Written by: Aaron Pries, Technology Consultant
Treasure Hunting: Cybercriminals Are Pillaging Affluent but Under-Resourced SMBs
Small and mid-sized businesses are quickly becoming prime targets for cybercriminals, especially when it comes to vulnerabilities in vendors and supply chains. Why? Because financial success doesn’t guarantee security. Even highly successful SMBs often don’t have the same cybersecurity resources that larger enterprises do, leaving them as attractive targets for cybercriminals to target.
And the problem is only getting worse. In 2024, supply chain attacks skyrocketed. Check Point Software’s 2025 Security Report found a staggering 179% year-over-year increase in weekly cyberattacks targeting software supply chains. Instead of going after companies directly, attackers are increasingly slipping in through third-party vendors — using one breach to hit multiple organizations at once.
One of the most eye-opening examples was the MOVEit file-transfer breach, which impacted over 10 million individuals and more than 1,700 organizations. It’s a stark reminder that in today’s digitally connected world, your company’s security is only as strong as your weakest link.
Proactive Measures for SMBs
To successfully navigate these risks, SMBs should consider the following mitigation strategies:
- Conduct Thorough Vendor Assessments: Routinely evaluate the security practices of all third-party vendors to ensure they meet your organization's security and quality standards.
- Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Enhance access controls by requiring multiple forms of verification for system access. Also consider adding conditional access controls when possible, for administrative accounts.
- Regular Security Training: Continuously educate employees about phishing, social engineering, and other common attack vectors.
- Develop an Incident Response Plan: Develop comprehensive plans to respond swiftly to any security breaches, minimizing potential damage.
For many small and mid-sized businesses, facing the rising tide of supply chain cyberattacks can feel overwhelming. Limited budgets, understaffed IT teams, and a lack of in-house expertise often leave companies vulnerable. This is where seeking outside help becomes not just smart — but essential.
Let’s be honest — navigating today’s cybersecurity challenges can feel like trying to fix a sinking ship with a bucket. Between managing vendors, monitoring systems, and staying ahead of new threats, it’s easy for even the most successful businesses to feel overwhelmed.
That’s why asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness — it’s one of the smartest moves you can make. Partnering with a trusted IT firm or advisor gives you access to expert guidance, proven tools, and a strategy that actually fits your business, not just a one-size-fits-all checklist.
At Xamin, we help security conscious SMBs take a step back, assess where their real risks are hiding, and put together a clear, actionable roadmap for stronger cybersecurity. Whether it’s evaluating your vendor relationships, tightening up your policies, or recommending the right technologies, we’re here to make sure you're prepared — and protected.
Feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start? Let’s talk about it! Contact us today and let’s work together to assess your infrastructure, review your policies, and build a plan that helps you tackle cyber threats with confidence.