When most people think of cybercrime, they imagine attacks on big banks, major retailers, or government systems. After all, that’s where the big money is — right?

In reality, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are just as appealing to cybercriminals — and often even more so. With limited budgets, lean teams, and plenty of valuable data, SMEs are frequently seen as easy targets.

Here are seven reasons SMEs are firmly on hackers’ radar — and, more importantly, what you can do to fight back.

1. Limited Resources

Large corporations have entire departments dedicated to cybersecurity. Most SMEs don’t. Smaller budgets and fewer staff mean fewer firewalls, slower system updates, and weaker defences — all of which make life easier for attackers.

Tip: Even modest investments in layered protection — such as secure email filtering, anti-virus tools, and multi-factor authentication — can significantly reduce your risk.

2. Limited Security Expertise

You’re focused on running your business, not tracking every new cyber threat. Attackers know that. Without in-house specialists, SMEs often miss early warning signs or fail to implement best-practice security controls.

Tip: Partner with a trusted IT or cybersecurity provider who can monitor your systems, respond to alerts, and stop small issues from becoming major incidents.

3. Valuable Data

Your business data is more valuable than you might think. Customer information, payment details, employee records, and intellectual property can all fetch a high price on the dark web. Hackers may sell it, use it for identity theft, or demand ransom for its return.

Tip: Encrypt sensitive data and back it up securely — ideally in an isolated (“air-gapped”) system that cybercriminals can’t access.

4. Supply Chain Vulnerabilities

SMEs often serve as suppliers or partners to larger organisations. Criminals exploit this, targeting smaller firms as a way to infiltrate big-name companies further down the line — a tactic known as “hacking upwards.”

Tip: Show clients you take security seriously. Achieving certifications like Cyber Essentials can strengthen your reputation and open doors to new business.

5. Low Employee Awareness

Many breaches start with a simple mistake — one employee clicking a malicious link or downloading an infected attachment. Human error remains one of the most common causes of successful attacks.

Tip: Run regular cybersecurity awareness training. Empower your team to recognise phishing emails, social engineering tactics, and suspicious activity. A well-informed workforce is one of your best lines of defence.

6. Industry-Specific Threats

Some sectors are particularly attractive to cybercriminals — such as healthcare, finance, and retail — because of the rich data they hold. But no industry is immune; hackers go where the opportunity is.

Tip: Stay informed about sector-specific risks and update your defences regularly to match the evolving threat landscape.

7. Quick Wins for Attackers

Not every cyberattack is a high-stakes operation. Many hackers are simply after easy wins — quick ransomware payouts, stolen data, or fraudulent transactions. SMEs are often seen as the path of least resistance.

Tip: Build resilience. Maintain secure backups and a clear recovery plan so you can restore operations quickly and deny hackers the reward they’re after.

Building Your Defence

The good news? You don’t need a huge corporate IT budget to stay secure. A layered approach — combining smart technology, continuous monitoring, staff training, and reliable backups — can make all the difference.

Cybersecurity isn’t only about stopping attacks; it’s about recovering quickly and confidently if one happens. With the right safeguards, what could have been a disaster becomes just a temporary disruption.

At the end of the day, SMEs are targeted because cybercriminals assume they’re easy prey. Prove them wrong — and you’ll not only protect your business but also strengthen your reputation, customer trust, and long-term success.