Take the small business cybersecurity assessment quiz

Evidence tier: A1 Evidence type: Auto-discovered official publication Source: Mastercard Newsroom Official publication date: 2026-06-17 Captured: 2026-07-16T20:30:34.088Z

Cybersecurity is no longer optional for businesses of any size. Global costs and lost revenue from cyberattacks are estimated to reach nearly $16 trillion by 2029, with cybercriminals increasingly targeting smaller businesses because they often lack the dedicated IT resources and sophisticated defenses of larger enterprises, making them attractive, accessible entry points for attacks like phishing, ransomware and payment fraud.

A single security breach can disrupt operations and damage customer trust with consequences that many small businesses struggle to recover from. A 2025 Mastercard survey of more than 5,000 small and medium-sized business owners reveals that nearly half have experienced a cyberattack on their current business, and nearly one in five that suffered an attack then filed for bankruptcy or closed their business.

Whether it’s a Main Street mom-and-pop, an e-commerce startup or a service-based business, handling sensitive client information, digital systems and payment data requires active protection. That's why Mastercard created this cybersecurity assessment quiz. In just a few minutes, small businesses can understand their cybersecurity readiness and key risks. It also provides a downloadable report with step-by-step guidance on best practices, ideal for strengthening defenses and training employees.