Small and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs) form the backbone of Europe’s economy, yet they are increasingly under threat from a rising wave of cyberattacks. As digital transformation accelerates, so too does the interest of cybercriminals in exploiting vulnerable organizations—particularly those with fewer than 500 employees. Despite their critical role in innovation and local economies, SMEs often face disproportionate risks in the cyber landscape.


The Rising Tide of Cyberattacks in Europe

Recent reports from the European DIGITAL SME Alliance highlight a troubling trend: ransomware attacks on European SMEs surged by 57% from 2022 to 2023. These aren't isolated incidents. Surveys indicate that nearly one-third of European SMEs have suffered some form of cybersecurity breach:

- 33% experienced computer virus attacks

- 32% fell victim to phishing scams

- 31% dealt with malware infections

- 31% reported data loss due to cyber incidents

These figures represent more than just numbers; they reflect real-world disruptions, reputational damage, and financial losses that can be catastrophic for smaller firms.


Business at Risk: Financial and Operational Impacts

The cost of a cyberattack is especially devastating for SMEs. According to the EU Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA), 90% of European SMEs believe that a cybersecurity issue would have a serious negative impact on their business within one week. Shockingly, 57% say such an event could lead to bankruptcy or business closure.

This financial fragility is compounded by underinvestment in cybersecurity. Over 68% of SMEs in Europe report a lack of confidence in their ability to manage cyber risks, often citing limited budget and staffing as key barriers.


The Human Factor and Skill Gaps

Another layer of vulnerability stems from the human element. A vast majority of breaches are due to human error, and yet only a minority of SMEs offer comprehensive cybersecurity training to their employees. Meanwhile, 61% of European cybersecurity professionals report that their teams are understaffed, and more than half believe their budgets are inadequate to keep pace with growing threats.


A Smarter Approach: Managed Autonomous Pentesting

While traditional security audits and manual pentesting have their place, they can be infrequent and costly. What SMEs need is a more scalable, proactive, and affordable solution.

Managed Autonomous Pentesting by Hackurity offers precisely that. Combining the power of automation with expert human oversight, our solution delivers continuous, realistic, and scalable pentesting tailored to the unique risks facing SMEs. We help you:

- Identify and exploit vulnerabilities in real time

- Receive actionable insights, not just technical jargon

- Results put in context of business risk levels

- Stay compliant with EU regulations

- Build resilience against ransomware, phishing, and insider threats

- Full remediation support by Hackurity's experts

Cyber threats aren’t slowing down, and neither should your defense. Let Hackurity help you secure what matters most.

Ready to future-proof your cybersecurity? Contact us to learn more about our Managed Autonomous Pentesting solution.