Cybersecurity Isn’t Just for Big Companies: How to Protect Your Small Business from Today’s Threats

Jun 27

By Nick Sarno, Owner of Sarno Technology Solutions

When most people hear “cybersecurity,” they think of big corporations, data breaches on the news, and hackers targeting million-dollar companies. But here is the truth: small businesses are some of the most common targets for cyber attacks, and most are not even prepared!

Why? Because hackers know small businesses often do not have strong defenses. They are looking for the low-hanging fruit - weak passwords, outdated software, open Wi-Fi networks, and unsuspecting employees.

🔍 Here’s what I see most often when working with small business clients:

Weak or reused passwords across devices and platforms
No antivirus or firewall protection installed, or worse, expired software
Employees clicking on phishing emails without realizing it
Open or unsecured Wi-Fi networks that anyone can access
Lack of regular backups or data protection

It does not take much for a small breach to turn into a big (and expensive) problem.

🔐 So what can you do to protect yourself?

Here are five simple, affordable steps every small business can take right now:

Use strong, unique passwords, and consider utilizing a secure password manager.
- Stop using “Password123” (yes, I have seen it). Use at least 12 characters with a mix of letters, uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible.
- This adds a second layer of protection, even if someone gets your password.
Train your team on phishing scams.
- If something looks weird, DO NOT CLICK IT. A 15-minute conversation can prevent a costly mistake.
Keep outdated software and systems updated.
- Outdated programs are prime targets for hackers. Regular updates close those security holes.
Back up your data regularly.
- Whether it is a local backup or a secure cloud solution, make sure you can recover quickly if something goes wrong.