Cybersecurity Consulting for SMBs: Real Risks, Real Needs, and How Experts Help

More Australian SMBs face active cyber threats today than at any other time. Attackers focus on SMBs because they know teams are busy and budgets are tight. They target weak passwords, outdated systems, missing backups, and staff who have not seen recent phishing examples. These gaps create serious business risks. You face downtime, data loss, financial damage, and reputation issues.

Exigo Tech supports SMBs with practical cybersecurity consulting services. We help you understand risks, close security gaps, and build defence layers that match your size, industry, and operations.

Why SMBs in Australia Face Higher Cyber Risks Today

1. Attackers prefer SMBs because entry points are easier
   SMBs often use a mix of cloud tools and older systems. Inconsistent updates, identity controls, and monitoring create weak points that attackers exploit.
2. Staff are the most common target
   Most of the breaches start with human actions. Phishing emails, fake invoices, andscams succeed when staff lack regular training.
3. Ransomware is now automated
   Ransomware tools are cheap and easy to use, increasing attacks on SMBs with weak backups or outdated systems.
4. Supply chain exposure continues to rise
   Breaches in third-party software or service providers can directlyimpact your business.
5. Compliance pressure is growing
   Privacy laws and insurers now expect stronger controls like MFA, tested backups, and incident response plans.

Common Security Gaps Found in SMB Environments

These are the most common sources of breaches:

• Weak passwords and no multi-factor authentication.
• Unpatched servers, apps, and devices.
• Open remote access ports.
• Poorly configured Microsoft 365 tenants.
• Incomplete backups or backups stored in the same environment.
• Outdated firewalls with no monitoring.
• SaaS applications that operate with no oversight.
• Missing endpoint protection.
• Lack of staff training.
• Lack of an incident response plan.
• Less documentation of systems and access.

These gaps do not always appear large until attackers find them. Cybersecurity consultants help prevent that.

What Cybersecurity Consultants Actually Do

1. Assess Your Current Security Posture

A consultant like Exigo Tech reviews your systems, users, apps, configurations, and policies. This includes:

• Microsoft 365 and Azure security baseline checks
• Device and endpoint review
• Firewall and network review
• Backup review and recovery tests
• Identity and access review
• Vulnerability scans
• SaaS application risk
• Third-party tool access

The consultant then gives you a practical risk report with clear fixes.

2. Build a Security Roadmap

After the assessment, the consultant creates a focused plan that includes:

• Top priorities based on risk
• Short-term and long-term actions
• Licensing needs
• Budget planning
• Timeline for improvements

This roadmap helps SMBs avoid random spending and instead build structured security.

3. Strengthen Identity and Access Controls

Identity is the first defence layer. Consultants help you:

• Enforce MFA
• Implement conditional access
• Restrict privileged accounts
• Set clear approval steps
• Add device compliance checks

This reduces unauthorised access attempts.

4. Secure Microsoft 365 And Cloud Platforms

Most SMB workloads sit in Microsoft 365. Consultants help you:

• Improve email security
• Configure secure sharing
• Apply data loss prevention
• Block risky apps
• Improve Teams and SharePoint access
• Add threat protection policies
• Enable security alerts

This removes misconfigurations that attackers rely on.

5. Deploy Advanced Endpoint Protection

Consultants help select and configure:

• Next-generation antivirus
• Endpoint detection and response (EDR)
• Device encryption
• Application control

This stops ransomware and malware before they spread.

6. Improve Network and Firewall Security

Network security is still relevant even in cloud-first setups. Consultants help with:

• Firewall rules
• VPN or secure remote access
• Zero Trust setups
• Segmentation
• Logging and monitoring

This stops threats from moving across systems.

7. Set Up Backup and Recovery That Actually Works

Every SMB says they have backups. Few test them.

Consultants help you ensure:

• Backups run daily
• Backups are isolated
• Restoration tests are documented
• Retention is correct
• Key workloads have recovery plans

Ransomware impact drops sharply when backups are strong and tested.

8. Provide Training for Staff

Consultants run training on:

• Phishing
• Password habits
• Device use
• Cloud safety
• Secure file sharing

Staff become your first defence layer, not your weakest point.

9. Build Incident Response Plans

This includes:

• Step-by-step actions
• Contact list
• Isolation steps
• Communication guidelines
• Forensic support options

A plan reduces panic and speeds your recovery.

10. Deliver Ongoing Monitoring and Support

Many SMBs do not have internal security teams. Consultants provide:

• 24/7 monitoring
• Alert review
• Monthly reports
• Regular security tuning
• New threat updates
• Change support

This keeps your environment safe as threats change.

What Makes Exigo Tech Different from Other Consultants

1. Strong focus on SMB operations

We know SMBs need security without slowing staff or cutting productivity. Our approach avoids heavy processes and focuses on practical steps.

2. Clear languageand no complex frameworks  

We provide simple actions. Your team can follow them without specialist skills.

3. End-to-end support

We cover assessment, improvements, monitoring, recovery planning, training, and ongoing management.

4. Security aligned with Microsoft platforms

Many SMBs rely on Microsoft 365 and Azure. Our team works deeply across these tools and removes common misconfigurations that attackers look for.

5. Support that scales

We adjust the service as you grow. You avoid large jumps in cost or complexity.

Future Trends SMBs Should Prepare For

Here are the key shifts Australian SMBs will face next:

• Increased ransomware automation.
• More supply chain attacks.
• Stricter cyber insurance requirements.
• More focus on data protection.
• Stronger identity standards.
• AI-powered attack attempts.
• More phishing attacks using voice and video.

Cybersecurity consulting helps SMBs stay ready for these changes instead of reacting when damage occurs.