From street stalls to startups

January 12, 2026

TL;DR

46% of small and medium-sized businesses have experienced a cyber-attack.
Cyber-attacks lead to financial loss, reduced productivity, and reputational damage.
80% of businesses affected by attacks spent significant time rebuilding trust.
Criminals use AI and sophisticated technology to target vulnerable businesses.
SMEs are often targeted due to perceived lower resources compared to large corporations.
73% of business owners find it challenging to get employees to take cybersecurity seriously.
Only 23% of SMEs are satisfied with their cybersecurity plans.
60% of consumers feel being scammed online is almost inevitable.
76% of consumers are more concerned about cyber-risks than two years ago.
Mastercard offers programs and tools like Business Builder and the Mastercard Trust Center to help SMEs improve cybersecurity.
Sharing knowledge and internal education, including staff training, are crucial for proactive prevention.
Basic cyber-hygiene and understanding the digital supply chain are vital.

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