Small businesses face 350% more targeted attacks than enterprises, with 82% of ransomware hitting companies under 1,000 employees. The MITRE ATT&CK framework shows exactly how these attacks unfold—and how to stop them.
Here’s what you need to know right away: 95% of SMB cyberattacks cost between $826 and $653,587, with 75% of businesses unable to continue operations after ransomware. The average breach now takes 51+ days to detect.
Stop feeling overwhelmed. MITRE ATT&CK transforms complex cyber threats into a simple matrix you can actually use. It’s like having a playbook that shows every move attackers make—from initial phishing to data theft—so you can block them at each step.
What Is MITRE ATT&CK?
MITRE ATT&CK (Adversarial Tactics, Techniques, and Common Knowledge) is a free framework that maps out exactly how cybercriminals attack businesses. Think of it as a menu of attack methods organized by goals—what attackers want (tactics) and how they get it (techniques).
FAQ: Is MITRE ATT&CK Too Complex for Small Businesses?
No. While the full framework contains 14 tactics and hundreds of techniques, small businesses typically need to focus on just 5-7 critical areas. Start with Initial Access (blocking phishing), Execution (stopping malware), and Credential Access (protecting passwords). You can implement basic protections for under $200/month.
“46% of all cyber breaches impact businesses with fewer than 1,000 employees. Small businesses receive the highest rate of targeted malicious emails at one in 323.” – Verizon 2025 Data Breach Report
The 14 MITRE ATT&CK Tactics Every SMB Should Know
Here’s exactly how attackers target small businesses, in order:
- Reconnaissance – Scanning your website, LinkedIn profiles, finding employee emails
- Resource Development – Setting up fake domains that look like yours
- Initial Access – Phishing emails to employees (82% of breaches)
- Execution – Running malware once they’re in
- Persistence – Installing backdoors to return later
- Privilege Escalation – Getting admin access
- Defense Evasion – Disabling your antivirus
- Credential Access – Stealing passwords
- Discovery – Mapping your network
- Lateral Movement – Jumping between computers
- Collection – Gathering your data
- Command and Control – Remote control of systems
- Exfiltration – Stealing data out
- Impact – Ransomware encryption ($125,000 average ransom)
Top 5 Attack Techniques Targeting Small Businesses
| Technique | How Common | Average Cost | Prevention Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phishing (T1566) | 91% of attacks | $75,000 | $50/month |
| RDP Compromise (T1021) | 70% of ransomware | $250,000 | $20/month |
| Valid Accounts (T1078) | 80% of breaches | $125,000 | $10/user/month |
| PowerShell (T1059.001) | 65% of attacks | $85,000 | $0 (disable it) |
| Data Encrypted (T1486) | 37% of SMBs hit | $450,000 | $100/month |
Common Mistakes When Using MITRE ATT&CK
Trying to Defend Against Everything
The framework has 193+ techniques. You can’t block them all. Focus on the top 20 that account for 80% of SMB attacks. Start with email security, endpoint protection, and password policies.
Ignoring Post-Compromise Techniques
Most businesses only think about keeping attackers out. But what happens when they get in? Threat hunting using MITRE ATT&CK helps you spot attackers who are already inside.
Not Mapping Your Current Defenses
You probably already block some techniques. Map what you have: Does your antivirus stop PowerShell attacks? Does your firewall block command-and-control traffic? Find the gaps.
MITRE ATT&CK Implementation Tools for Small Business
| Tool Type | What It Blocks | Cost Range | Setup Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Email Security | Initial Access | $3-8/user/month | 2 hours |
| EDR/MDR | Execution, Persistence | $8-25/endpoint/month | 4 hours |
| MFA | Credential Access | $3-6/user/month | 1 hour |
| SIEM | All tactics (detection) | $100-500/month | 8 hours |
| Backup | Impact (recovery) | $50-200/month | 4 hours |
Your 30-Day MITRE ATT&CK Implementation Plan
Week 1: Assessment
- Download the ATT&CK Matrix for Enterprise
- Identify your critical assets (customer data, financial records)
- Map current security tools to techniques
- Run a risk assessment
Week 2: Quick Wins
- Enable MFA everywhere (blocks 99% of automated attacks)
- Disable PowerShell for non-IT users
- Block macro-enabled documents
- Set up email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC)
Week 3: Detection
- Deploy EDR on all endpoints
- Enable Windows security logging
- Set up alerts for suspicious behavior
- Create incident response playbook
Week 4: Advanced Protection
- Implement network segmentation
- Deploy deception technology (honeypots)
- Schedule monthly threat hunts
- Run tabletop exercise
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does MITRE ATT&CK implementation cost for small business?
Basic implementation costs $150-300/month for a 10-20 person company. This includes email security ($50), EDR ($100-150), MFA ($30), and basic SIEM ($50). Full implementation with managed services runs $500-1,500/month but prevents average breach costs of $200,000+.
Which MITRE ATT&CK techniques should we prioritize first?
Focus on: T1566 (Phishing), T1078 (Valid Accounts), T1486 (Data Encrypted for Impact), T1021 (Remote Services), and T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter). These five techniques account for over 75% of successful SMB breaches.
Can we use MITRE ATT&CK without expensive security tools?
Yes. Start with free options: Windows Defender (blocks many techniques), PowerShell logging (detects T1059), Windows Firewall (blocks C2), and built-in account policies. Add commercial tools as budget allows, starting with email security and EDR.
How do we map our defenses to MITRE ATT&CK?
List each security control you have. Check vendor documentation—most now map their features to ATT&CK IDs. For example, if you have CrowdStrike, it blocks T1055 (Process Injection). Create a spreadsheet showing which techniques you can detect/prevent.
What’s the difference between tactics and techniques?
Tactics are the “why”—attacker goals like stealing data. Techniques are the “how”—specific methods like phishing. For example, Initial Access (tactic) includes Phishing (technique T1566) with sub-techniques like Spearphishing Attachment (T1566.001).
How often should we review our MITRE ATT&CK coverage?
Review quarterly. New techniques emerge, and your environment changes. Set calendar reminders to check for updates, test your defenses against new techniques, and adjust based on threat intelligence about your industry.
Real-World Example: How One SMB Stopped a $2M Ransomware Attack
A 45-person accounting firm implemented MITRE ATT&CK defenses after a close call. They spent $450/month on:
- Microsoft Defender for Business ($20/user)
- Proofpoint email security ($8/user)
- Duo MFA ($3/user)
- Huntress MDR ($8/endpoint)
Six months later, attackers sent sophisticated phishing emails (T1566). Proofpoint blocked 95%, one got through. An employee clicked but MFA stopped account takeover (T1078). Huntress detected and blocked the malware execution attempt (T1059).
Total damage: $0. Without these defenses? Industry average: $1.2-2.4 million for their size.
The Bottom Line
MITRE ATT&CK isn’t just another framework—it’s your roadmap to blocking the exact attacks hitting small businesses daily. You don’t need to implement all 193+ techniques. Focus on the 20 that matter most for SMBs, and you’ll stop 80% of attacks.
Remember: 51% of small businesses have zero cybersecurity measures. Just implementing basic MITRE ATT&CK defenses puts you ahead of half your competitors and makes you 85% less likely to suffer a breach.
Your Action Plan
- Download the MITRE ATT&CK Enterprise Matrix today
- Run our 5-minute assessment to find your gaps
- Implement MFA this week (blocks 99% of automated attacks)
- Deploy EDR within 30 days
- Schedule monthly reviews of new techniques
- Test your defenses quarterly with tabletop exercises
Resources
- MITRE ATT&CK Navigator (free mapping tool)
- Center for Internet Security Controls mapped to ATT&CK
- Free ATT&CK training from MITRE
- EDR, MDR & XDR Guide for Small Business
- Threat Hunting for Small Business
Ready to Implement MITRE ATT&CK for Your Business?
Don’t wait until you’re part of the 46% of breached small businesses. Our security experts will map your current defenses to MITRE ATT&CK, identify critical gaps, and create a custom implementation plan that fits your budget.
Schedule your free 30-minute MITRE ATT&CK assessment: Book Your Strategy Call
