top of page
Search

Why SMBs Think Cybersecurity is Someone Else’s Problem (and Why They’re Dead Wrong)




Here’s a question I hear all the time: “Why would hackers target us? We’re just a small business. Surely, they’ve got bigger fish to fry.” Spoiler: They don’t care how big your fish is. Hackers aren’t Michelin-star chefs—they’re opportunistic scavengers. They don’t discriminate based on size, revenue, or how charming your company logo is. If you’re an easy target, you’re their target.


And SMBs? You’re a buffet of vulnerabilities.



Why SMBs Are Prime Targets


Let’s break it down:


  1. You don’t have a dedicated IT team.

    Most SMBs can’t afford a full-time IT department, let alone a cybersecurity specialist. Hackers know this, and they exploit it. Think of it as trying to rob a house with no locks.


  1. Your employees are overwhelmed.

    How often have you clicked something to get it out of your inbox? Hackers bank on that. One cleverly disguised phishing email, and boom—they’re in.



  1. Your budget for cybersecurity is… what budget?

    “We’ll deal with it later” is not a cybersecurity strategy. Hackers don’t wait for your budget meeting—they’re already testing your defenses.


Sound familiar? If so, you’re not alone—this describes 90% of SMBs. And it’s why hackers love you.



What’s at Stake?


Let’s say you do get hacked. What’s the worst that could happen? Well, buckle up:


  1. Ransomware hits. You’re locked out of your systems. Want access back? Pay up.


  1. Customer trust evaporates. When word gets out (and it will get out), your customers will ask uncomfortable questions about how seriously you take their data.


  1. Your reputation takes a nosedive. News spreads fast. Your business will be

    “that company” for a long time.


And the kicker? 60% of small businesses go under within six months of a major cyberattack. Sobering, right?



How to Stop Thinking It’s Someone Else’s Problem


Here’s the good news: cybersecurity doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You don’t need a team of hackers-turned-heroes or a budget that could fund NASA. Start with the basics.


1. Train Your Team to Spot Phishing Emails

Phishing is how most attacks start. Hackers send emails designed to look legit—maybe a fake invoice, a delivery notice, or even an urgent message from “the boss".

Practical advice:

  • Teach your team to hover over links before clicking. No, “secure-your-account.ru” is not legitimate.

  • Run phishing simulations. GoldPhish does this, and trust me, it’s an eye-opener.


2. Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Passwords can be cracked. It’s not if hackers will try—it’s when. MFA adds an extra layer of security. Think of it as the deadbolt on your digital front door.

Practical advice:

  • Enable MFA for all critical accounts—email, payroll, cloud storage, etc.

  • Yes, it’s annoying, but so is losing all your data.


3. Back Up Your Data

Ransomware is scary because it locks you out of your systems. But if you’ve got a solid backup strategy? You can tell hackers to shove it.

Practical advice:

  • Use the 3-2-1 rule: three copies of your data, on two different types of storage, with one off-site.

  • Test your backups regularly. A backup that doesn’t restore is just a digital paperweight.



Cybersecurity: Just Another Part of Running a Business


Look, I get it. You’re already stretched thin. Payroll, hiring, marketing — it’s all piling up. Cybersecurity feels like one more thing you should do but never quite get to.


But here’s the thing: it’s not optional anymore. Hackers aren’t going anywhere, and they will find the path of least resistance. Don’t let that be you.


Start small, but start today. Train your team, lock down your accounts, and back up your data. No need for perfection — just progress.


If you’re not sure where to begin, let’s chat. I’ve been in the trenches, and I promise: it’s not as scary as it seems. 👊

Comments

bottom of page