Small businesses can't get cyber strategies up and running - here's why

"Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) across the UK are struggling to get cybersecurity strategy plans up and running, according to new research. Analysis from Kaspersky shows more than two-thirds (67%) of SMBs lack "fully actionable" cybersecurity strategies. This means that while many have developed theoretical plans for how to tackle growing security threats, real-world implementation is falling flat. These shortcomings are leaving a concerning number of businesses at higher risk of attacks amidst an escalating cyber threat landscape, the company warned."

""Cybersecurity can't remain a theoretical exercise," commented Pedro Jorge Viana, cybersecurity specialist at Kaspersky. "The findings show that while many SMBs have well-intentioned strategies, these often stay on paper." So what's hempering cybersecurity strategy plans? A key factor here lies in a chronic disconnect between executives and IT leaders on the importance of cybersecurity, the study noted. Nearly one-quarter (22%) of IT leaders said C-suite executives do not fully understand the strategic importance of cybersecurity, which is "slowing progress towards effective, organization-wide protection"."

Sixty-seven percent of UK SMBs lack fully actionable cybersecurity strategies, indicating a gap between planning and real-world implementation. This shortfall raises the risk profile of many businesses amid an escalating cyber threat landscape. A significant disconnect exists between executives and IT leaders; 22% of IT leaders report that C-suite executives do not fully understand cybersecurity's strategic importance, slowing organization-wide protection. Over one-third (38%) of small businesses are engaging external cybersecurity partners to bridge capability gaps. External partners often provide continuous staff awareness training, phishing defense education, and incident response capabilities, while IT leaders continue to pursue internal strategy development despite implementation challenges.

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