​​7 cybersecurity trends and tips for small and medium businesses to stay protected

Microsoft and Bredin surveyed SMBs (25–299 employees) and found that 31% have experienced cyberattacks, average incident costs exceed $250K (up to $7M), 81% believe AI heightens the need for additional controls, 94% consider cybersecurity critical, fewer than 30% manage security in-house, 80% plan to increase security spending (with data protection leading), and many struggle with secure remote access for hybrid workers; the report advises foundational best practices, stronger data security/governance, leveraging MSPs, and investments in DLP, EDR, IAM, and security awareness.