While technology and specialists are essential to your cybersecurity plan, don't underestimate the role that employees and processes play in your efforts to keep your small business safe from cyberattacks. 

According to the National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA), most cyberattacks occur through "social engineering, where a criminal infiltrates a system through your people and processes," like when an associate inadvertently clicks a link in a phishing email.

The NCA website states that "Cybersecurity encompasses not just technology but also the people and processes within an organization."

The FCC cautions businesses that digital information is among the most commonly reported fraud, surpassing physical theft, and that every size of business needs to protect itself from these threats.

Small businesses may be even more vulnerable than their larger counterparts, the Small Business Administration (SBA) warns.

"Small businesses are especially attractive targets because they have information that cybercriminals (bad actors, foreign governments, etc.) want, and they typically lack the security infrastructure of larger businesses to adequately protect their digital systems for storing, accessing, and disseminating data and information."

It's important to take cybersecurity measures — to learn common cybersecurity best practices, understand common threats, train employees, and dedicate resources to address and improve cybersecurity, the SBA adds.

The nonprofit Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) says 73 percent of U.S. small business owners reported a cyberattack last year.

According to the ITRC 2023 Business Impact Report, the survey showed that cyberattacks against businesses had more than financial repercussions. Other fallout from cyber breaches resulted in customers losing trust (32%) and higher associate turnover (32%), 

Cybersecurity Strategy Vital to Protection. 

The idea of cybersecurity can sometimes prompt cost concerns for small business owners.

But a strategy doesn't have to be expensive, explains Tony Anscombe, chief security evangelist for cybersecurity software company ESET.

In a post for AllBusiness.com, he writes, "Smart small businesses will take a holistic approach and invest in a cybersecurity strategy that will grow with them while delivering the protection they need to succeed." 

A well-thought-out strategy will protect your company data and your business reputation, and help your small business achieve growth objectives, Anscombe adds.

"The foundation for robust SMB cybersecurity is an effective cybersecurity strategy that reflects business goals, addresses any critical gaps, and delivers measurably improved cyber resilience," the blog says.

Keep Up. 

Try not to see cybersecurity as a one-time kind of project at your business but rather a dynamic process. Your prevention practices demand ongoing attention.

Successful small business cybersecurity requires continual monitoring, adaptation and enhancement, the NCA says, noting that solutions, regulations and industry standards are changing along the way to address emerging risks and challenges.

"Cyber threats are ever evolving, and new vulnerabilities are discovered regularly. For instance, what worked to protect against cyber threats a year ago may no longer be effective today."

Different Types. 

Threats to digital information and private data come in different forms and entries, including malware, which basically refers to software that was intentionally designed to damage a computer server or network.

Viruses, ransomware, and spyware are among the specific types of malwares that threaten a business. 

Here's a short video about Protecting Your Business from Cyber Threats. Also, for more information, visit our previous articles about Cybersecurity Best Practices for Your Small Business and Your Business and Cybersecurity: See These 3 Misconceptions.