For many small business owners, cybersecurity is a distant afterthought. After all, who would want some small shop’s data? Well, you’d be surprised.
In a world where a single data breach can completely ruin your business, it’s worth taking even a little time to ensure that you’re protected. Here’s how.
Why Cybersecurity is Critical for Small Businesses
Hackers and data thieves mainly target small businesses precisely because they assume these businesses’ cybersecurity is weak.
In fact, according to Verizon’s 2025 report on data breaches, there are four times as many SMB victims than there are larger organizations.
The good news is that protecting yourself isn’t even difficult. Nailing down a few cybersecurity essentials is more than enough to keep your small business safe and running.
Changing your passwords. Updating your software. Backing up your data. All these can be done in a single day. Even downloading a VPN is incredibly easy. They can get Surfshark to use whenever they’re on public Wi-Fi.
Let’s dive deeper into why these cybersecurity practices are essential.
Starting with the Basics: Strong Passwords and 2FA
Passwords are your first line of defense. If you’re still using BusinessName123—or worse, using it for all your business accounts—then change it ASAP!
Generally speaking, passwords need to:
- Not easily-guessed information (such as birthdays);
- Be long (8-12 characters);
- Be unique (each account needs a different password);
- Have a mix of:
- Upper and lowercase letters;
- Numbers;
- Symbols.
However, one password is arguably not enough in this day and age. So next, turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) on all apps where it’s available. Whenever you log in, you’ll have to input a separate code sent to your email address or phone number—a temporary, secondary password, essentially.
It’s a hassle, yes. But better safe than sorry.
Keep Your Software Updated
Most updates contain security patches that address system vulnerabilities. These are the same system vulnerabilities that hackers use to get into your network and steal your data.
Whether it’s your operating system, web browser, mobile apps, or even things like your Wi-Fi firmware, make sure they’re updated to the latest versions.
If possible, set all apps to download updates automatically whenever one is available.
Read also: Reasons to Use AI in Your Business
Use a VPN on Public or Unsecured Networks
Whenever you or your team members are working remotely on public Wi-Fi at coffee shops, airports, and hotels, then you need to be using a VPN whenever you do so.
Remember that using public Wi-Fi means that it’s very easy for other users of that network to see what others are doing with the connection.
A VPN encrypts your connection—essentially “masking” it—providing another layer of protection against those wanting to snoop on or steal your data.
This is particularly important for online businesses or those with remote team members.
Secure Your Website
If you have an e-commerce site or collect any customer data, you’ll need an SSL certificate. It’s presented by that little padlock icon in the address bar of your browser.
Without getting into the nitty-gritty, having an SSL certificate essentially means that your website can be trusted with users’ data.
The good thing is that most web hosts offer it for free these days!
If you’re using website platforms (WordPress, Shopify, GoDaddy) or any plugins, keep them up to date as well (as mentioned above).
Train Your Team (Even if It’s Just You)
Phishing is one of the most common ways people get their data stolen. These scams pose as legitimate links or attachments in emails or messages, but clicking on them actually leads you to giving away your data.
Ensure that everyone in your team knows what a phishing link looks like. You don’t need a full training program for this! Even reading a quick guide about it online is more than enough.
Backups: Your Business Lifeline
The truth, however, is that it’s still possible for you to lose your data despite doing all of this. Either due to human error, getting targeted by a top-tier hacker, or accidentally downloading malware, you can lose your invoices, client lists, order histories, and other important data.
This is why it’s crucial to always back-up your data. Have copies of every important file in both an offline drive and an online cloud service. Keep at least one backup disconnected from your main system as well. So at least if your computer gets infected, you still have copies.
Conclusion: The Understated Importance of Cybersecurity
Many people think cybersecurity is a hassle and isn’t important because they’ve never been breached. But think of it as the online equivalent of locking your shop at night.
You do it not because you expect a break-in necessarily, but because it’s common sense.
