Small businesses often assume cybercriminals are interested only in banks, large companies, or government networks. The latest Kaspersky findings tell a different story.

Backdoor detections on systems used by Indian small and medium businesses rose 52.1% year-on-year in the first half of 2026, according to Kaspersky data. The company detected 4,52,351 backdoors between January and June, compared with 2,97,412 in the same period last year.

For a small business, even one compromised computer can create serious trouble. Customer records, payment details, invoices, employee data, and access to business email may all be at risk.

What the Kaspersky report means

A backdoor is a hidden way for an attacker to enter a computer or network without using the normal login process. Once it is installed, the attacker may return later to steal data, install more malware, or move to other systems inside the business.

Kaspersky also recorded 37,38,051 attack attempts against Remote Desktop Protocol, or RDP, systems used by Indian SMEs during H1 2026. RDP allows employees or IT teams to access a computer remotely. It is useful for work, but it can become dangerous when passwords are weak, accounts are exposed online, or access is not properly secured.

The number of RDP attacks was lower than the previous year, but the volume remains high. It works out to roughly 20,650 attempts a day.

The report does not mean every attempt led to a successful breach. Still, it shows that smaller companies are being scanned and targeted regularly.

Why SMEs are attractive targets

Smaller businesses may have fewer IT staff, limited security budgets, and older software that is not updated on time. Attackers look for these gaps because one stolen email password or unpatched website can open the door to a larger attack.

Take a small retailer as an example. A staff member receives a fake invoice by email and opens the attachment. Malware may enter the computer, steal saved passwords, and give attackers access to the company’s billing system.

The damage may not be visible immediately. A backdoor can sit quietly while criminals collect information or wait for a more profitable moment to strike.

Simple steps that make a real difference

Cybersecurity does not always require expensive tools. A few basic habits can sharply reduce the risk.

First, turn on multi-factor authentication for email, cloud storage, accounting software, remote access, and administrator accounts. This adds an extra verification step after the password, making stolen passwords less useful.

Next, update operating systems, browsers, business software, plugins, and website tools quickly. Attackers commonly use known software weaknesses that have already been fixed by vendors.

Businesses should also review remote access. If RDP is not needed, disable it. If it is needed, limit access to authorized users, use multi-factor authentication, and avoid exposing it openly to the internet.

Back up essential data regularly and test whether those backups can actually be restored. Keep at least one secure backup separate from the main network. This is especially useful if ransomware encrypts business files.

Finally, train employees to pause before clicking links, opening attachments, or sharing login codes. A five-minute check can prevent a costly incident.

What to do after suspicious activity

If a business notices unusual logins, unfamiliar software, missing files, or unexpected password-reset messages, it should act quickly. Disconnect the affected device from the network where possible and contact a qualified IT security professional.

Indian businesses can also report cyber incidents to CERT-In. Keeping records of suspicious emails, login alerts, and affected systems can help investigators understand what happened.

Three young Indian startups have raised fresh capital for very different problems. Aignosis is working on early autism and developmental screening, Zaperon is building cybersecurity for human and AI identities, while Unveilr AI is helping brands appear in answers generated by search engines and AI platforms.

Together, the funding announcements show how investors are backing practical technology businesses in healthcare, enterprise security and the changing world of online discovery.

Aignosis – Making autism screening easier to access

Jaipur-based healthtech startup Aignosis has raised Rs. 4 crore in a seed round led by Antler and Nikhil Kamath. Angel investors, including Varun Dua and IIMA Ventures, also participated.

Aignosis has developed an AI-assisted screening system for children between 16 months and nine years. The platform uses a laptop and webcam to record short video sessions. Computer vision then studies signals such as eye gaze, response to name and reactions to facial expressions.

The result is an initial risk report that can suggest whether a formal clinical assessment may be needed. It is not intended to replace a doctor or provide a final diagnosis.

The startup plans to use the funds to expand its screening technology across India’s healthcare system. It wants to work with paediatricians, government health centres, schools and private clinics.

Aignosis follows a clinic-in-clinic model, allowing existing healthcare providers to add developmental screening to their services. The company has already deployed its system across more than 20 government primary health centres in Rajasthan and completed over 8,000 screenings, according to ETEntrepreneur.

Zaperon – Protecting companies in the age of AI agents

Cybersecurity startup Zaperon has raised Rs. 7 crore in a seed round led by Inflection Point Ventures. The company was founded in 2021 by Vineet Gupta and Sachin Aggarwal.

Zaperon focuses on a growing security problem. Companies are no longer dealing only with employees and customers. Software applications, automated systems and AI agents are also accessing business data and cloud infrastructure.

Its platform brings identity security, data protection and AI governance into one system. In practical terms, it can help an organization control which employees, applications and AI agents are allowed to access sensitive information.

The company will use the funding to improve its product, develop enterprise-grade AI security frameworks and expand in India and the United States. Its target sectors include banking, healthcare, manufacturing, technology and government as per CXO Today.

Unveilr AI – Helping brands appear in AI answers

Mumbai-based Unveilr AI has raised pre-seed funding from AJVC, the fund founded by Aviral Bhatnagar. Public reports have not clearly disclosed the investment amount, but the startup has been reported at a valuation of Rs. 16.7 crore.

Founded by Sanditya Srivastava in February 2026, Unveilr AI works on search engine optimization and Answer Engine Optimization, or AEO. AEO means improving the chances of a brand being mentioned in answers from tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude and Perplexity.

The startup’s AI agents track where a brand appears, which competitors are recommended and which sources are cited. The funding will support engineering hires, stronger AI agents and a larger sales team in India, the UAE and the US as per SMEStreet.

Why these funding rounds matter

Aignosis is trying to make specialist screening more available outside major hospitals. Zaperon is addressing security risks created by automated software and AI agents. Unveilr AI is responding to a new kind of digital competition in which consumers may receive only a few brand recommendations from an AI tool.

Each startup still faces important challenges. Aignosis must maintain clinical trust and accuracy. Zaperon will compete with established cybersecurity platforms. Unveilr AI will need to prove that better AI visibility leads to real sales and not only more mentions.

Conclusion with key takeaways

The three funding rounds reflect three fast-changing needs. Aignosis is using AI to widen access to early screening, Zaperon is building protection for increasingly automated businesses, and Unveilr AI is helping companies adapt to AI-led search.

The real test now is execution. Funding can support expansion, but long-term success will depend on measurable healthcare outcomes, stronger security deployments and clear business value for customers.