Norton Enhances Security for Small Businesses in Response to Growing Cyber Threats
As digital threats increase, Norton has expanded its offerings specifically designed for small businesses. This move is crucial in an era marked by rising incidences of data breaches, account takeovers, and scams that endanger smaller enterprises.
Addressing Escalating Digital Threats
Recent reports highlight a worrying trend: the threat landscape for small businesses is growing more severe by the day. According to Gen’s Q2 Threat Report, businesses have witnessed a staggering 21% quarter-over-quarter rise in data breaches targeted specifically at them, with a jaw-dropping 68% increase in attacks aimed at small businesses in 2025 alone. Cybercriminals are increasingly using data stolen from the dark web to impersonate trusted vendors, risking considerable financial and reputational damage to those unprotected.
Deval Patel, Head of Small Business at Gen, emphasizes the need for modern tools to safeguard these enterprises. “Today, small businesses are targets like everyone else,” Patel states. A single cyber incident can severely impact a small business’s reputation and deplete its financial resources. Norton Small Business has gained the trust of thousands, and with new features like Dark Web and Social Media Monitoring, it aims to extend peace of mind to areas experiencing rising cyber threats.
Enhanced Monitoring Features
Norton has introduced advanced monitoring capabilities aimed at bolstering the security infrastructure of small businesses. Their Dark Web Monitoring now scans for eight specific business identifiers, including a company’s name and tax identification numbers. Business owners receive immediate notifications if their information surfaces on dark web platforms where compromised data is often sold. This proactive measure allows businesses to act swiftly, effectively minimizing the risk associated with potential data exposure.
In addition, Norton has rolled out Social Media Monitoring for businesses with linked Facebook and Instagram accounts. This feature provides early warnings about potential account takeovers, suspicious links, or scam activities. The need for such vigilance has increased, as Gen’s Q2 analysis reveals a significant rise in financial scams originating from social media platforms.
Social networks serve as essential tools for customer engagement and reputation management, making these new alerts vital for businesses. By receiving timely warnings, companies can swiftly address security concerns that could escalate if not managed effectively.
Availability of Services
Norton’s Dark Web Monitoring feature is now part of both the Small Business Standard and Premium plans, offering coverage across multiple regions including the US, Europe, and Asia Pacific. The Social Media Monitoring component is included specifically in the Premium package, particularly for clients in the US and UK.
Understanding the Market Dynamics
Small businesses, traditionally seen as less attractive targets for cybercriminals compared to larger corporations, must now confront a heightened urgency to protect both their own and their customers’ data. The increasing sophistication of cyber threats means that many smaller enterprises find themselves at greater risk due to insufficient digital defenses. Attackers have been exploiting vulnerabilities in exposed business credentials and online identities alike.
Patel reiterates the necessity for comprehensive protective measures, stating that today’s small businesses face a wide array of threats. “A cyber incident can cripple a small business,” he warns, highlighting the damage to reputation and finances. With the inclusion of the newly enhanced Dark Web and Social Media Monitoring features alongside Financial Monitoring, Norton aims to provide essential protection as cyber threats evolve.
Navigating Current Challenges
The surge in data breaches and social media fraud demonstrates that small businesses must continuously adapt to an evolving threat landscape. Solutions that offer timely alerts and actionable insights regarding breaches and suspicious activities are invaluable. By enabling businesses to respond promptly to potential issues, these tools play a vital role in containing problems and mitigating losses caused by cyber incidents.
As digital threats continue to accelerate, the need for robust cybersecurity solutions becomes increasingly critical for small businesses looking to safeguard their data and operations.
