What Does Cybersecurity Actually Cost?
Budgeting for Cybersecurity
Your cybersecurity budget should reflect your risk profile—things like employee count, industry, reliance on digital systems, and the sensitivity of the data you store. A small business with limited technology use and minimal sensitive data may need only basic protections. But even a local plumbing company that accepts online payments and manages supplier records should invest in tools that protect payment systems and secure backend access. Now contrast that with a growing healthcare business—like a pharmacy with 150 employees, multiple locations, and $25 million in annual revenue. This kind of company has a much higher risk profile due to regulatory obligations, network complexity, and sensitive personal data. In this case, a more robust cybersecurity strategy isn’t optional—it’s essential. At CyQuant, we help companies match their cybersecurity investment to their actual risk exposure, avoiding under- or over-spending.
The Real Cost of a Cyber Attack
Cyber attacks can be financially devastating. In 2024, the median cost of an attack was $115,000, but the damage scales with business size:
• $79,000: Small businesses (<$25M revenue)
• $139,000: Mid-market businesses ($25M–$100M)
• $228,000: Large businesses (>$100M)¹
And that’s just the average. Breakdowns of real costs include:
•$120,000: Business interruption due to inoperable systems, locked accounts, or data loss
•$18,000: Digital asset restoration—recovering lost files, databases, and applications
•$58,000: Forensic investigation—identifying how the breach happened and how to prevent the next one²
And let's not forget the cost of a ransom—median ransom payments fell to $115,000 in 2024.³ These aren’t just numbers—they represent lost revenue, damage to reputation, and missed opportunities.
What You Can Do
CyQuant helps you stay ahead of these costs by: Evaluating your risk exposure with sector-specific benchmarks. Offering strategic guidance based on real attack patterns and cost modeling. Connecting you with cyber insurance providers that recognize improved security postures. The right investment now could mean avoiding six-figure losses later.
Citations
1. Roberts, John B. “6 Cost-Related Questions Smbs Should Ask about Cyber Risk.” 6 Cost-Related Questions SMBs Should Ask About Cyber Risk, 28 May 2025, www.coalitioninc.com/en-gb/blog/6-cost-related-questions-about-cyber-risk?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. Fran Majidi “2025 Cyber Attack Report: Data Breaches Are Costing Small Businesses.” SmartFinancial, 17 Apr. 2025, smartfinancial.com/cyber-attack-costs?utm_source=chatgpt.com
3. “What Does a Data Breach Cost? Key Insights for Cyber Leaders.” SecurityScorecard, 15 May 2025, securityscorecard.com/blog/what-does-a-data-breach-cost-key-insights-for-cyber-leaders/?utm_source=chatgpt.com.