You’re Not Too Small to Be Hacked: Why Cybersecurity for Small Businesses is Important
At AmPac Business Capital, we work with small business owners every day who pour their heart and energy into building something that lasts. When you have limited time and resources, it can be tempting to push cybersecurity to the side. After all, why would hackers go after a small business?
The truth is, no business is too small to be a target. In fact, small and mid-sized businesses are often seen as the easiest entry point for cybercriminals. To help bring clarity to this issue, we spoke with cybersecurity expert Eddie Darmawan, founder of D1 Defend, who has worked with companies of all sizes to strengthen their defenses.
The Myth of “Too Small to Hack”
“Small business owners often think, ‘Why would they hack me? What do I have that they will want?’” Darmawan explained. “Unfortunately, hackers are casting a wide net. It does not matter if you are big or small. Attacks against small and mid-sized businesses have spiked in recent years and continue to rise at an alarming rate of 14 percent each year. You are not too small to be hacked. You may just be too small to make the news.”
A global Mastercard survey revealed that 46 percent of small and medium-sized businesses report having experienced a cyberattack. Nearly 1 in 5 businesses that were attacked subsequently closed or filed for bankruptcy. These numbers make it clear: nearly half of small businesses face cyber threats, and most have already been impacted.
The Most Common Threats Facing Small Businesses
Phishing remains the number one threat for small businesses, followed closely by social engineering schemes. These attacks are designed to trick employees into clicking malicious links or giving up sensitive information, often paving the way for ransomware or data theft.
“Something may not happen immediately when you first get breached,” Darmawan warned. “Malware often sits undetected in a system for 30 to 60 days before shutting operations down.” The highly publicized MGM Resorts attack was one example of how social engineering and dormant malware can bring operations to a standstill.
A Real-World Example: When Ransomware Shuts Down Business
Darmawan shared the story of a financial services firm that fell victim to ransomware during their busiest season. Malware had been silently collecting data in their system for weeks before locking down their operations. Although the company had backups, they had never tested restoring them. Under pressure, they paid the ransom, a decision that experts strongly advise against.
The result was devastating. Sensitive client data was leaked on the dark web, their reputation was severely damaged, and recovery efforts dragged on for months. “They are still in recovery a year later,” Darmawan noted. Worse still, once a company pays a ransom, they are often targeted again.
The Cost of Ignoring Cybersecurity
The consequences of an attack go far beyond paying to restore data. Business operations may grind to a halt, reputation and customer trust can be destroyed, and in some cases, businesses never recover.
As Darmawan put it, “You may think you do not have important data, but your contact list is what these bad actors want. It is a warm leads list for them that may lead to bigger opportunities.”
Practical Steps Every Business Can Take
For small businesses wondering where to begin, Darmawan recommends three steps that anyone can implement quickly:
- Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on every account and use strong, unique passphrases.
- Provide security awareness training for yourself, your employees, and even your family members who may share devices.
- Assess your technology and vulnerabilities by working with a trusted IT or cybersecurity provider who can help you create a plan.
While there are free tools available, Darmawan cautions that “a tool is only as good as the person who wields it.” He recommends partnering with providers who understand your business and can provide proactive, multi-layered protection. For example, D1 Defend offers Mail Defend, an affordable email security tool that costs less than $20 per month per mailbox.
Cybersecurity Is Culture
Technology can only go so far if an organization’s culture does not support safe practices. Darmawan emphasizes that good cyber hygiene, like locking doors or setting an alarm, is a habit that starts at the top.
“Cybersecurity is culture and good cyber hygiene is habit,” he said. “Leaders set the tone, and when business owners model safe behaviors, it reinforces the importance for the entire team.”
The Bottom Line
As a small business owner himself, Darmawan is passionate about this issue. “I have been blessed to build D1 Defend since 2007, and I understand what business owners go through. Prevention is always more cost-effective than treatment. Do not give thieves the opportunity to take away what you have worked so hard to build.”
At AmPac Business Capital, we help entrepreneurs protect and grow their businesses. Just as we provide financing solutions to strengthen your operations, we also encourage you to strengthen your defenses against cyber threats. Your business may not make headlines if it is attacked, but the impact on your livelihood can be just as devastating.
With the right habits, tools, and partners in place, small businesses can thrive securely. The message is simple: you are not too small to be hacked, and you are not too small to be protected.