Is Your Business a Cyber Target? Let's Find Out.
- Kia Nicholson
- May 5
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 9
Why Small Businesses Are Being Targeted
You might think your business is too small to be a target for cybercriminals. However, 43% of cyberattacks actually hit small businesses. Why is this the case? Small teams often lack full-time IT support and proper cybersecurity measures.
Many solopreneurs and nonprofits operate under a false sense of security. Without a proactive cybersecurity plan, you are vulnerable to threats like data breaches, ransomware, and phishing attacks.
Understanding the Cyber Landscape
With the digital landscape constantly evolving, it's essential to stay informed about cybersecurity. Small businesses often overlook their online safety while focusing on growth. Yet, a simple attack can severely disrupt operations. Understanding the risks is the first step to proactive protection.
What Makes Small Businesses Vulnerable?
Several factors contribute to the vulnerability of small businesses:
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 any of this sounds familiar, don't worry. You're not alone, and we're here to assist you in changing that.
Top Cybersecurity Threats to Watch Out For
1. Phishing Attacks
Fake emails and messages trick users into sharing passwords or private information. These attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated and difficult to detect.
2. Ransomware
This malicious software locks your files until you pay a ransom. Without proper backups, your data—and business—could be held hostage.
3. Data Breaches
Hackers can access sensitive client information, financial data, or internal files. This often results from poor password management or a lack of multifactor authentication (MFA).
4. Denial-of-Service Attacks (DoS)
These attacks overload your website or systems. As a result, your business could be temporarily unusable, leading to a loss of customer trust.
5 Steps to Reduce Your Cyber Risk Immediately
You don't need to be a tech expert to enhance your cybersecurity. Here are five basic steps you can implement today:
1. Educate Your Team
Provide training on phishing, password safety, and safe browsing habits.
2. Update Software Regularly
Regularly patch vulnerabilities in your software to close common security gaps that hackers exploit.
3. Use Strong Passwords & MFA
Enable two-step verification wherever possible to strengthen your account security.
4. Back Up Your Data
Store data securely in both local and cloud environments to ensure recovery options.
5. Limit Access
Restrict employee access to sensitive information and systems based on their roles.
The Cybersecurity Checklist
We created a simple 10-point Cybersecurity Checklist to help small business owners:
Assess your current risk level
Identify missing protections
Take steps toward improved security
This checklist includes a self-assessment scorecard and actionable fixes tailored for small teams.
How to Evaluate Your Current Security Posture
After downloading the checklist, score your answers. Reflect on areas where improvement is needed. The goal isn't perfection; it’s about progress and protection.
Consider referring to cybersecurity frameworks like:
NIST Cybersecurity Framework
CyberSecure My Business (National Cyber Security Alliance)
If you're ready to take your cybersecurity to the next level but feel overwhelmed, we've got your back.
Want Help Securing Your Business?
Our Tech Safety Net service is designed for solopreneurs and nonprofits. Starting at $79/user/month, it includes:
Antivirus and backups
Password manager setup
MFA and basic endpoint protection
Ongoing support and monitoring
Let us help you secure your business with minimal stress, jargon-free advice, and no unnecessary tools.
Comments