Cybersecurity Under Fire: 7 Immediate Steps SMBs Should Take During Global Unrest

As geopolitical instability fuels a surge in cyber threats, small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) face heightened risks from ransomware, phishing, and supply chain attacks. Global unrest—whether tied to Middle East conflicts or other tensions—creates fertile ground for cybercriminals to exploit under-resourced SMBs.

In 2024, 95% of SMB cybersecurity incidents cost between $826 and $653,587, with 75% of SMBs unable to survive a major breach. Even businesses far from conflict zones are vulnerable in today’s interconnected digital ecosystem. Here are seven practical steps every SMB should take to bolster cybersecurity during turbulent times.

1. Patch Systems Without Delay

Unpatched software is a prime target, especially during global chaos when attackers exploit known vulnerabilities. In 2024, 93% of company networks were penetrable due to unpatched systems. Prioritize updates for:

• Operating systems (e.g., Windows, macOS)
• VPNs and firewalls
• Internet-facing applications (e.g., web servers)

Enable automatic updates to stay current and use tools like OpenVAS (integrated in AIOpenSec’s platform) for vulnerability scanning.

2. Enforce Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

MFA blocks up to 99.9% of credential-based attacks, a critical defense against phishing spikes during unrest. Require MFA for:

• Email accounts (e.g., Microsoft 365, Gmail)
• Cloud services (e.g., AWS, Google Workspace)
• Remote access tools (e.g., RDP, VPNs)

Free MFA solutions from Microsoft or Google are easy to deploy and cause minimal disruption. Start with admin accounts to protect critical systems.

3. Train Employees to Spot Phishing

Phishing accounts for 84% of cyber breaches at SMBs, with attackers exploiting global unrest through fake crisis alerts or donation scams. For example, phishing campaigns mimicking Middle East conflict relief efforts surged in 2024. Take these steps:

• Run phishing simulations using tools like KnowBe4 (free versions available).
• Train staff to verify links and attachments, especially from “urgent” supplier emails.
• Update training quarterly to address evolving tactics.

4. Backup Data—And Test Your Restores

Ransomware attacks, which spiked 37% year-over-year in 2024, thrive during global unrest, with 88% of SMB breaches involving ransomware. Protect your data:

• Maintain offline or cloud-based backups of critical business data (e.g., customer records, financials).
• Use affordable solutions like Backblaze or Google One.
• Test restores monthly to ensure backups are functional—many SMBs discover too late that backups fail.

5. Audit Third-Party Vendors and Supply Chain Security

Supply chain attacks are expected to hit 45% of organizations by 2025, often targeting SMBs as weak links. A 2023 UK logistics SMB breach via a compromised Middle Eastern vendor exposed this risk. Act now:

• Conduct vendor risk assessments before onboarding.
• Require vendors to patch systems and follow incident response protocols.
• Limit vendor access to sensitive systems using role-based controls.

6. Harden Remote Access and Cloud Services

Remote access and cloud services are prime targets, with a 75% spike in cloud-based attacks in 2024. Strengthen defenses:

• Disable unused accounts and enforce strong passwords.
• Monitor for unusual login activity using tools like AIOpenSec’s EDR.
• Restrict admin privileges to essential staff only, reducing the impact of compromised credentials.

7. Prepare and Practice Your Incident Response Plan

A single breach can cost SMBs a median of $115,000 in ransom or recovery. A simple incident response plan saves time and money:

• Identify key contacts (e.g., IT, legal, authorities).
• Outline steps for containment, communication, and recovery.
• Run a tabletop exercise annually to practice responses to ransomware or phishing scenarios. Free templates from CISA can guide you.

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Pro Tip: Stay Informed

Subscribe to threat intelligence feeds from trusted sources like:

• CISA for ransomware alerts
• NCSC for UK-specific guidance
• Kaspersky’s SMB Threat Reports for emerging trends

Quick awareness of new threats, like the Play ransomware group targeting SMBs globally, helps you stay ahead.

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Final Thoughts: Resilience Over Perfection

No SMB is immune to cyber threats, but you don’t need a massive budget to build resilience. In 2025, with ransomware, phishing, and supply chain attacks surging, these seven steps are your first line of defense against global unrest-driven threats. Act now to protect your business and avoid becoming collateral damage.

Need help? Contact AIOpenSec Labs for a free SMB cyber health check or download our free cybersecurity checklist.

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About AIOpenSec Labs

AIOpenSec Labs Limited empowers SMBs with practical, affordable cybersecurity solutions to combat threats like ransomware and phishing. Our SaaS platform, built on trusted tools like Wazuh and OpenVAS, helps small and mid-sized businesses stay secure in an uncertain world. Learn more at www.aiopensec.com.

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References:

• MSSP Alert: SMB Cybersecurity Gap The Alarming Cybersecurity Risks Facing SMBs - www.secureworld.io
• CISA: Ransomware Trends 2021 Trends Show Increased Globalized Threat of Ransomware - www.cisa.gov
• Flow Specialty: Emerging Cyber Risks 2025 Emerging Cyber Risk Trends for SMBs in 2025 - www.flowspecialty.com
• NinjaOne: SMB Cybersecurity Stats 7 SMB Cybersecurity Statistics for 2025 - www.ninjaone.com
• Deloitte: Phishing and Ransomware Phishing and Ransomware - www.deloitte.com
• Cyberpress: Supply Chain Attacks Supply Chain Attacks: The New Frontier in Cybersecurity Threats - cyberpress.org
• GOV.UK: Cyber Breaches Survey 2024 Cyber security breaches survey 2024 - www.gov.uk
• Kaspersky SMB Threat Report (via X) Posted by @shah_sheikh, 2025-06-25
• Ransomware Stats (via X) Posted by @ethanhays, 2025-06-25