Small Businesses Are Now Prime Targets for Cybercriminals
Many small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) mistakenly believe they’re too small to attract cyberattacks. But hackers are increasingly proving them wrong, shifting focus from large corporations to more vulnerable smaller firms.
According to Dark Atlas, a web monitoring platform, ransomware gangs like Akira are now targeting SMBs with double-extortion attacks—encrypting data and threatening to leak it unless a ransom is paid. In 2024 alone, Akira reportedly attacked over 350 companies worldwide, raking in about $42 million, mostly from North American victims.
How These Attacks Happen
Attackers typically use stolen credentials to access networks secured with only basic authentication. Once inside, they deploy malware that locks essential files and demand payment for their release. SMBs with under 100 employees are especially at risk due to limited cybersecurity defenses.
Who’s Being Targeted
Akira’s top targets are businesses in North America, Europe, and Australia, where crypto values make payouts more lucrative. Sectors like education, healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and even defense have been affected.
Should Businesses Pay the Ransom?
Experts strongly advise against paying. It encourages more attacks and doesn’t guarantee access to your data. Even worse, attackers may strike again if vulnerabilities aren’t fixed.
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