“Securing those that cannot secure themselves”. This is how the challenge faced by consumers and SMBs is framed by William Blair (a global investment research firm known for its deep sector analysis and insights into emerging tech markets) Their analysis shows these cybersecurity markets remains fundamentally underserved, making them prime targets for increasingly sophisticated threats.

At TrustLayer, we see the same narrative play out daily – where simplicity, visibility, and effective measurement rise above complexity. Here’s how we respond, and why that response matters now more than ever.

SMB cybersecurity is a pressure cooker

William Blair spotlights how large enterprises dominate cybersecurity attention, leaving SMBs exposed to attacks like ransomware and phishing.

TrustLayer’s own research highlights the extent of that exposure in the UK in 2025:

  • Security budgets have dropped by an average of 17%, even as organisation face 7% more security alerts year-on-year

The SMB cyber resilience crisis

  • 77% of SMB’s can’t continuously monitor cloud configuration
  • 30% of data losscomes from insiders
  • 36% of SMBs: are hit by serious email-based security incidents
  • Email attacks remain the leading entry point: 53% of attacks in 2024 originated from compromised email accounts
  • Insider threats are rising: Nearly 30% of data loss incidents stem from insider actions—either intentional or accidental.
  • Cybersecurity fatigue is real: 43% of security teams report middle‑of‑the‑night alerts, contributing to stress, burnout, and retention risks.
  • Cloud visibility is a stark blind spot: 77% of SMBs cannot continuously monitor cloud or container-based risk—despite migrating critical operations to the cloud.

William Blair’s SECaaS model — what works

The analyst lauds a SECaaS (Security‑as‑a‑Service) approach delivered through cloud service providers: transparent, multi‑layered protection without endpoint installations, with recurring revenues and strong adoption. Their model proves that frictionless, embedded security can scale quickly and financially sustainably.

Why Allot’s story matters, but is not enough for SMBs

SECaaS momentum is a great Proof of Concept, and Allot’s Q2 2025 results show compelling traction (ARR growth of 73% year-over-year, now at $25.2M). Internationally there’s a growing stream of telco partnerships that underline the scalability of carrier-embedded cybersecurity to reach the mass of SMB’s. However, a network-centric model relies on the telco’s intermediaries which is not so great for end‑user agility.

TrustLayer works smarter for the modern SMB through a cloud-native platform, which by contrast offers direct, transparent protection across email, web, SaaS applications, cloud posture, and insider threat management – designed for rapid deployment and to reduce operational complexity and administrative burden.

TrustLayer's cloud-native SMB-first platform

We’ve taken the principle of frictionless, financially sustainable protection and built it for SMBs. While William Blair points to telcos like Allot embedding security into their networks, BT has already taken this a step further – partnering with TrustLayer to launch the new ‘Complete Cloud Secure’, a cloud-native platform designed specifically for SMBs.

But BT’s new offering isn’t just another telco add-on. It’s a direct application of TrustLayer’s full-stack integrated security platform, available online via BT’s AppDirect marketplace. Enterprise-grade security, designed for SMB, available at the click of a button.

Thanks to this partnership, SMBs gain transparent, multi-layered protection with none of the deployment friction traditionally associated with managed services. Think of it as the best of both worlds: Allot’s SECaaS growth confirms the need for scalable, carrier-delivered cybersecurity, but Complete Cloud Secure goes further. It combines BT’s 24/7 UK-based support and reach with TrustLayer’s direct, agile, and modular protections, from email and web to cloud apps and posture.

TrustLayer for SMB's

  • Unified, layered protection out-of-the-box: Protecting email, web, cloud posture, users, and apps, all through a central dashboard.
  • Rapid, low-friction deployment approach: TrustLayer’s highly efficient DirectProtect architecture enables fast onboarding with no complex proxy re-routing.
  • Scalable, budget-friendly pricing: Built for lean teams managing more with less.
  • Aligned with market shift: Over half of SMB security leaders are already consolidating their tool stacks and embracing integrated platforms to reduce operational noise and improve resilience.

For BT customers, this means:

  • Immediate access: Purchase online, activate in minutes, supported end-to-end by BT’s expert teams.
  • Transparent, unified control: Visibility and governance via TrustLayer’s intuitive dashboard, not buried behind carrier infrastructure.
  • Secure, scalable value: Frictionless protection that grows with you, without swapping dashboards, systems, or tools.

A smarter future: what you can do next

Will the SECaaS model lead the way? We believe yes, but with enhancements that meet SMBs where they are now. William Blair’s report underscores a seismic shift: cybersecurity must be accessible, scalable, and embedded – especially for SMBs. TrustLayer embodies those principles: delivering consolidated, cloud-native protection that empowers businesses to thrive, not just survive.

The SMB cybersecurity gap is closing. With TrustLayer and BT’s Complete Cloud Secure, every business – no matter its size – can move from vulnerable to resilient, from underserved to unstoppable.

Join the growing community of SMBs taking control of their cyber future.