When we think about cybersecurity, we often imagine a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) leading a team of experts, monitoring threats 24/7. But let’s be honest: most small and mid-sized businesses don’t have a CISO — and probably never will.
Does this mean SMEs are doomed to stay unprotected?
Not at all.
Why most SMEs don’t have a CISO
- Cost: A qualified CISO’s salary often exceeds the entire IT budget of a mid-sized company.
- Talent shortage: Even if you can pay, finding and keeping such specialists is nearly impossible. Big corporations hire them first.
- Priorities: For many SMEs, IT and security compete with urgent needs like sales, hiring, and operations.
The risks of “going blind”
Without someone responsible for cybersecurity, businesses often:
- Underestimate the real level of exposure.
- Miss early warning signs (like leaked passwords or forgotten servers).
- React only after damage is done — when downtime or data loss is already costing money.
So, what’s the alternative?
The truth is: SMEs don’t need a full-time CISO to be secure.
What they need is:
- Continuous visibility into their digital assets and risks.
- Clear, role-specific reports: executives should see risks in business language, while IT staff get concrete checklists.
- Affordable protection that doesn’t demand a dedicated security team.
Modern cloud-native services make this possible: they replace heavy, enterprise-only tools with lightweight, automated monitoring — designed for businesses without their own cybersecurity department.
The bottom line
Not having a CISO shouldn’t mean not having cybersecurity.
For SMEs, the path forward is simple: use tools and services that give you the insights of a CISO — without the cost of hiring one.
Because in today’s world, digital risks aren’t optional. And neither is protecting your business.
