The $90 Billion Defense: Cybersecurity Investments of SMBs and Midmarket Firms in 2024

The cybersecurity landscape is undergoing a significant shift, driven by a surge in spending across all business segments. According to Techaisle SMB and Midmarket Security Adoption Trends research, the combined IT security spending (excluding managed security services) for global SMBs and Midmarket companies is projected to reach a staggering US$90 billion in 2024, reflecting a healthy 9.4% increase from 2023. This data paints a clear picture: businesses of all sizes are prioritizing cybersecurity and investing heavily in defense mechanisms.

Interestingly, the growth in spending is not uniform across the board. The most significant increases are anticipated from high-growth, highly innovative companies. A striking 21% of high-growth SMBs and 26% of high-growth midmarket firms are expected to bolster their IT security budgets by at least 15% in 2024. These figures underscore these companies' unique challenges and the need for tailored cybersecurity strategies. Very innovative businesses are also demonstrating a strong commitment to security, with 18% of SMBs and 21% of midmarket companies in this category planning to increase their spending by 12% compared to the previous year.

At the core of an SMB's resilience lies cyber resilience, the nexus that links cybersecurity, business continuity, and overall preparedness. It's not just about defense; it's about bouncing back from any crisis, whether a cyberattack, natural disaster, or economic downturn. Cyber resilience ensures operations continue smoothly even in turbulent times by encompassing prevention, response, and recovery. This comprehensive approach not only ensures business continuity and protects sensitive data but also plays a pivotal role in fostering customer trust. Techaisle survey data reveals that 35% of SMBs and 46% of upper midmarket firms view the shift from cybersecurity to cyber resiliency as not just important but crucial.

This surge in investment can be attributed to several key factors. The rise of AI-powered threats and the ever-expanding landscape of cyberattacks are forcing businesses to re-evaluate their security posture. Traditionally, "poor funding" and "staffing challenges" were significant obstacles for SMBs, but the data reveals a stabilization in these areas. However, other challenges, such as "keeping up with business requirements" and "making an accurate risk assessment," have shown a year-over-year increase, highlighting the growing complexity of securing business operations in today's digital age.

This focus on cybersecurity across all business segments presents both challenges and opportunities. For security solution providers, it signifies a booming market with a vast potential customer base. However, it also underscores the need for tailored solutions that cater to the specific needs of high-growth, innovative businesses and SMBs facing resource constraints.

Despite the growing threat landscape, small businesses are significantly behind in cybersecurity preparedness. Techaisle data reveals a concerning trend: only 7% plan to increase their IT security spending by 10% or more in 2024. This lack of investment suggests a potential complacency or underestimation of the risks involved.
One contributing factor is the perception of their own IT infrastructure. Many small businesses believe their less complex systems make them less vulnerable to cyberattacks. While this may be partially true compared to large corporations, it can lead to a false sense of security. Small businesses often face a multitude of daily challenges that divert their attention from cybersecurity best practices. They also feel they have established basic protocols but lack the resources or budget to implement more robust defenses.

A staggering one-third of small businesses reportedly express no concern about cybersecurity threats. This is particularly alarming because studies show that most small businesses that experience a cyberattack fail within six months. This underpreparedness can have devastating consequences. The financial impact of a breach can be crippling, coupled with the potential damage to reputation and loss of customer trust. The cost of implementing effective cybersecurity measures might seem like a burden, but it pales in comparison to the potential losses incurred after a successful attack.

Techaisle data also suggests a wide range of potential AI-driven Cybersecurity solution opportunities for the IT channel. Cybersecurity as a stand-alone solution area and IT security operations/management as a function rank in the top three target areas for AI in every SMB and Midmarket segment. The combination of tools that can automate and orchestrate key functions and operational insight and agility that can help businesses – especially smaller firms – to redress the asymmetries that contribute to the “defender’s dilemma” offer real promise in cyber defense. Channel partners will want to build cyber portfolios that include AI-driven tools that connect with services frameworks (supported within the customer’s environment or delivered via managed services) that use AI to systematically and comprehensively remediate vulnerabilities.

AI is rapidly transforming the cybersecurity landscape. Security vendors are integrating AI into their products to combat the ever-evolving threat landscape. Leading companies like Palo Alto Networks, Fortinet, CrowdStrike, Cisco, IBM, and OpenText are leveraging AI for threat prevention, detection, and response across various cybersecurity domains. Furthermore, innovative security startups like Darktrace, Deep Instinct and Vectra AI are pushing the boundaries with cutting-edge AI solutions for active threat hunting. However, few players are actively targeting the SMB and Midmarket space. While many solutions exist, there is a gap in the market for SMB and Midmarket needs.

While small businesses appear hesitant to prioritize cybersecurity, there's a silver lining. Mid-market businesses, those with a larger employee base but not yet enterprise-level, are demonstrating a proactive approach. Two-thirds of mid-market businesses view cyberattacks as a top IT and business concern, making them prime candidates for targeted cybersecurity solutions. The increased focus on security within this segment presents an opportunity for tailored solutions and educational initiatives specifically designed to address the unique needs and challenges of growing companies.