Here's a hard truth that most business owners don't want to hear: there are only TWO types of businesses when it comes to cybersecurity breaches. Those that KNOW they've been breached. And those that DON'T KNOW they've been breached. (Please note what they both have in common...) Now, I'm not writing this to depress you or scare you. I'm writing this because I feel so strongly about the importance of this topic, and I'll tell anybody who will listen what's going on so that they're prepared. You need to take steps NOW to prevent future disasters later.
What You'll Learn in This Guide
Why Small Businesses Are Prime Targets
Maybe you're reading this and saying to yourself, "I'm just a small business. No one's coming after us. This is overkill. We're not that much at risk." Well, here's what the criminals know that you might not: small businesses are actually EASIER targets than big corporations.
The Reality of Modern Cybercrime
Cybercrime is literally a multibillion-dollar industry, and these companies are run just like any other regular business. They have HR departments and offer full benefits. They even go on company retreats with all expenses paid. Russian criminal gangs are constantly looking for people to help them launch attacks. They pay apprentices $5,000 a month on a trial basis for three months, and if they're good at it, their paychecks jump to as much as $60,000 a month.
Why Small Businesses Get Hit
Small businesses typically have weaker security than large corporations, but they still have valuable data and money. Plus, they're often connected to larger companies in their supply chains, making them perfect stepping stones for bigger attacks.
The Two Things You Must Do Right Now
I'm going to focus on two specific areas you can implement immediately to start protecting your business better. These aren't complicated or expensive, but they'll make a huge difference.
Security Awareness and Training
The #1 thing you can do to get started with better cybersecurity is to implement Security Awareness and Training to educate team members on the obvious mistakes that can and do cause serious problems. If you're not constantly training people, they're almost certainly going to fall for a phishing attack at some point. We recommend that at least once a quarter you conduct simulated phishing campaigns, which will let you know immediately if anybody on your team needs additional training.
Multifactor Authentication
Another area of security involves taking a more rigorous approach to Identification and Authentication with your systems and network. We recommend turning on multifactor authentication (MFA) for VPN, webmail, and any time they use remote desktop connections. By using multifactor authentication, you can reduce the likelihood of a successful attack by 99.9%.
Real Business Success Stories
Case Study: Local Law Firm
What the Data Shows
The True Cost of Cyber Attacks
The average cost of a cyber attack on a small business is $200,000, and 60% of small businesses that experience a cyber attack go out of business within six months.
Key Data:
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, 43% of all cyber attacks target small businesses, and the average time to discover a breach is 270 days.
Source: FBI Internet Crime Report 2023
Your Step-by-Step Action Plan
Implement Security Awareness Training
Start with the basics: teach your employees how to recognize phishing emails and other common attack methods.
Pro Tips:
- Conduct simulated phishing campaigns quarterly
- Provide regular training sessions on current threats
- Make security awareness part of your company culture
Enable Multifactor Authentication
Turn on MFA for all critical systems and applications. This single step can prevent 99.9% of password-based attacks.
Pro Tips:
- Start with email and VPN access
- Use authenticator apps instead of SMS when possible
- Make MFA mandatory for all employees
Frequently Asked Questions
QHow much should I spend on cybersecurity?
Most small businesses should budget 3-5% of their annual revenue for cybersecurity. This includes technology, training, and ongoing support. The key is to start with the basics and build from there.
QWhat's the most important cybersecurity measure I can implement?
Security awareness training for your employees is the most important measure you can implement. Most successful attacks start with human error, so educating your team is your best defense.
The Bottom Line
Cybersecurity isn't about being 100% secure—that's impossible. It's about making it so hard for criminals to attack you that they move on to easier targets. When you implement proper security measures, you're not just protecting your business; you're protecting your customers, your reputation, and your future.
Ready to Get Started?
Don't wait until you're attacked to start thinking about cybersecurity. Contact Alcala Consulting today for a free security assessment. We'll show you exactly what you need to do to protect your business from the growing threat of cybercrime.