What Does a Cyber Attack Look Like for SMEs?

What does a cyber attack looks like for SMEs?

SMEs are increasingly becoming prime targets for cyber attacks. While many business owners assume attackers focus only on large corporations, SMEs often present easier opportunities due to limited cybersecurity resources, smaller IT teams, and lower overall awareness of evolving threats. A single successful attack can disrupt operations, compromise sensitive customer data, and result in significant financial and reputational damage.

Cyber attacks on SMEs are rarely dramatic or immediately obvious. They often begin with everyday activities—an email that appears legitimate, a routine software update, or a login request that doesn’t raise immediate suspicion. Understanding how these attacks typically unfold is the first step toward prevention. By recognizing the common signs, tactics, and stages of a cyber attack, SMEs can better protect themselves and respond effectively when something goes wrong.

Understanding how these attacks unfold is key to protecting yourself and your organization. Here's a simple breakdown of the typical life cycle of a cyber attack.

Reconnaissance:

The attacker starts by gathering information. They search public websites, social media, even higher-ups social media pages, and other open sources to learn about their target – this is called Open Source Intelligence Gathering. The more they know, the more convincing their attack can be.

Crafting the Attack: 

Once they have the information, the attacker builds the trap. Common tricks include:

·       Urgent language (e.g., "Your account will be closed!")

·       Spoofed email addresses that look legitimate

·       Infected attachments (like PDFs or Word docs)

·       Links that lead to malicious websites

Delivery:

The attack reaches you through everyday channels like:

·       Email

·       Social media

·       Text messages (SMS)

·       Phone calls (voice phishing or "vishing")

Exploitation:

This is when the attack is triggered. The victim might:

·       Open the message

·       Click the bad link

·       Download or open an infected file

This action activates the malicious software – often without the victim even realizing it.

Installation:

The malware installs itself on the victim’s device. This gives the attacker long-term access, allowing them to return later without being detected.

Command and Control:

Now the attacker is in. They can:

·       Communicate with the infected system remotely

·       Steal files and sensitive data

·       Capture keystrokes (including passwords)

·       Gain access to higher-level system controls

Execution of Goals:

·       Finally, the attacker achieves what they came for:

·       Demands a ransom to unlock your files

·       Steals sensitive data like personal info, financial records, or intellectual property

Recognizing these stages helps you stop an attack before it starts. When something feels off – whether it’s an odd email or an urgent request – pause and think before you click.

With Securicom's User Awareness training and Email Security services, we encourage SME's to build on their Cyber Resilience Journey.

Contact us at Sales@securicom.co.za to see how we can change the way you see security.