Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are not immune to cyber attacks, and they can be particularly vulnerable to these threats due to their limited resources and often insufficient cybersecurity measures. Here are some reasons why SMBs cannot afford to not have cybersecurity:

Financial loss: Cyber attacks can result in significant financial losses for SMBs. These losses can include the costs of investigating and resolving the attack, restoring systems and data, and compensating customers or partners for any damages incurred.
Reputational damage: A cyber attack can damage an SMB's reputation and erode customer trust. If customer data is compromised, this can lead to a loss of business and difficulty in attracting new customers.
Legal repercussions: SMBs may be subject to legal action and regulatory penalties if they fail to adequately protect their data and systems. For example, in Canada, SMBs may face fines for non-compliance with regulations such as the Personal Information Protection and Electronics Documents Act (PIPEDA) or the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS).
Business interruption: Cyber attacks can disrupt SMBs' operations, causing significant downtime and lost productivity. This can have a cascading effect on revenue and customer satisfaction, and in some cases, may even lead to business closure.
Targeted attacks: Cybercriminals may specifically target SMBs due to their perceived vulnerability. In some cases, attackers may attempt to gain access to an SMB's systems as a stepping stone to larger companies or organizations.

In conclusion, SMBs cannot afford to not have cybersecurity. Cyber attacks can have serious consequences for their financial stability, reputation, and legal compliance, as well as their ability to operate effectively. Implementing appropriate cybersecurity measures is essential for protecting SMBs against these threats and ensuring their long-term success.