Many owners think that a small local website won’t attract attackers. In truth, bots scan every registered domain for weaknesses, and misconfigured mail settings let anyone spoof your address.
Bots Probe Every Corner of the Web
Automated scanners pull DNS zone files daily, spot new domains and test for unpatched software, weak logins and common exploits. They don’t check your size. Once they find an entry point, they flag it for attackers who can deface your site, inject malware or enlist your server in a botnet.
Vulnerability scanning attacks follow three phases: targeting URLs and payloads, running scans on CMS and components, then exploiting any flaw found[1].
Small Businesses Face High Attack Rates
- 46 percent of cyber breaches hit firms with under 1,000 employees[4].
- 61 percent of SMBs were targeted by a cyberattack in 2021[4].
- 82 percent of ransomware attacks in 2021 struck companies with fewer than 1,000 employees[4].
Email Spoofing Works Without Leaked Credentials
Attackers don’t need your password to send mail from your domain. Lax SPF, DKIM or MX records let anyone forge the “From” field and bypass filters, prompting customers to click malicious links[2].
Misconfigured SPF alone can break mail flow and open you to spoofing. A typo or missing server in your SPF policy lets rogue mail servers impersonate you[3].
Practical Defenses for Every Business
- Enforce strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication on all admin panels.
- Publish precise SPF records, rotate DKIM keys and move to a strict DMARC policy (
p=quarantineorp=reject). See our Complete Email Deliverability Audit for guidance. - Deploy a web application firewall or bot management service to filter malicious scans.
- Patch systems and plugins immediately when updates arrive.
- Schedule regular vulnerability scans and test your backup restore process.
Learn More
Every domain is visible to automated scanners. No business is too small to matter. Layered controls, routine audits and strict mail policies keep your site and reputation safe. For a detailed review of your website and mail setup, check out our Complete Email Deliverability Audit.