Devolutions Survey Reveals Gaps in SMB Cybersecurity Practices

The latest findings from Devolutions' annual global IT security survey shed light on the current state of cybersecurity within small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs), revealing a concerning gap between confidence and actual security capabilities. With responses from IT professionals worldwide, the survey underscores the challenges SMBs face in adopting effective cybersecurity measures, despite growing awareness of the risks.

One of the most striking revelations is that 71% of SMBs feel confident in handling a cyber incident, yet only 22% report having an advanced security posture. This disparity highlights a critical need for SMBs to not only recognize the importance of cybersecurity but also to implement robust security measures that match their confidence levels. The survey also found that manual privileged access management (PAM) remains prevalent, with 52% of SMBs relying on spreadsheets or shared vaults, a practice that poses significant security risks.

Another area of concern is the slow adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in cybersecurity strategies. While 71% of respondents plan to increase their use of AI, 40% are not using it at all, indicating a hesitation or lack of resources to integrate advanced technologies into their security frameworks. Additionally, the survey reveals that insider threats, while widely acknowledged, are rarely addressed, with only 20% of SMBs having a formal plan in place to mitigate such risks.

The implications of these findings are profound for SMBs, which often operate with limited resources and may lack the expertise to navigate the complex cybersecurity landscape. The survey not only identifies these gaps but also offers practical recommendations to help SMBs strengthen their security posture. For Devolutions, the insights gleaned from the survey are instrumental in shaping their product offerings, ensuring they meet the real-world needs of SMBs by focusing on accessibility, affordability, and ease of use.

This survey serves as a crucial benchmark for SMBs to evaluate their cybersecurity practices and underscores the importance of adopting more sophisticated and practical security solutions. As cyber threats continue to evolve, the findings highlight the urgent need for SMBs to bridge the gap between awareness and action, leveraging tools and strategies that are designed with their specific challenges in mind.