Small and medium-scale businesses may often overlook the need for powerful security measures. Usually, the main thought behind it is that they are too small an entity to be considered as targets. However, obscurity may not always provide security. SMEs are equally, if not more, vulnerable to security threats from cyber criminals as new and evolved attack tactics emerge. Cyberattacks have become more automated and advanced, allowing hundreds and thousands of businesses to be targeted simultaneously.

Keeping afloat of latest trends and innovations, finding experienced and dedicated cybersecurity staff, investing in enterprise-grade defences, conducting regular cybersecurity training and gaining access to robust security tools like multi-factor authentication or password managers, it can all add up to too much of an effort and can easily be overlooked. This often makes it all the more easier for cybercriminals to target you!

Accenture’s cybercrime study shows that almost 43% of cyberattacks are aimed towards small businesses and only 14% of these accounted SMEs are prepared to face such an attack. It is hence crucial to prioritise cybersecurity to protect operations as well as reputation while maintaining a smooth workflow and a productive environment. A successful ransomware attack can have severe consequences, including financial loss, disruption of services, and damage to the brand image. Rebuilding customer trust after a security breach can be challenging and may lead to the loss of potential clients

The question arises, what are the major threats to small and medium enterprises and what are the specific security needs of SMEs to conquer these threats? Phishing, social engineering, ransomware and malware are some of the most common attacks on SMEs which are currently surging in numbers. To secure your enterprise from these, one doesn’t need to look any further than Windows 11 Pro and its extensive suite of security features. Through Windows 11 Pro, small and medium-sized businesses can access enterprise-level security features like BitLocker and Windows Information Protection, achieve breakthrough productivity and unlock AI advantages, all without breaking the bank.

With layered hardware and software-based security, it works together to shrink the attack surface, protect system integrity, and shield valuable data. New and enhanced features are designed for security by default. Windows’ built-in security ensures encryption & data protection, and provides network security and advanced virus protection.

Enhanced phishing protection with Microsoft Defender SmartScreen helps thwart credential theft by warning users when they enter their Microsoft credentials into a malicious website. It is specially designed to help protect you from websites Microsoft believes are fraudulent and try to steal your personal information.

Enabling and managing secured access also becomes a breeze with Windows Hello for Business and Access Control. Windows Hello for Business devices can protect user identities by removing the need to use passwords and enabling a combination of a security key or certificate with a PIN or biometrics data. Windows Hello biometrics also supports enhanced sign-in security, which uses specialised hardware and software components to raise the security bar even higher for biometric sign-in. Access Control ensures that shared resources are available to users and groups other than the resource’s owner and are protected from unauthorised use.

Windows 11 Pro enables a zero-trust protection security model that gives the right people the right access at the right time. Zero-trust security is based on three principles: Reducing risk by explicitly verifying data points such as user identity, location, and device health for every access request, without exception. Secondly, giving people and devices access to only necessary resources for the necessary amount of time. And lastly, using continuous analytics to drive threat detection and improve defences.

Cybersecurity is a culture that an organisation has to embrace. It is a journey and not a one time thing; it must be constant and ever-flowing. SMEs in the current technology-driven age have to not only embrace but prioritise it and for each step of the way, Windows 11 Pro is the perfect thrust.