Huntress, a leader in cybersecurity solutions, has launched a new initiative to support small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) facing an unprecedented rise in cyber threats. In 2023, global cyber incidents surged to more than 420 million, and SMBs, especially in the U.S., are increasingly targeted due to limited resources. According to the Ponemon Institute, 55% of SMBs face cyberattacks annually, with ransomware attacks and data breaches inflicting severe operational and financial harm. To address these challenges, Huntress delivers scalable cybersecurity solutions tailored to the specific needs of SMBs, aiming to create a safer digital environment.
SMBs: A Key Target for Cybercrime
SMBs are a top target for cybercriminals, often facing sophisticated attacks that exploit their limited cybersecurity resources. Cyber threats such as ransomware and data breaches can have devastating impacts, sometimes resulting in permanent business closures. With sensitive customer data, financial records, and intellectual property at risk, it’s crucial for SMBs to adopt cybersecurity strategies that protect their assets without requiring extensive in-house expertise. In examining what are the most vulnerable cyber targets, SMBs often emerge as high-risk due to inadequate security measures and limited access to resources for combating sophisticated threats.
Huntress’ Core Cybersecurity Services Explained
- Managed Detection and Response (MDR)
Huntress’ MDR service offers real-time monitoring, detection, and response to cyber threats. A team of Huntress analysts continuously monitors clients’ systems to identify persistence-based threats, which are designed to remain undetected for long periods. Huntress’ MDR leverages lightweight endpoint agents installed across networks, which send system data to the Huntress Security Operations Center (SOC) for real-time analysis.
- Implementation Details: The endpoint agents operate with minimal impact on system performance, designed to detect and isolate unusual activities. SOC analysts review alerts from these agents, categorizing and responding to potential threats.
- Technical Approach: Unlike traditional antivirus software that relies on signature-based detection, Huntress’ MDR combines machine learning with human-powered analysis to uncover more complex, zero-day threats.
- ThreatOps Team
The ThreatOps team consists of Huntress’ cybersecurity experts who review alerts flagged by the MDR system. This team adds an essential human layer, differentiating Huntress from fully automated solutions. By using human intelligence alongside automation, Huntress provides SMBs with tailored, hands-on responses to threats.
- Implementation Details: The ThreatOps team communicates directly with SMB clients to guide them through remediations, addressing each threat with specific instructions.
- Unique Feature: ThreatOps bridges the gap between automated detection and practical, customized remediation, helping businesses with limited technical expertise handle complex cybersecurity incidents effectively.
- Ransomware Canaries
Ransomware Canaries are designed to catch ransomware attacks early by placing decoy files across client networks. If these files are modified, encrypted, or deleted, it signals a potential ransomware attempt, triggering an immediate alert to the SOC.
- Technical Details: The canaries are strategically placed files resembling high-value data but with no actual sensitive information, crafted specifically to lure ransomware programs.
- Response Protocols: When a canary is triggered, the system issues high-priority alerts, allowing the ThreatOps team to initiate a lockdown or system isolation before ransomware spreads, protecting critical data.
- Managed Antivirus
Huntress integrates a Managed Antivirus solution that complements its advanced detection services. Through centralized antivirus management, Huntress allows businesses to monitor and manage their antivirus status across all endpoints seamlessly.
- Implementation Details: Managed Antivirus integrates with the existing Huntress platform, allowing administrators to check antivirus status, enforce policies, and ensure uniform protection across devices.
- Layered Security Approach: By combining antivirus with MDR, Huntress creates a multi-layered defense that reduces the risk of infections, malware, and viruses slipping through.
- External Recon
External Recon scans public-facing data sources and internet exposures for potential vulnerabilities attackers might exploit. This service gives SMBs insight into areas like unsecured network ports, domain reputation, and exposed credentials.
- Implementation Process: Huntress’ Recon service continuously monitors external threats, flagging potential security risks visible to attackers. Reports from this service help SMBs address risks proactively.
- Benefits: For businesses without extensive security budgets, External Recon provides cost-effective, continuous monitoring of public-facing assets, enhancing their overall security posture.
- Incident Response (IR) Support
In the event of a cybersecurity incident, Huntress’ Incident Response service provides expert support to identify, contain, and mitigate damage. This service assists SMBs in rapidly recovering from breaches, minimizing disruption.
- Response Strategy: When an incident is detected, the IR team collaborates closely with the ThreatOps team, developing a containment strategy to neutralize the threat. Post-incident reports help businesses understand the attack vector and fortify against future breaches.
- Implementation Details: Incident Response support is especially valuable for SMBs without dedicated security teams, providing immediate access to skilled professionals when incidents occur.
- Continuous Vulnerability Management
Huntress’ Continuous Vulnerability Management service scans for vulnerabilities within endpoints and applications, helping businesses stay ahead of potential security gaps.
- Technical Features: This service regularly checks for outdated software, unpatched systems, and known vulnerabilities within clients’ systems.
- Risk Mitigation: By keeping endpoints up-to-date and secure, this proactive approach reduces the attack surface, making it harder for cybercriminals to exploit system weaknesses.
Building a Human Firewall: Security Awareness Training
To mitigate risks posed by human error, Huntress offers Security Awareness Training, teaching employees to recognize and respond to phishing attempts and other social engineering tactics. Employees learn how to identify suspicious emails, links, and attachments, reducing their likelihood of falling victim to scams.
- Program Structure: Training is ongoing, including regular phishing simulations, real-life scenarios, and feedback on employee performance.
- Benefit for SMBs: By building cybersecurity knowledge across the workforce, SMBs can significantly reduce risks linked to social engineering.
Looking Ahead: Empowering SMBs for Cyber Resilience
As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, SMBs must adopt proactive cybersecurity measures to safeguard their data and ensure continuity. Companies like Huntress play a crucial role in leveling the playing field by providing enterprise-grade security solutions at a scale and price SMBs can manage. By using Huntress, SMBs gain access to expert support, advanced threat detection, and employee training—all essential for long-term resilience in today’s digital landscape.
Conclusion
Huntress’ comprehensive cybersecurity platform empowers SMBs with scalable, proactive defenses, helping them withstand the rising tide of cyber threats. The integration of managed detection, threat response, and awareness training enables businesses to protect their data and maintain customer trust while focusing on growth.
For more details on Huntress’ solutions, visit: www.huntress.com.
About Huntress
Huntress is dedicated to protecting businesses of all sizes with a user-friendly, robust cybersecurity platform backed by a 24/7 Security Operations Center (SOC). Huntress simplifies cybersecurity with clear, actionable incident reports, rapid remediation options, and seamless system integration. With Huntress, businesses gain robust defense and peace of mind, with cybersecurity solutions designed to be effective from day one.
Media Contact
Huntress
Email: support@huntress.com
Website: www.huntress.com
Location: USA