In his book “The Road Less Stupid,” Keith Cunningham wisely advises that to succeed in business, one should do fewer dumb things rather than trying to do more smart things. This advice is particularly applicable to cybersecurity. But unfortunately, even smart people tend to make dumb decisions when it comes to protecting their assets, either because of ignorance or reluctance to spend money and time on protection.
Small Businesses Are Big Targets
A common excuse we hear all the time is:
“We’re too small. No one would bother hacking us.”
But that’s dangerous thinking.
According to the Verizon 2024 Data Breach Investigations Report, nearly half of all cyberattacks target small businesses. Why? Because hackers know you’re likely under-protected – and less likely to fight back.
You’re not too small to get hacked. You’re just too small to make the news.
Many businesses don’t talk about their breaches because of the embarrassment, liability, and loss of client trust they create.
What Hackers Really Want
Sometimes, the goal isn’t your data. They know YOU need your data, and that’s why you’ll pay.
Of course, if you happen to work in healthcare or handle financial information, that data can be sold on the dark web. But even if you don’t, cybercriminals can still lock down your files and hold them for ransom.
They know your business can’t function without access to:
- Emails
- Client files
- Project data
- Internal communications
- Payroll information
If you can’t operate, you’re more likely to pay up.
But I Have Insurance and Backups…
That’s a great start, but it’s not enough.
Cyber insurance policies are increasingly strict. Many now require that you already have:
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
- Password policies
- Endpoint protection
- Encrypted backups
- Ongoing cybersecurity training
Even if you feel that you have all these requirements in place, insurers often deny claims if you can’t prove you were compliant at the time of the breach.
Even if you can restore from backup, hackers may still threaten to leak sensitive data online unless you pay.
That data can include:
- Client contracts
- Internal messages
- Private emails
Insurance won’t cover that kind of reputational fallout.
Cybersecurity Is Your Seatbelt
Just like wearing a seatbelt doesn’t prevent every car accident, cybersecurity doesn’t eliminate every threat.
It does dramatically reduce:
- The chance of being targeted
- The damage if you are
Here’s the key: Hackers are lazy and look for easy wins. If your systems are secure and aren’t easily breached, they’ll move on to someone else.
5 Key Areas to Strengthen Right Now
You don’t have to overhaul everything at once. Start with these five:
- Strong Passwords & MFA: Use a password manager and enable multi-factor authentication wherever possible.
- Automated Backups: Make sure your backups are secure, off-site, and tested regularly.
- Employee Training: Your team is your first line of defense. Train them to spot phishing attempts and questionable links.
- Device & Software Security: Keep antivirus software, firewalls, and operating systems up to date.
- Incident Response Plan: Know what steps to take if something does happen, so you’re not scrambling.
Final Thought
Cybersecurity doesn’t need to be overwhelming. But ignoring it? That’s a risky move.
Think of it as digital hygiene – something you build into your everyday operations.
If you need help knowing where you stand, let’s talk.
Schedule a free, 10-minute call with our Client Success Manager, Randy, where he’ll review your current setup and let you know if there are any urgent gaps to fix.
FAQs about Cybersecurity
A: Because they tend to have weaker defenses, making them easier to breach and exploit.
A: Password protection, MFA, data backups, employee training, and an incident response plan.
A: Maybe, but only if you’ve already met strict security requirements, which vary by policy.
A: Phishing emails! Those fake messages that trick employees into giving access or clicking malicious links.
