
Title: What SMBs Can Learn From Enterprise Threat Detection and Response Programs
As small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) face an increasing number of cyber threats, it’s essential to adopt cost-effective cybersecurity strategies that align with their limited resources. A recent survey revealed that SMBs experience more ransomware attacks than large enterprises, emphasizing the need for organizations of all sizes to strengthen their defenses. One way for SMBs to achieve this is by adopting key elements from enterprise threat detection and response programs.
While some threat detection and response solutions may be costly, SMBs can learn from these practices and implement scaled-down versions that fit within their budgets and security objectives. The primary goal should not be to replicate the exact same solutions used by large enterprises but rather to adapt the principles to suit smaller organizations.
Threat detection and response programs empower security operations teams to anticipate and respond to threats proactively. Critical components include proactive threat hunting, real-time threat detection, and response automation. While enterprises have the resources to invest in these solutions, SMBs can implement adapted versions that align with their size and budget. By adopting these strategies, SMBs can improve their security posture without overburdening their resources.
In addition to incorporating automated response mechanisms, SMBs should focus on strategic outsourcing and good cyber hygiene practices. For instance, they can outsource the management of multiple security layers to an MSSP (Managed Security Services Provider), freeing up internal teams to focus on other critical tasks. By committing to these core best practices, SMBs can reduce their risk profile.
The following steps can help SMBs strengthen their cybersecurity:
1. Implement response programs with automated playbooks and alerts: This ensures timely responses to detected security incidents, enabling the right people to take action before damage escalates.
2. Assess internal capabilities and outsource where necessary: By evaluating what security tasks they can manage in-house and what needs to be offloaded, SMBs can optimize their budgets and maintain a robust defense strategy.
3. Prioritize cyber hygiene practices: This includes maintaining up-to-date software and systems, using strong passwords and multifactor authentication (MFA), providing regular security awareness training, adhering to a proper cadence for evaluating security posture and managing access controls.
In conclusion, AI-driven cyberattacks make responding to threats just as crucial as detecting them. SMBs must prioritize security to safeguard their operations, finances, and reputation.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbestechcouncil/2025/04/25/what-smbs-can-learn-from-enterprise-threat-detection-and-response-programs/