Tech Talk for SMBs helps small and medium-sized businesses be informed technology decision-makers. The goal of this column is to bust the myths and show SMBs how to make technology work for them. I’m Eric DiFulvio, Co-CEO of MCIT, a local Managed Services Provider (MSP). I’m here to share practical insights from over a decade of IT leadership and leading digital transformation at enterprise-level businesses. Through this column, I’m thrilled to extend that knowledge to you.
Cybersecurity can feel overwhelming for small business owners. With news of cyberattacks making headlines daily, it’s easy to assume that only large enterprises are targeted. But here’s the reality—small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are prime targets for cybercriminals. Why? Because they often lack the sophisticated defenses that big corporations have in place.
This is where Managed Services Providers (MSPs) come in. MSPs are IT service providers that help businesses manage their technology infrastructure, including cybersecurity. They offer proactive security measures, monitor threats, and implement best practices to protect your business. By partnering with the right MSP, SMBs can gain enterprise-level security without the need for in-house IT expertise.
Why SMBs Are a Target
Hackers aren’t just going after massive corporations—they’re looking for the easiest entry points. SMBs often become victims of cybercrime because:
• Limited Resources – Unlike enterprises with dedicated security teams, SMBs may not have the personnel or budget for advanced cybersecurity measures.
• Valuable Data – Even small businesses store sensitive information, from customer payment details to employee records, which can be exploited or sold.
• Weaker Defenses – Without strong security policies, SMBs become easy targets for ransomware, phishing scams, and data breaches.
Common Cyber Threats Facing SMBs
Understanding the risks is the first step to defending your business. Here are some of the most common threats:
• Phishing Attacks – Cybercriminals trick employees into clicking malicious links or giving up sensitive information through emails disguised as legitimate requests.
• Ransomware – Malicious software locks you out of your own data until a ransom is paid—often with no guarantee that your files will be restored.
• Weak Passwords – Easily guessed or reused passwords make it simple for hackers to gain access to business accounts.
• Unsecured Devices – Laptops, smartphones, and tablets used for work can be entry points for cyberattacks if they lack proper security measures.
How to Protect Your Business
Cybersecurity doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. Here are straightforward, cost-effective steps that can make a huge difference:
1. Educate Your Team
Your employees are your first line of defense. Regularly train them on:
• How to identify phishing emails.
• The importance of using strong, unique passwords.
• Safe internet and email practices.
2. Strengthen Passwords & Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
• Use long, complex passwords and avoid reusing them across different accounts.
• Enable MFA wherever possible—this adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, like a text message code or an authentication app.
3. Keep Software & Systems Updated
Cybercriminals exploit weaknesses in outdated software. Make sure your business is protected by:
• Regularly updating operating systems and applications.
• Installing security patches as soon as they become available.
• Using antivirus and anti-malware software.
4. Secure Your Network & Devices
• Use a firewall to protect your business network.
• Encrypt sensitive data to prevent unauthorized access.
• Ensure work devices are secured with passwords, encryption, and remote wipe capabilities in case of loss or theft.
5. Backup Your Data Regularly
A cyberattack can wipe out essential data in seconds. Avoid total loss by:
• Creating automatic, regular backups of your business data.
• Storing backups in a secure, offsite location or cloud service.
• Testing your backups to ensure they can be restored quickly.
6. Have an Incident Response Plan
If a cyberattack happens, knowing what to do next can minimize damage. Create a plan that includes:
• Who to contact in case of a breach (IT support, legal, customers if needed).
• Steps to contain the threat and prevent further damage.
• A process for reviewing and improving security measures afterward.
Evaluate Your MSP: Are They Protecting Your Business?
Choosing the right Managed Services Provider (MSP) is critical for ensuring your cybersecurity is up to par. Here’s how to evaluate if your current MSP is truly protecting your business:
• Proactive Security Measures – Your MSP should implement firewalls, endpoint protection, and continuous monitoring—not just reacting to issues.
• Regular Security Assessments – They should perform regular vulnerability scans, penetration tests, and security audits to identify and mitigate risks.
• Incident Response Plan – A strong MSP will have a clear, documented plan to handle security breaches, minimizing downtime and data loss.
• Employee Training & Awareness – Does your MSP offer cybersecurity training for your employees? Human error is one of the biggest risks.
• Transparent Communication & Reporting – Your MSP should provide regular reports on security incidents, updates, and improvements.
• Compliance & Industry Standards – If your business handles sensitive data, your MSP should ensure compliance with GDPR, HIPAA, or PCI-DSS regulations.
If your MSP isn’t addressing these areas, it might be time to have a conversation—or explore other options.
What’s Next? Practical Steps for SMBs
Cybersecurity is an ongoing process, not a one-time fix. As you take steps to protect your business, keep an eye on emerging threats and best practices. Need help getting started? We can help. Email our team at info@mclvit.com to set up a chat where we can explore where you are and where you need to go.
In the next edition of Tech Talk for SMBs, we’ll dive into another essential topic: How to Build an IT Roadmap for Long-Term Success. Stay tuned, and let’s continue making technology work for your business—not against it.
