It’s 2025, and many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Thailand still believe that cyber threats are a distant concern, thinking they are too small to be of interest to hackers. The reality is the opposite. Hackers are increasingly targeting SMEs because they often have weaker security measures than larger corporations. This article highlights common mistakes and provides actionable solutions that SMEs can implement immediately, using real-world examples from Thailand.
Common Mistakes SMEs Make: Lessons from Thai Case Studies
1. Lack of Employee Training (Human Error)
The most common mistake lies with people. Employees can easily fall victim to Phishing or Spear Phishing attacks. Opening a malicious email attachment or clicking a dangerous link can lead to the installation of Malware or Ransomware without them even knowing.
Thai Case Study: In 2022-2023, there were news reports of several Thai companies where senior executives or employees were tricked into transferring large sums of money via fraudulent emails. The attackers, using a technique called CEO Fraud, impersonated a high-ranking executive to issue urgent wire transfer requests, causing companies to lose hundreds of thousands to millions of baht.
2. Neglecting Software Updates (Unpatched Systems)
Outdated software and operating systems are easy entry points for hackers. **** Attackers frequently exploit known vulnerabilities for which software developers have already released patches. However, many SMEs neglect to apply these updates, leaving their systems exposed.
Thai Case Study: In 2023, a medium-sized logistics company in Thailand was hit by Ransomware through a vulnerability in its unpatched internal Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. The company’s entire shipping and logistics system was paralyzed, and their data was encrypted. They had to pay a significant ransom to recover their system, leading to severe operational disruption and a loss of customer trust (based on news reports of ransomware attacks on Thai businesses during that period).
3. Weak Passwords and Lack of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Using easily guessed passwords like “123456” or “password” is a fundamental mistake. The absence of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) or Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) makes it even easier for accounts to be compromised.
Thai Case Study: A small tourism business in the south of Thailand was successfully breached by hackers who gained access to their online booking system. The attackers exploited the fact that an employee used a weak password and that the system lacked MFA. This led to the theft of customer personal identifiable information (PII) and some credit card data, resulting in a fine under the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) and liability for damages to their customers (based on news reports of data breaches affecting small businesses in Thailand).
Solutions for SMEs in 2025
To prevent serious damage, SMEs should take the following steps:
1. Invest in Employee Training
Provide regular cybersecurity awareness training for all employees. Teach them how to spot suspicious emails and practice good password hygiene. **** Awareness is your first line of defense.
2. Regularly Update and Patch Systems
Establish a schedule to check and update all software, operating systems, and network devices. Consider using automated systems to manage updates and reduce the workload.
3. Enforce MFA and Strong Password Policies
Mandate the use of MFA for access to all critical systems and enforce a policy requiring complex passwords that are changed regularly.
4. Use Basic Cybersecurity Tools
Install modern Antivirus and Firewall solutions. Also, consider using cloud-based security services designed for small businesses, such as Security as a Service (SaaS), which can reduce costs and the burden of managing security in-house.
5. Create an Incident Response Plan
In case of an unexpected event, have a clear plan that outlines who does what to minimize damage. Always maintain a data backup plan to be able to restore your system if you are hit by ransomware.
Investing in cybersecurity is not an expense; it’s an investment in protecting your business from potential ruin. As cyber threats in 2025 become more sophisticated, SMEs that neglect security will remain easy targets for hackers.