Small Businesses Are Prime Targets
Here's a sobering statistic: 43% of cyberattacks target small businesses, yet only 14% are prepared to defend themselves. Hackers know that small businesses often lack the security infrastructure of larger companies.
The 5 Essential Security Measures
1. SSL Certificates (HTTPS)
If your website URL starts with "http://" instead of "https://", you're putting your customers at risk. SSL certificates:
- Encrypt data between your website and visitors
- Build customer trust (browsers show "Not Secure" warnings without HTTPS)
- Improve your Google search rankings
Cost: Free with Let's Encrypt, or included with most hosting providers.
2. Regular Software Updates
Outdated software is one of the most common attack vectors. This includes:
- Your website's content management system (WordPress, etc.)
- Plugins and themes
- Server software
- Your own computer's operating system
Tip: Enable automatic updates whenever possible.
3. Strong Password Policies
Weak passwords are responsible for 81% of data breaches. Implement:
- Minimum 12-character passwords
- Mix of letters, numbers, and symbols
- Unique passwords for each account
- Password manager for your team
4. Regular Backups
If ransomware hits, backups are your lifeline. Follow the 3-2-1 rule:
- 3 copies of your data
- 2 different storage types
- 1 copy stored offsite (cloud)
5. Employee Training
Your team is your first line of defense—and your biggest vulnerability. Train them to:
- Recognize phishing emails
- Avoid suspicious downloads
- Report security concerns immediately
The Cost of Ignoring Security
The average cost of a data breach for small businesses is $120,000. Many never recover. Compare that to the relatively small investment in proper security measures.
Where to Start
If you're not sure where your business stands security-wise, a professional security audit can identify vulnerabilities before hackers do.
Concerned about your business's security? Get in touch to schedule a security assessment.