Cybersecurity: A Big Guide for Small Businesses
20 June 2025 - Reading time: 12 minutes
Every day we see that the threat landscape continues to evolve at breakneck speed, but one could be surprised by discovering that not only large enterprises, but small and medium-sized organisations have become prime targets for cybercriminals. But why? In many cases, it is a simple case of a lack of awareness leading to underinvestment in cybersecurity measures. While large corporations may have the budget to invest in cutting-edge technology, SMEs often struggle to keep up.
So, how can small businesses protect themselves without breaking the bank? Ultimately, the key to surviving lies not in luck but in preparedness.
One of the most effective ways for small businesses to fortify their cyber defences is by empowering employees with essential cybersecurity knowledge. Equipping your staff with the right skills to identify and combat online threats can prove invaluable in the fight against “daily” cyber threats.
In addition to employee education, it is important to regularly check software updates and patches, as those can close known vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by malicious actors. This simple yet effective measure can significantly reduce the risk of falling prey to cyberattacks.
It's surprising that despite its importance, many organisations still forget about some basic cyber hygiene, such as password security. A staggering 81% of hacking-related breaches are attributed to weak or stolen passwords. Addressing this issue forthwith is crucial and, ideally, combined with two-factor authentication mechanisms (2FA) in place.
Another critical aspect of cybersecurity that cannot be overlooked is the establishment of reliable backup systems. Not only does this safeguard against accidental data loss in the event of a ransomware attack, but it also saves precious time and money that would have otherwise been spent on (very) costly recovery. By the way, do you have an Incident Response Plan? When was the last time you had it tested?
There are many cybersecurity tools and resources which could be used for free. Local chambers of commerce, small business associations, or online communities often provide various free workshops, mentorship, or networking events. Government programs or grants for small businesses can also offer financial relief for investment in cybersecurity. Your employees can learn how to use free tools and successfully maintain the cybersecurity baseline themselves.
Last but not least, you might be surprised, but hiring professional penetration testing teams also doesn’t have to be expensive. Some cybersecurity firms, such as Risk Crew, offer services tailored for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), balancing quality and affordability. These solutions will test your systems for vulnerabilities, ensuring robust protection without the high costs typically associated with enterprise-level services.
So, what can you do to get started today? By incorporating one step each week into your cybersecurity routine and monitoring its progress, you'll be on your way to building a robust defence against modern cyber threats. Always remember that cybersecurity is not just an IT problem; it's a team effort that requires every employee to be engaged. By focusing on high-impact, low-cost strategies, small businesses can significantly reduce their risk of cyberattacks and become a tough nut to crack for hackers.