Small firms urged to strengthen cyber security

IT provider DNS is urging SMEs to tighten their cyber security measures following a rise in AI-related threats.

According to the firm, new and more sophisticated attacks are beginning to target small to medium-sized businesses.

With hybrid working, cloud tools and digital platforms now embedded across most SMEs, cyber criminals are exploiting the expanded attack surface and using advanced techniques, particularly artificial intelligence, to trick employees and infiltrate systems.

DNS warns that phishing emails are far more convincing than in previous years, with attackers increasingly posing as IT teams, HR departments or trusted suppliers.

SMEs also remain attractive targets for ransomware as many lack dedicated security personnel, while supply chain threats are also becoming more common.

The firm, which is offering cyber security reviews, said: “SMEs can be targeted not only for their own data, but because they are connected to larger organisations.

“Attackers often look for the weakest link, meaning smaller firms may be used as stepping stones to infiltrate bigger partners.

“This trend makes supplier due diligence and shared security standards more important than ever.”