Cybersecurity Spending Patterns in Small and Medium Businesses: Barriers and Priorities

What Did This Cybersecurity Research Find?

This cybersecurity market segment study surveyed 500 SMBs (50-500 employees) about their security spending priorities and obstacles. Cybersecurity budgets in SMBs averaged 7.2% of overall IT spending, with endpoint protection and email security consuming 52% of the total security budget. The primary barrier to increased investment was lack of internal expertise to evaluate and deploy solutions.

Key Findings

• 1SMB cybersecurity budgets averaged 7.2% of total IT spending
• 2Endpoint and email security consumed 52% of the SMB security budget
• 3Lack of internal expertise was the top barrier to increased security investment (cited by 64%)
• 4Managed security services adoption grew 35% year-over-year in the SMB segment
• 5Regulatory compliance was the primary security investment driver for 41% of SMBs

How Does This Apply to Cybersecurity Careers?

Sales professionals targeting SMBs can tailor their approach to the specific constraints and priorities of smaller organizations. Security consultants serving SMBs can understand the market opportunity.

Who Should Read This?

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