cybersecurity

It happens far too often. A small business believes its cybersecurity is under control…

…until a routine check uncovers something unexpected, like an old piece of malware quietly running in the background. Or a phishing attack that slipped through weeks ago.

The surprising part? These incidents don’t usually involve cutting-edge hackers or advanced tools. They succeed because simple, everyday safeguards have been missed.

And one of the biggest reasons those basics get missed?

Employee burnout.

When staff are tired, stressed, or stretched too thin, important cybersecurity habits start to slide. It’s not about carelessness – it’s about capacity.

In businesses without a dedicated IT team, employees are already wearing multiple hats.

A manager might put off installing an important software update because they’re scrambling to get quotes out before a client deadline.

An accounts assistant might click a suspicious link late at night while rushing to balance the books.

A senior staff member might skip double-checking security settings on a new laptop because they’re too busy keeping operations afloat.

These small slips may seem harmless in the moment, but they create cracks in the armor. Cybersecurity depends on routine discipline – applying updates, checking access controls, and staying vigilant for unusual activity. When teams are overwhelmed, those routines break down.

Attackers know this. They don’t need to be geniuses to take advantage of exhaustion and stress. Many of today’s most common scams – fake login pages, phishing emails that look like vendor invoices, or texts pretending to be from a bank – rely on one thing: distraction. Just a single moment of inattention can give them the foothold they need.

And the consequences can be devastating. We’ve seen businesses in southeast Michigan deal with payroll delays, compliance headaches, and even the loss of major clients after a seemingly minor mistake opened the door to a cyber incident.

The real cost isn’t just money – it’s the erosion of trust with employees, partners, and customers.

Technology alone can’t prevent that. You can have the best firewall or antivirus in the world, but if an exhausted employee clicks the wrong link, those defenses may not be enough.

That’s why the most effective protection starts with people. Supported employees make fewer mistakes. Realistic workloads, clear priorities, and regular training all help staff stay alert and confident.

Creating a workplace culture where it’s encouraged to pause, question, and double-check can make all the difference.

Think of it this way: when your team feels like they’re sprinting a marathon every day, cybersecurity becomes a chore – just another box to check. But when they have the bandwidth to slow down and follow best practices, those simple defenses work exactly as they should. And more often than not, that’s enough to stop an attack before it begins.

If you’re worried that burnout might be putting your business at risk, you’re not alone. Many small businesses in our community face the same challenge. The good news? You don’t have to manage it by yourself.

With the right IT partner, you can take some of that burden off your team’s shoulders. We handle the updates, monitoring, and security checks in the background, so your employees can focus on their jobs – without sacrificing safety.

If you’d like help staying ahead of cybersecurity threats, we’re here. Let’s talk.

When it comes to cyber security, many small businesses are caught off guard. Not only when cyber attacks happen… but also by what to do next.

A solid cyber security plan isn’t just about preventing attacks. It’s about knowing how to respond if the worst happens.

Cyber attacks often target smaller businesses because criminals know they’re less likely to have robust defenses in place.

The most common threats include phishing (fake emails or messages that trick you into sharing sensitive information) and malware (malicious software that can steal data or shut down your systems).

You can’t stop these risks entirely, but you can reduce your chances of being hit by:

Training your team: Make sure everyone knows how to spot phishing emails, avoid dodgy downloads, and use strong passwords. This is your first line of defense.

Keeping software updated: Regular updates for apps and systems fix security flaws that cyber criminals might exploit.

Using Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): This adds an extra layer of security, like a one-time code sent to your phone, making it harder for attackers to get in.

But even the best defenses aren’t foolproof. That’s why your cyber security plan also needs to cover what happens if you’re attacked. Without a plan, an incident can cause panic, downtime, and serious financial loss. Here’s what you should have in place:

A response team: Decide in advance who will handle the situation – your IT team, an outside expert, or both?

Backup systems: Regularly back up your data and store it securely. If ransomware locks your files, backups can mean you won’t lose everything.

A communication plan: Know how you’ll inform your team, customers, and any necessary authorities about the breach. Remember, cyber security isn’t just for big companies. A single attack could be enough to seriously damage your business. By planning ahead, you’re not just protecting your data, you’re safeguarding your reputation and your future.

We help businesses create their own plans for defense and remediation. If we can help you too, get in touch.

Cybersecurity is no longer a problem exclusive to large enterprises. Small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals because they often have fewer resources to defend against sophisticated attacks. Being proactive about cybersecurity can mean the difference between thriving and struggling to recover from a serious breach. Here are the top ten cybersecurity threats your business faces in 2025 and tips to protect yourself.

Ransomware attacks

Ransomware remains one of the most damaging threats. Cybercriminals encrypt your business data and demand a ransom for its release. SMBs are targeted because they may lack robust backup and recovery systems. Preventative measures like regular data backups and strong endpoint security are critical.

Phishing emails

Phishing attacks trick employees into providing sensitive information, such as login credentials. These attacks have evolved to include highly personalized emails that are harder to recognize as scams. Employee training and email filtering tools can reduce the likelihood of a successful phishing attack.

Credential theft

Cybercriminals are constantly searching for login credentials to access business systems. They often steal these through phishing, malware, or by exploiting weak passwords. Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) can significantly improve your security posture by requiring additional verification beyond a password.

Insider threats

Insider threats—whether malicious or accidental—pose a serious challenge for small businesses. Employees, contractors, or even former staff may misuse access to your systems. Limiting access to sensitive data and monitoring user activity can reduce the chances of insider incidents or account compromises.

IoT device exploits

As more businesses adopt Internet of Things (IoT) devices like smart cameras, thermostats, and inventory trackers, these devices have become a growing attack surface. Many IoT devices have weak security protocols, making them vulnerable. Ensure that all devices are updated regularly and segregated from critical business networks.

Supply chain attacks

Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting SMBs by compromising third-party vendors or software suppliers. This can result in malware infections and data breaches without any direct attack on your business. Vetting vendors, limiting their access to your systems, and monitoring for suspicious activity can help defend against supply chain attacks.

Zero-day vulnerabilities

Zero-day vulnerabilities are newly discovered flaws in software that hackers can exploit before developers issue a fix. These vulnerabilities are difficult to prevent entirely but can be mitigated by keeping your software up to date and using security tools that detect abnormal behavior.

Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks

DDoS attacks flood a business’s network or website with traffic, causing service disruptions. While these attacks are often used to target large companies, SMBs can also be affected. Implementing DDoS protection services can prevent attacks from overwhelming your network and keeping you from doing business.

Social engineering scams

Social engineering involves manipulating people into revealing confidential information or performing harmful actions. Attackers may impersonate trusted contacts or authority figures to gain access to your systems. Training employees to recognize these tactics and verifying unusual requests can reduce risk.

How to protect your business

Understanding these threats is only the first step. Here are some actionable strategies to help secure your business:

Invest in Employee Training: Regularly educate employees on cybersecurity best practices and how to recognize threats.

Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Adding an extra layer of security to logins helps prevent unauthorized access.

Regular Backups: Ensure you have automated backups of critical data and test your recovery procedures.

Implement Network Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of your network can detect suspicious activity early, allowing you to respond quickly to potential threats.

Partner with a Managed Service Provider (MSP): A trusted MSP can monitor your systems, provide threat intelligence, and ensure security updates are applied consistently.

Cybersecurity doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By addressing these top threats and taking a proactive approach, your business can stay one step ahead of cybercriminals and safeguard your operations in 2025.