SMBs urged to adopt EDR tools and fix basic cyber gaps

Small and medium-sized businesses remain prime targets for cybercrime, with 43% of attacks aimed at them while only 14% feel adequately prepared. Experts recommend adopting endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions that provide real‑time monitoring, automated remediation and easy management. Leading options for 2026 include CrowdStrike Falcon, SentinelOne and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, each offering AI‑driven threat detection and low performance impact suitable for limited IT resources.

Although AI‑enhanced malware garners headlines, the majority of incidents still stem from familiar weaknesses: phishing (26% of threats), unpatched vulnerabilities (23%) and insufficient security monitoring (22%). Strengthening staff awareness, maintaining timely patch cycles and consolidating alert data are cited as the most effective measures for improving cyber readiness across SMBs worldwide.