Mid-market enterprises (MMEs) are increasingly becoming top targets for cybercriminals. These businesses, which typically have annual revenues of between $10 million and $1 billion, are often seen as more vulnerable to cyber attacks than larger enterprises. 

In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the reasons why MMEs are particularly attractive targets for cybercriminals and discuss what these businesses can do to protect themselves.

MMEs are attractive targets because they often have valuable intellectual property and customer data, which can be monetized on the dark web. In addition, MMEs may not have the same level of cybersecurity resources as larger enterprises, making them more vulnerable to attacks. The bad actors know that MMEs may not have the budget or in-house expertise to adequately defend against cyber threats, and may therefore be more likely to pay a ransom to regain access to their systems.

MMEs are also more vulnerable to social engineering attacks, such as phishing scams and ransomware attacks. These types of attacks rely on tricking employees into divulging sensitive information or downloading malicious software. MMEs may not have robust security awareness training programs in place, making it easier for hackers to exploit their employees.

So, what can MMEs do to protect themselves against cyber-attacks? There are several steps that these businesses can take:

1. Implement strong passwords and use two-factor authentication to secure accounts. This can help prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data.
2. Keep software and security protocols up to date to protect against known vulnerabilities. This includes installing updates and patches as soon as they become available.
3. Use firewalls and antivirus software to protect against network intrusions. These tools can help prevent cybercriminals from gaining access to your systems.
4. Implement network segmentation to limit the spread of an attack. By segmenting your network, you can limit the damage that an attack can do and make it easier to identify and isolate the source of the attack.
5. Conduct regular security assessments to identify and address vulnerabilities. These assessments can help you identify weaknesses in your security posture and take steps to remediate them.
6. Educate employees about cybersecurity best practices, including recognizing and reporting phishing attempts. Your employees are the first line of defense against cyber attacks, and it’s important to ensure they are aware of the risks and how to protect themselves and your business.
7. Consider purchasing cyber insurance to protect against financial losses resulting from a cyber attack. Cyber insurance can help cover the costs of responding to an attack, such as legal fees, ransomware payments, and customer notification expenses.

By taking these steps, MMEs can significantly reduce their risk of falling victim to a cyber attack. It’s important for these businesses to prioritize cybersecurity and stay vigilant, as the consequences of a successful cyber attack can be devastating.