks, and IT outages, have been identified as the leading business risk for 2025, highlighting the importance of robust cybersecurity measures for SMBs.

Introduction to IT Security Risks

Small businesses face greater vulnerability because they have fewer resources and less infrastructure than larger corporations. Understanding these risks is crucial for protecting against financial loss, reputational damage, and legal liabilities.

Top IT Security Risks for Small Businesses

1. Ransomware Attacks

Ransomware attacks have become increasingly common, representing 24% of all breaches. A major concern is that 75% of SMBs would be unable to continue operating if targeted by ransomware.

Mitigation Strategies:

• Regular Backups: Maintain regular system backups of sensitive information to ensure business continuity.
• Security Patches: Patch known system vulnerabilities with security updates to prevent exploitation.
• Multi-Factor Authentication: Implement phishing-resistant multifactor authentication for company email accounts.

2. Phishing and Business Email Compromise (BEC)

Phishing attacks have surged globally, with 600 attempts per 1,000 email addresses. Business Email Compromise (BEC) attacks have escalated significantly, posing a serious threat to financial transactions.

Mitigation Strategies:

• Employee Training: Implement regular cybersecurity awareness training for employees to recognize phishing attempts.
• Email Verification: Encourage employees to verify email requests, especially those involving financial transactions.

3. Outdated Software and Unpatched Systems

Small businesses frequently depend on outdated software or inadequately secured Wi-Fi networks, rendering them vulnerable to hackers.

Mitigation Strategies:

• Regular Updates: Ensure all software and systems are regularly updated with the latest security patches.
• Secure Wi-Fi: Implement strong password policies and secure Wi-Fi networks.

4. Insider Threats and Human Error

Employees often expose IT networks to malicious software. Insufficient phishing awareness training and inadequate AI security risks training are significant concerns.

Mitigation Strategies:

• Access Controls: Implement strict access controls to limit employee access to sensitive data.
• Monitoring: Monitor employee activities to detect unusual behaviour.

5. Lack of Cyber Insurance

Only 17% of small businesses have cyber insurance, with many acquiring it after experiencing an attack.

Mitigation Strategies:

• Cyber Insurance: Invest in cyber insurance to cover potential losses from cyber incidents.
• Risk Assessment: Conduct regular risk assessments to identify and address vulnerabilities.
• Cyber Essentials Plus Accreditation: Can trigger £100,000 of cyber insurance free of charge.

Mitigating IT Security Risks

To protect against these risks, small businesses should adopt several best practices including:

• Conduct Regular Risk Assessments: Identify vulnerabilities and strengthen security measures proactively.
• Implement Multi-Factor Authentication: Add an extra layer of security to prevent unauthorised access.
• Use AI driven Anti-Virus: To ensure your Anti-virus on all devices accessing your data is the best it can be.
• Use Anti-Malware Software: Protect against malicious software.
• Regularly Update Software: Ensure all systems are up to date with the latest security patches.
• Replace IT that is no longer supported: For example: Microsoft Windows 10 goes end of support October 2025, replace or upgrade before that date.
• Backup Data: Regularly backup critical data to a datacentre with ransomware protection software to ensure business continuity in case of a breach.

For a more in-depth review of your businesses risk level and a comprehensive set of mitigations please ask your IT partner or contact the Greenlight Computers team.

FAQs About Managed IT Services for Small Businesses

Q: What Are Managed IT Services?

A: Managed IT services involve outsourcing your business’s IT operations to a third-party provider. This includes proactive monitoring, maintenance, and support of your IT infrastructure.

Q: How Can Managed IT Services Benefit My Small Business?

A: Managed IT services offer cost savings by reducing the need for in-house IT staff, provide access to a team of IT professionals with diverse skills, and offer proactive support to identify and resolve issues before they become major problems.

Q: What Services Are Typically Included?

A: Services typically include network monitoring, data backup and recovery, cybersecurity protection, and help desk support.

Q: How Can Greenlight Computers Help?

A: At Greenlight Computers, we specialise in providing managed IT services tailored to the needs of small and medium-sized businesses. Our services include 24/7 IT support, cybersecurity solutions, data backup and recovery, and cloud services. Partner with us to secure your business’s IT infrastructure and focus on what you do best running your business.

By recognising and tackling these IT security challenges, small businesses can bolster their operations and retain a competitive advantage in the online marketplace. Reach out to Greenlight Computers today to discover how we can assist in shielding your business from cyber threats.