A recent Newsweek investigation uncovers how a wave of cyber‑attacks targeting small businesses has surged in the past year, exposing critical gaps in digital security practices. By interviewing victims, cybersecurity experts, and law‑enforcement officials, the piece reveals that many attacks exploit outdated software and weak passwords, often costing owners thousands in lost revenue and data breaches. The report also highlights emerging defensive tools and offers practical steps for entrepreneurs to fortify their networks before the next wave hits. With vivid case studies and actionable advice, the article paints a stark picture of the evolving threat landscape while pointing to hopeful solutions for the most vulnerable firms.