The SMB Guide to Cybersecurity: Protecting What Matters

Introduction: Why Cybersecurity Matters for SMBs

Cyberattacks aren’t just a big-business problem anymore. Small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) are increasingly in the crosshairs because cybercriminals know many operate with limited resources and overstretched IT teams.

In fact, research shows that about 31% of SMBs have been victims of cyberattacks such as ransomware, phishing or data breaches. [Source: Microsoft]

One successful attack can lead to downtime, data loss, reputational damage, and serious financial consequences. The good news? Building a strong cybersecurity foundation doesn’t require a massive IT department; just the right strategy, tools, and trusted partners.

1. Understand the Risks

Every SMB faces unique risks, but these threats are among the most common:

  • Phishing and social engineering: deceptive emails or texts trick employees into revealing credentials or transferring funds.
  • Ransomware: malicious software locks your systems until a ransom is paid. For example, 82% of ransomware attacks in 2021 were directed at companies with fewer than 1,000 employees. [Source: SentinelOne]
  • Data breaches: sensitive customer, employee or financial data becomes exposed.
  • Weak or reused passwords: one compromised password can grant access to multiple systems.
  • Unpatched software: outdated applications leave security holes that attackers exploit.
  • To give more scale: nearly 46% of all cyber breaches impacted businesses with fewer than 1,000 employees. [Source: StrongDM]

2. Build a Strong Cybersecurity Foundation

Start by covering the basics; these are your cybersecurity must-haves:

  • Strong passwords + multi-factor authentication (MFA): Prevents attackers from easily accessing accounts. Only around 14% of SMBs said they considered their cybersecurity posture “highly effective.” [Source: NinjaOne]
  • System and software updates: Regular patching eliminates known vulnerabilities.
  • Endpoint protection and antivirus: Defend every device on your network.
  • Secure Wi-Fi and firewalls: Protect your internal network from unauthorized access.
  • Data backups: Ensure backups are automated, encrypted, and tested regularly.
  • Notably, many SMBs are underprepared: one survey found that 83% of SMBs are not prepared to recover from the financial damages of a cyber-attack. [Source: NinjaOne]

3. Empower Your Employees

Your people are your first line of defense. Make cybersecurity part of your company culture.

  • Provide ongoing cybersecurity awareness training for all employees. Only 42% of SMBs provide regular employee security training. [Source: CrowdStrike]
  • Teach staff how to identify phishing attempts and suspicious behavior.
  • Limit access based on job roles: employees should only have access to what they need.
  • Create clear policies for password management, data sharing, and remote work.
  • Given that many SMBs acknowledge the threat but still struggle, with 94% saying they’re aware of cyber threats yet few having full protections. [Source: CrowdStrike]

4. Secure Devices, Networks, and Remote Work

The modern workforce is mobile and connected: make sure your cybersecurity keeps up.

  • Use firewalls and VPNs to secure remote access.
  • Encrypt laptops, mobile devices, and removable media.
  • Enforce device management policies to handle lost or stolen equipment.
  • Segment your network so guest or IoT devices don’t pose risks to critical systems.
  • Plus, the risk isn’t theoretical: one source reports that nearly 1 in 5 SMBs say a successful cyberattack could force them to close. [Source: Cloud Security Alliance]

5. Be Ready for Incidents

Even the best defenses can’t guarantee 100% protection. A solid incident response plan minimizes damage and downtime.

  • Define roles and responsibilities in the event of a breach.
  • Know who to contact: internal leads, vendors, and legal/compliance teams.
  • Test your backups and restoration process regularly.
  • Partner with an IT or cybersecurity provider who offers 24/7 monitoring and response.
  • One sobering fact: some SMBs report that they would go under with losses of $50,000 or less following a cyberattack. [Source: Cloud Security Alliance]

6. Partner with a Cybersecurity Expert

Managing cybersecurity in-house can stretch resources thin. Partnering with a managed IT and cybersecurity provider gives your SMB access to enterprise-level protection, including:

  • Continuous monitoring and threat detection
  • Proactive patching and system hardening
  • Security awareness training for employees
  • Backup and disaster recovery solutions
  • Compliance guidance and reporting

These services allow you to focus on running your business while experts safeguard your systems and data. Research shows that 70% of SMBs rely on outside experts to guide security decisions. [Source: CrowdStrike]

Final Thoughts

Cybersecurity isn’t a one-time project… it’s a long-term commitment to protecting your business, employees, and customers. By implementing the right best practices and partnering with the right experts, SMBs can achieve enterprise-grade protection without enterprise complexity.

Ready to Strengthen Your Cybersecurity?

Identify vulnerabilities before attackers do.

Schedule an IT Security Assessment or call the Onward team at 312-795-9500 .

national cybersecurity awareness month

National Cybersecurity Awareness Month

 

Onward Technologies is proud to be a National Cybersecurity Awareness Month Champion!

This October, we’re joining organizations nationwide to promote cybersecurity awareness, share best practices, and help businesses and individuals stay safe online. Cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility — let’s work together to build a safer digital world.

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