Cybersecurity for Small and Mid-Size Businesses

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Attackers moved down-market. In Verizon's 2025 Data Breach Investigations Report, ransomware showed up in 88% of breaches at small and mid-size businesses, against 39% at large companies. Big companies got harder to break into, so criminals went where there is no security team. The median ransom payment was $115,000.

Cytek is that security team for companies with no one on staff for it: 24/7 monitoring, regular testing and plain-language reports through the Safeguard™ platform, working alongside whoever handles your IT.

Talk to an analyst →Get your security score

01

Why small businesses get hit

  • No one is watching. Your IT provider fixes what breaks. Nobody is looking for the attacker who logged in with a stolen password at 2 a.m.
  • Email is the front door. Fake invoices, payroll changes and vendor "new bank account" emails. The FBI counted $2.77 billion in business email compromise losses in 2024.
  • One password does too much. Shared admin accounts, no multi-factor authentication, and remote access tools left open to the internet.
  • Backups that were never tested. Ransomware groups go after backups first. If yours sit on the same network, they go too.
  • You are someone's vendor. Attackers use small suppliers as a way into their larger customers, which is why those customers now send security questionnaires.

02

What you are expected to have

  • Cyber insurance requirements. Applications now ask for MFA on email and remote access, endpoint detection and response, tested or offline backups, and staff training. Answer wrong and a claim can be denied.
  • Customer and partner questionnaires. Larger customers, lenders and healthcare clients ask for proof of security before they sign.
  • Oklahoma breach law. From January 1, 2026, a breach affecting 500 or more Oklahoma residents must be reported to the Attorney General within 60 days. Businesses with reasonable safeguards in place get a safe harbor from penalties.
  • Card payments. PCI DSS 4.0 applies to any business that accepts cards, with its remaining requirements in force since March 31, 2025.
  • Industry rules that reach you. If you serve healthcare clients you are likely a HIPAA business associate. Defense suppliers need CMMC. Tax preparers, lenders and auto dealers fall under the FTC Safeguards Rule.

03

How Cytek helps

Related

Also see

Professional services

Law firms, accounting firms and advisors keeping client files confidential.

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Finance and insurance

Banks, credit unions, advisors and agencies with examiners to answer to.

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Safeguard platform

MDR, SIEM, ITDR, scanning and more in one portal.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

We are small. Are we really a target?

Yes. Attacks are automated. Scanners find an open remote desktop port or a reused password without knowing or caring who you are. Verizon's numbers show ransomware is now more common in small-business breaches than in large ones.

What does it cost?

Pricing is based on the number of users and devices we protect. Talk to an analyst and we will give you a straight quote.

Do we need to replace our IT company?

No. Your IT provider keeps things running. We watch for attackers, test your defenses and handle the security documentation, and we work with the provider you already have.

Where do we start?

With a security score. It takes a short conversation and shows your biggest gaps, usually MFA, backups and monitoring. Fix those three and you are ahead of most businesses your size.

Sources: Verizon 2025 DBIR · FBI IC3 2024 Internet Crime Report · Oklahoma SB 626 summary (National Law Review) · PCI Security Standards Council. This page is general information, not legal advice.

Get a security team without hiring one

Talk to an analyst about monitoring, testing or your insurance application.

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