At 2 AM, Nick from accounting stared at his computer screen in horror—another security alert, another potential breach. For many small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), cybersecurity feels like an endless game of whack-a-mole.
David Doyle, head of Virtual CISO Services at DirectDefense, reflects on this common scenario, noting that IT professionals often juggle multiple roles, constantly addressing immediate threats instead of developing comprehensive security strategies.
In 2024, DirectDefense processed over 10 million log events, revealing a stark reality: cyber attackers have evolved from opportunistic hackers to precision digital strategists. The average time from initial access to domain control has shrunk to under two hours, with ransomware deployment occurring in as little as six hours.
SMBs aren’t merely scaled-down versions of large enterprises; they are unique ecosystems with limited resources, tight budgets, and often a single IT person managing multiple responsibilities.
To address these challenges, DirectDefense launched “Security Essentials,” a fully managed, subscription-based security program. This offering combines expert virtual CISO guidance, identity threat protection, and vulnerability management, providing enterprise-grade cybersecurity tailored for SMBs .
Doyle emphasizes that this approach is about more than just technology; it’s about understanding the unique challenges faced by smaller organizations that lack enterprise-level resources.
Drawing from experience across various industries, Doyle has observed security challenges in companies ranging from small startups to giants like Apple. He finds it fascinating to help organizations identify their most cost-effective and highest ROI security investments.
The key isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution but a nuanced strategy that recognizes each organization’s unique vulnerabilities and potential. Doyle believes in building frameworks that educate businesses and provide them with technology capabilities they might not otherwise access.
This approach acknowledges a fundamental truth: most SMBs aren’t just dealing with technological challenges but human ones. The typical small business IT team isn’t a dedicated security squad but often a single individual wearing multiple hats.
Doyle envisions DirectDefense as an extension of these organizations—a force multiplier that frees them up to focus on more strategic, human-centered work.
The Accelerating Threat Landscape
DirectDefense’s analysis highlights several emerging threats that demand immediate attention:
- AI-Powered Attacks: Adversaries increasingly use AI to craft convincing phishing attempts, deepfake scams, and automated attacks, making detection more challenging .
- Security Vendor Consolidation Risks: Reliance on broad, one-size-fits-all security solutions can introduce vulnerabilities, as evidenced by recent issues faced by major vendors.
- Cloud Environment Threats: The complexity of securing multi-cloud environments necessitates robust cloud posture assessment and continuous monitoring .DirectDefense
Strategic Recommendations for SMBs
To combat these evolving threats, DirectDefense recommends the following strategies:
- Enforce Zero Trust Principles: Implement strict identity verification for all access requests.
- Monitor Identity-Based Events: Detect anomalous MFA registrations and account modifications promptly.
- Implement Network Segmentation: Restrict lateral movement by limiting access privileges.
- Enhance Endpoint Defenses: Utilize behavior-based detections and real-time anomaly detection.
- Strengthen Password Policies: Enforce MFA with phishing-resistant methods and robust password protocols.
The Five Critical Attack Tactics
DirectDefense’s 2025 Security Operations Threat Report unveils the most sophisticated attack strategies:
- Initial Access: Attackers leverage stolen credentials, exploiting valid accounts through multiple country authentication attempts.
- Persistence: Multi-factor authentication is no longer an impenetrable fortress. Attackers intercept and manipulate MFA settings with alarming precision.
- Lateral Movement: Bad actors expand network control by escalating privileges using stolen credentials.
- Execution: Phishing attacks now leverage artificial intelligence to create more convincing malicious file executions.
- Credential Harvesting: Automated attacks become more sophisticated, triggering widespread account lockouts.
DirectDefense’s Security Essentials program introduces a revolutionary approach for SMBs. Doyle emphasizes that they’re not just selling a service but providing a comprehensive security ecosystem designed specifically for smaller businesses.
The platform offers:
- Comprehensive visibility into security infrastructure
- Vulnerability management
- Identity threat protection
- Customized strategic guidance
- A technology platform with actionable insights
Artificial intelligence represents both our greatest defense and most significant vulnerability. While AI helps security teams cut through alert noise, attackers simultaneously use it to craft more convincing attacks.
Doyle notes that they’re transforming how smaller companies approach cybersecurity by removing barriers and making enterprise-grade protection accessible.
Practical Advice for SMB Leaders
- Recognize your unique security challenges.
- Invest in strategic, not just tactical, security solutions.
- Prioritize prevention over reaction.
- Consider virtual CISO services as a force multiplier.
- View cybersecurity as a business enabler.
Artificial intelligence represents both our greatest defense and most significant vulnerability. While AI helps security teams cut through alert noise, attackers are simultaneously using it to craft more convincing attacks.
“We’re transforming how smaller companies approach cybersecurity,” Doyle notes. “It’s about removing barriers and making enterprise-grade protection accessible.”
The Leadership Perspective
“Attackers have honed their techniques to become faster and more powerful against a company’s defenses,” warns Jim Broome, President and CTO of DirectDefense. “Security solutions can no longer stand alone – they require constant monitoring and tuning.”
The Bottom Line
For SMBs tired of feeling vulnerable and overwhelmed, DirectDefense offers a beacon of hope. It’s not about having the most expensive tools, but about having the right strategic approach.
“We’re democratizing cybersecurity,” Doyle concludes. “Every business, regardless of size, deserves robust, intelligent protection.”
Nick from accounting can finally get some sleep.
About the Author
Pete Green is the CISO / CTO of Anvil Works, a ProCloud SaaS company. With over 25 years of experience in information technology and cybersecurity, Pete is a seasoned and accomplished security practitioner.
Throughout his career, he has held a wide range of technical and leadership roles, including LAN/WLAN Engineer, Threat Analyst, Security Project Manager, Security Architect, Cloud Security Architect, Principal Security Consultant, Director of IT, CTO, CEO, Virtual CISO, and CISO.
Pete has supported clients across numerous industries, including federal, state, and local government, as well as financial services, healthcare, food services, manufacturing, technology, transportation, and hospitality.
He holds a Master of Computer Information Systems in Information Security from Boston University, which is recognized as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance / Cyber Defense (CAE IA/CD) by the NSA and DHS. He also holds a Master of Business Administration in Informatics.
