How Small Businesses Can Protect Themselves from Cyberattacks

Technology plays a vital role in nearly every small business today. Yet, many business owners don’t consider themselves tech experts. You’ve likely heard of major data breaches and cyberattacks, but you may assume hackers wouldn’t be interested in a small business like yours. Unfortunately, cybercriminals specifically target small and midsize businesses because they often lack strong cybersecurity measures.

The good news? There are proactive steps you can take to protect your business. Here are five key cybersecurity precautions every small business should implement.

1. Keep Your Website Secure and Updated

Many small businesses build their own websites using platforms like WordPress or Wix, often with the help of a contractor, friend, or family member. Once the site is live, it’s easy to set it and forget it. But ignoring your website’s maintenance can create major security vulnerabilities.

For example, WordPress powers over 40% of the world’s websites, yet a significant portion of those sites run outdated versions without the latest security patches. WordPress also relies on plugins to add functionality like contact forms, payment systems, and email signups—each of which could become an entry point for hackers if not regularly updated.

To protect your website:

  • Update your website platform and plugins regularly.
  • Monitor your site for unexpected activity.
  • Work with an expert if you’re not comfortable managing website security yourself.

2. Train Employees to Recognize Cyber Threats

Studies show that human error is the biggest cause of cybersecurity breaches, with some estimates attributing over 90% of cyberattacks to employee mistakes. A simple phishing email or fraudulent phone call can trick an employee into revealing sensitive data or transferring funds to a scammer.

Cybercriminals use techniques like:

  • Phishing emails that mimic legitimate businesses to steal login credentials.
  • Social engineering tactics that manipulate employees into sharing confidential information.
  • Invoice fraud where hackers pose as vendors and change payment details.

To protect your business, train your employees to:

  • Never click on suspicious email links or attachments.
  • Verify payment and banking changes through a secondary confirmation method.
  • Follow strict security protocols when handling sensitive information.

3. Implement Cybersecurity Best Practices

A strong cybersecurity strategy isn’t just for large corporations. Simple security measures can make a big difference in protecting your business:

  • Use strong passwords and never reuse the same password for multiple accounts.
  • Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all business accounts.
  • Update software regularly to ensure security patches are installed.
  • Limit access to sensitive data based on job roles.
  • Use secure Wi-Fi networks, and avoid letting guests access your primary business network.

These steps help create a security-first culture that reduces the risk of a cyberattack.

4. Protect Your Business and Personal Devices

Cybercriminals don’t just target software—they also exploit hardware vulnerabilities. A lost or stolen device can lead to a serious data breach if it falls into the wrong hands.

To keep your devices secure:

  • Never leave laptops, tablets, or phones unattended in public or at your business.
  • Avoid using public USB charging stations or unknown charging cables.
  • Be cautious when receiving USB memory sticks or external devices from unknown sources.

Hackers can install malware or steal data in just seconds when a device is left unprotected. Keeping your business electronics secure is just as important as locking the front door at night.

5. Understand Your Responsibility for Customer Data

Even if you outsource payroll, credit card processing, or data management, your business is still responsible for protecting customer and employee data. If a vendor handling your customer data experiences a data breach, your business may still have legal obligations to notify affected individuals.

For example, certain state laws require businesses to inform customers if their personal data has been exposed—even if the breach occurred on a third-party system. Consulting with legal and cybersecurity professionals can help you understand your responsibilities and develop a response plan in case of a breach.

Small Businesses Can Strengthen Cybersecurity Together

Cybercriminals assume small businesses don’t have strong cybersecurity measures in place, making them easy targets. But by taking proactive steps—monitoring your website, training employees, using strong security practices, protecting devices, and securing customer data—you can significantly reduce the risk of a cyberattack.

Cybersecurity doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start with these key actions and stay vigilant. Your business, your customers, and your reputation depend on it.

Contact Risk Strategies ICNJ today

Email us at info@icnj.com for guidance on cybersecurity and ensuring your insurance coverage is up to date.