Understanding the Cost of Cybersecurity for Small Business in the UAE

The rising cost of cybersecurity for small business often keeps companies from implementing it. However, considering the impact cyberattacks can have on a business, ignoring security is no longer an option! When similar attacks happen on big corporations, they make big headlines. What you may not know is that hackers frequently target small businesses.

A data breach or other form of malicious attack can paralyze a business and also destroy customer trust. It can take years to recover from such an attack. Not to mention the financial the business takes in the process. That’s why if you want to safeguard your business, investing in cybersecurity is necessary. The question then remains: how much would you need to pay for it? Let us explore the standard rates to gauge that.

The Average Cost of Cybersecurity for Small Business

Knowing how much cybersecurity solutions can cost is essential for small businesses. However, a number of factors influence pricing. Without looking at a company’s specific requirements, it’s impossible to predict exactly how much it will cost them. What we can do is provide estimates. But first, what is cybersecurity? It refers to the practices and technologies used to protect systems, networks, and data from digital attacks, ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information. Understanding this foundation helps in evaluating what kind of solutions a business might need, which ultimately influences the cost.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the average cyber security services pricing in the UAE

1. Basic Cybersecurity Packages

A basic package is typically offered to small businesses that are just starting to implement cybersecurity measures. It includes things like

  • Antivirus software
  • Firewalls
  • Essential endpoint protection

This type of package can be priced at a yearly rate of AED 1,500 to AED 5,000. It will depend on the number of users and devices. The basic package is ideal for businesses that have simpler operations and minimal data storage.

2. Individual Cybersecurity Tools Packages

Some small businesses also prefer to invest in individual tools instead of bundled packages. The approximate costs for such tools in the UAE are

ToolsApproximate Cost (AED)
Antivirus and endpoint protectionAED 100 to 300 per year and per device
FirewallsAED 2,000 to 8,000 for a one-time purchase. Maintenance fees may be extra
Cloud security solutionsAED 500–2,000 per month
Two-factor authenticationAED 250–1,000 per year for every user

3. Advanced Cybersecurity Solutions

The cyber security cost to business will be higher if you go for a more robust system. Advanced solutions offer tons more features than the basic package. It may even include things like

  • Intrusion detection systems (IDS)
  • Data encryption
  • 24/7 monitoring

Such advanced features typically come with a price tag of AED 10,000 to AED 25,000 per year.

The upfront cost may seem high at first. However, it starts to make sense when you take the devastating cost of cyber security breaches into account.

4. Incident Response Services

The cost of cybersecurity services is different for emergency responses. When a cyberattack takes place, businesses require expert assistance to contain the damage. Hiring an incident response team may be expensive. They typically charge AED 5,000 to 15,000 per incident. The cost, however, varies based on the seriousness of the attack. Investing in preventative measures is thus crucial for small businesses. In the long term, it has the potential to reduce expenses.

5. Employee Training Programs

Ever wondered what makes a business vulnerable to cyberattacks? More often than not, it is human error! Having a competent team with proper training is crucial. Many cybersecurity firms offer training. They typically charge AED 500–2,000 per session. Investing in team training can significantly reduce risks.

6. Managed Security Service Providers

Would you rather outsource cybersecurity responsibilities? You certainly can! Because of the high cost of cybersecurity for small business, many prefer this option. With managed security service providers, you get access to a wide range of services. Whether it is real-time monitoring or compliance management, they have got you covered! With outsourcing, cybersecurity can cost between AED 2,000 and AED 8,000 per month.

The average cost of cybersecurity for small business in Dubai UAE

Cost of Cybersecurity for Small Business – One-Time vs. Recurring Costs

When planning a cybersecurity budget, it’s crucial to have separate categories for one-time and recurring expenses. When it comes to ensuring comprehensive protection, both types play a significant role. It is necessary to understand the nuances of the two types of costs. This approach allows for more efficient resource allocation.

1. One-Time Expenses

The one-time cyber security services cost typically includes the cost of the initial setup. Set aside money for hardware and deployment. Common expenses include

Hardware Purchases

  • Firewalls
  • Routers with built-in security
  • Physical security tokens

These can cost AED 2,000 to AED 10,000. The size of the business plays a significant role in determining this.

Software License

There’s also the option to get a perpetual license for cybersecurity tools. Antivirus and endpoint protection come under this. The cost per tool can be between AED 500 and 5,000.

Initial Setup and Configuration

Hiring professionals to help you set up? IT solutions firms can charge AED 3,000 to 10,000 for setup. With a professional setup, small businesses can ensure optimal performance.

Recurring Expenses

For most, the real concern lies with the recurring cost of cybersecurity for small businesses. These ongoing costs are for the maintenance and updates of the system, ensuring your cybersecurity solutions remain effective against evolving threats. A few examples of recurring costs are

Subscription Services

  • Cloud security solutions
  • Antivirus software
  • Threat monitoring services

Monthly subscriptions for these typically range between AED 500 and AED 2,000.

Maintenance and Updates

Regular updates are necessary for both software and hardware. They are necessary to patch up vulnerabilities. Small businesses may have to spend AED 1,000–5,000 annually on maintenance.

Managed Security Services

Outsourcing can help save money. Most MSSPs cover

  • 24/7 monitoring
  • Compliance support
  • Rapid response

For these services, MSSPs typically charge small businesses AED 2,000–8,000 per month.

Balancing One-Time and Recurring Costs

Both one-time and recurring expenses are upfront investments in the security infrastructure. A small business must aim to strike a balance between the two. It’s necessary to consider current requirements and growth plans. The one-time investments provide a foundation. The recurring costs are necessary to keep the defenses strong over time.

Stay Ahead of Threats by Relying on Cybersecurity Experts

Think you can handle cybersecurity on your own? Unless you are an expert, it’s unlikely! Outsourcing this responsibility may be more cost-friendly than maintaining an in-house team. Instead, you may consider hiring cybersecurity experts from Samtech, a trusted IT solutions provider. Their specialized knowledge can help safeguard your business from evolving cyber threats.