How to Protect Your Small Business from Cyber Threats
- Kia Nicholson
- May 5
- 2 min read
Is Your Business a Cyber Target? Let's Find Out.
Why Small Businesses Are Being Targeted
You might think your business is too small to be a cybercriminal's target – but 43% of cyberattacks actually hit small businesses. Why? Because small teams often don't have full-time IT support or proper protections in place.
Many solopreneurs and nonprofits operate under a false sense of security. But without a proactive plan, you're left vulnerable to common threats like data breaches, ransomware, and phishing attacks.
What Makes Small Businesses Vulnerable?
Lack of a cybersecurity strategy
Personal and business use on the same devices
No backups or recovery plans
Weak passwords and shared logins
Little to no staff cybersecurity training
If this sounds familiar – don't worry. You're not alone; we're here to help you change that.
Top Cybersecurity Threats to Watch Out For
1. Phishing Attacks
Fake emails and messages trick users into giving up passwords or private info. These are increasingly sophisticated and often hard to detect.
2. Ransomware
Malicious software locks your files until you pay. Without backups, your data (and business) could be held hostage.
3. Data Breaches
When hackers access sensitive client, financial, or internal data – often caused by poor password hygiene or no MFA.
4. Denial-of-Service Attacks (DoS)
Overloads your website or systems, making your business temporarily unusable – and hurting customer trust.
5 Steps to Reduce Your Cyber Risk Immediately
You don't need to be a tech expert. These are things you can implement today:
1. Educate Your Team
Train them on phishing, password safety, and safe browsing habits
2. Update Software Regularly
Patching vulnerabilities closes common doors hackers use
3. Use Strong Passwords & MFA
Enable two-step verification wherever possible
4. Back Up Your Data
Store securely both locally and in the cloud
5. Limit Access
Give employees only the access they truly need
The Cybersecurity Checklist
We created a simple 10-point Cybersecurity Checklist to help small business owners:
Assess your current risk level
Identify what protections are missing
Take the next step toward better security
Includes a self-assessment scorecard and actionable fixes tailored for small teams.
How to Evaluate Your Current Security Posture
Once you download the checklist, score your answers, and reflect on areas for improvement. The goal isn't perfection – it's progress and protection.
You can also reference frameworks like:
NIST Cybersecurity Framework
CyberSecure My Business (National Cyber Security Alliance)
Or, if you're ready to hand it off – we've got you covered.
Want Help Securing Your Business?
Our Tech Safety Net service is made for solopreneurs and nonprofits. Starting at $79/user/month, it includes:
Antivirus + backups
Password manager setup
MFA + basic endpoint protection
Ongoing support and monitoring
Let's get you protected with no stress, no jargon, and no bloated tools you don't need.
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