Cybersecurity for SMEs: IDC Security Summit 2025

Cybersecurity is not just a concern for the big players. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face comparable levels of cyber risk with significantly smaller budgets, requiring them to be even more resourceful in their security strategies

When it comes to cybersecurity, it is vital to know what you need to protect most. What are your company's crown jewels, its key digital assets. Understanding this, along with your overall strengths and vulnerabilities, and the external threat landscape, is the essential first step. You cannot defend what you do not understand, as Socrates wisely put it: "You don't know what you don't know." Staying informed is key.

Last week, we had a fantastic opportunity to attend the IDC Security Summit 2025 in Lisbon. Here are a few key takeaways that resonated with us:

• The cyber threat landscape is becoming increasingly sophisticated, with AI empowering malicious actors to create more convincing attacks, including phishing attacks and deepfakes.
• Geopolitical instability is further amplifying these risks, with state-sponsored actors actively seeking to disrupt and damage organizations.
• Regulation and compliance are becoming more prevalent, particularly within the EU, requiring businesses to adapt and strengthen their security posture.
• While technical vulnerabilities will always exist, it is often the human behavior that presents the greatest security risk. Therefore, cultivating a strong security culture and awareness within organizations is vital.
• Finally, elevate your defenses by embracing Zero Trust: Never trust, always verify.

In a world where cyber threats are constantly evolving and becoming more sophisticated, it is clear that cybersecurity cannot be left for later or viewed as optional. Enterprises must take a proactive, resilient stance by truly understanding their most valuable digital assets, fostering a security-aware culture, and adopting modern defense strategies like Zero Trust. The strength of your defense depends on the actions you take today, so stay informed, stay vigilant, and remember: preparedness is the best defense against uncertainty.