Pentesting Is Not Just for Corporations: Who Needs Penetration Testing

There is a common perception that penetration testing is a complex and expensive procedure needed only by large corporations or companies that handle millions of customer records. This myth emerged because pentesting was long used mainly by the biggest players on the market - banks, telecom companies, and large online services.

However, today even the smallest companies are targeted by cybercriminals. In 2024, over 55% of organizations worldwide reported data breaches. In the United States, 67% of businesses experienced security incidents over the past two years. This means that anyone can be at risk.

Small businesses are easy targets for hackers

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) make up over 90% of the global economy, yet remain the most vulnerable to cyberattacks. Statistics confirm: despite their strategic importance, many companies in this segment fail to implement even basic cybersecurity measures, due to lack of resources, expertise, or a false sense of security. Cybercriminals actively exploit this, increasingly targeting the easiest victims.

Cybersecurity research rarely focuses on the needs of SMBs, often offering advice tailored to large corporations that is of little use to smaller companies. As a result, small businesses are frequently left alone to face the risks. The danger affects not only the business itself but also its partners and clients through supply chain connections.

In 2023, nearly 43% of all cyberattacks were aimed at small businesses.

Main reasons include:

• lack of security policies;
• irregular vulnerability assessments;
• lack of endpoint protection;
• insufficient incident preparedness.

At the same time, the average loss from a single attack for a small business is around $120,000.

Why pentesting is relevant even for small companies

Penetration testing simulates a hacker attack and allows any organization to identify weaknesses in its security system in advance. It’s not just a checkbox for audits - it’s a practical tool that provides:

1. Protection against real threats

Hackers don’t choose targets based on size - any company working with valuable data and lacking proper digital protection can become a victim.

2. Increased customer trust

Penetration testing builds confidence in the security of confidential data, positively impacting the company’s image and customer perception.

3. Competitive advantage

Demonstrating a serious approach to digital security can be a decisive factor when customers choose between multiple providers on the market.

4. Regulatory compliance

Many regulators require businesses to conduct pentests to meet security standards, allowing issues to be found and resolved before inspections.

5. Reliability for partners

Pentesting boosts trust in small companies by preventing them from being used as an “entry point” to breach a larger business partner or supplier.

Company size doesn’t protect against attacks - cybersecurity is now essential for anyone wanting to survive in the digital environment. Pentesting is a smart investment in the safety and future of your business.

Don’t wait to become a victim - stay ahead of the threat!