SMBs Face Unique Cybersecurity Challenges: Expert Panel to Address Solutions at SecureWorld Chicago

A critical panel discussion addressing the distinctive cybersecurity challenges facing small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) will take place at SecureWorld Chicago on May 21st, 2025, bringing together industry experts to share practical solutions for organizations with limited resources.

The session, "Cybersecurity Challenges for Small and Medium Businesses," aims to help SMBs navigate an increasingly complex threat landscape while acknowledging their crucial role in the U.S. economy, where they represent 99.9% of all businesses and contribute 43.5% to the national GDP.

Understanding the Threat Landscape

SMBs face mounting cybersecurity challenges despite their significant economic impact. The panel will feature notable experts including Walter Lefmann, former Director of Security at CTC Trading Group LLC, and Arvin Verma, Sr. Strategic Advisor & vCISO at Sentinel Technologies.

Organizations must understand that implementing effective cybersecurity measures for small businesses requires addressing these critical issues:

• Growing threat volumes targeting SMBs
• Limited security budgets and resources
• Shortage of specialized cybersecurity expertise
• Practical implementation of security frameworks

"Small is closer to the business. Small is nimble. Small is efficient," notes Lefmann, highlighting how SMBs can turn their size into an advantage for security implementation.

Practical Solutions for Resource-Constrained Organizations

The panel will focus on actionable strategies that SMBs can implement regardless of their size or budget constraints. Many organizations are discovering that leveraging cybersecurity as a service solutions can provide enterprise-grade protection. Key topics include:

• Cost-effective security measures
• Employee training programs
• Risk assessment methodologies
• Incident response planning
• Supply chain security

Arvin Verma emphasizes the value of managed security services: "Evaluating the use of MSSPs to help offset the cost of building a cyber program for your SMB can assist greatly from both a financial perspective as well as from a resource perspective."

Economic Impact and Security Implications

The stakes are particularly high for SMBs, which employ approximately 59 million Americans and represent 45.9% of the U.S. workforce. Recent data shows these businesses were responsible for 71% of total job creation during the post-COVID economic recovery, making their cybersecurity essential for economic stability.

According to recent research from the National Institute of Standards and Technology, implementing robust security measures is crucial for business continuity. Organizations must prioritize efforts to implement comprehensive data protection strategies to safeguard their operations and customer information.

The conference will take place at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois, providing an opportunity for professionals to network and learn from industry leaders while gaining practical insights for strengthening their organizations' cybersecurity posture.