Building an Effective Cybersecurity Strategy for Your SMB

Small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) can no longer afford to take cybersecurity lightly, even “small fish” are tasty targets for hackers. Crafting a solid cybersecurity strategy might sound technical or expensive, but it’s absolutely doable – and necessary – for businesses of any size.  

In this post, we’ll have a candid conversation about why cybersecurity matters for SMBs, common mistakes to avoid, and how to build a smarter, stronger defence for your business. Let’s dive in and get you thinking critically about your cybersecurity approach, and how partnering with the right experts can make all the difference. 

Why Cybersecurity Matters for Small and Mid-Sized Businesses 

Many SMB owners assume cyber criminals only go after big corporations. Unfortunately, that’s a dangerous misconception. In reality, more than 60% of SMBs reported being the target of a cyberattack in recent years​ and an estimated 60% of small companies that suffer a successful breach go out of business within six months. These numbers are sobering.  

Cyberattacks against SMBs have been on the rise​ because attackers know smaller businesses often have weaker defences. If you handle sensitive customer data, payment information, or even just rely on your IT systems to operate (who doesn’t?), a single breach could be devastating – causing downtime, financial loss, legal headaches, and reputation damage you might never fully recover from. 

So Why Do Hackers Bother With Small Businesses?

Simply put, you have what they want (data, money, access) and they suspect you’re not well protected. Over half of small businesses have no cybersecurity measures in place at all​, and 59% of business owners with no protections believe they’re too small to be attacked​.

Hackers love that mindset – it makes their job easier. The truth is, any business connected to the Internet is a potential target. Size isn’t a shield. If anything, limited IT staff and budget can make SMBs ideal targets in criminals’ eyes. This is why cybersecurity needs to be viewed as a core business issue, not an “IT problem” reserved for Fortune 500 companies. 

You lock your office doors at night; think of cybersecurity the same way. It’s about protecting your “digital doors” – your computers, networks, and data – from intruders. And just like physical security, cybersecurity for SMBs is about managing risk. No solution can guarantee 100% safety, but a well-planned cybersecurity strategy greatly reduces the likelihood that your business becomes an easy victim. 

Common Cybersecurity Mistakes SMBs Make 

Let’s be honest – running a business is hard, and perfect security isn’t always top of mind. Many SMBs make similar mistakes in their cybersecurity approach. Do any of these sound familiar? 

• Thinking “we’re too small to be hacked.” As we mentioned, this is a very common misconception​. Attackers don’t skip you just because you’re small. In fact, smaller companies often experience more social engineering attacks per employee than large enterprises​ – hackers love smaller companies are you’re easy prey. . Don’t assume obscurity will save you. 

• Weak or reused passwords. It’s 2025 and weak passwords are still causing trouble. Shockingly, 81% of breaches are due to weak or stolen passwords​  

• Using “Spring2025!” for all your logins (or, gasp, “password123”) just doesn’t cut it. SMBs often lack password policies or let old accounts stay active. This is an open door for attackers. 

• Failing to keep systems updated. Time and again, businesses get hacked simply because they didn’t apply a known security patch. Hackers actively exploit old, unpatched software. If your servers, PCs, or even Wi-Fi routers are running on outdated firmware or operating systems, you’re inviting trouble. Installing updates and patches promptly is one of the easiest and most effective security steps you can take – yet many SMBs delay updates for weeks or months, leaving “unlocked windows” in their network. 

• Lack of employee training and awareness. Your employees can be your weakest link or your first line of defence. Phishing emails, for example, trick employees into clicking malicious links or divulging credentials, and phishing is the most common form of cybercrime globally​. If staff aren’t trained to spot suspicious emails or use secure practices, your fancy security software might be all for naught. SMBs often overlook security awareness training, which leads to mistakes like employees clicking scams, using USB drives from who-knows-where, or poor handling of confidential info. 

• No incident response plan. What would you do if, despite your best efforts, you did get hacked tomorrow? Many small businesses have no clear plan. Not having an incident response plan is a big mistake – it means when something goes wrong, panic ensues, and damage is worse than it needed to be. Having a simple plan for “if we get hit with ransomware or a breach, here’s how we respond” can dramatically reduce chaos. It’s like not having a fire evacuation plan for your office – you hope to never need it, but if a fire breaks out, you’ll wish you had a plan ready. 

• Assuming technology alone is enough. Some SMBs install a firewall or antivirus and call it a day. But security isn’t a one-and-done product you buy – it’s an ongoing process. You need policies, user education, backups, monitoring, and periodic check-ups. One-third of small businesses with under 50 employees rely on free, consumer-grade security tools​, which might not be sufficient. Having professional-grade tools is important but using them correctly and consistently matters even more. 

By recognising these common pitfalls, you can start shoring up your defences. Next, let’s talk about one of the biggest misconceptions: that your regular IT provider has “handled” security for you. 

Don’t Rely Solely on Your IT Provider (MSP) for Security 

Many SMBs outsource their IT support to a Managed Service Provider (MSP) – essentially an IT company that manages your systems, network, and maybe helpdesk. An MSP is fantastic for keeping your technology running day-to-day. However, relying only on an MSP for security can leave gaps.

Why? Because traditional MSPs focus on keeping IT systems operational, whereas true security providers focus on keeping those systems safe and secure​. Think of it this way: your MSP’s job is to ensure your email, servers, and laptops are working. They’ll install updates (hopefully), fix things when they break, and manage your backups. But cybersecurity in-depth often requires a different level of expertise and proactiveness.  

For example, does your MSP regularly probe your network for vulnerabilities? Do they perform penetration tests to see if an attacker could break in? Are they monitoring logs and alerts 24/7 for signs of intrusion? In many cases, the answer is no – not because the MSP is bad at their job, but because that isn’t their primary mission. 

It’s a bit like relying on your general physician for specialised surgery. Your GP is vital for routine health maintenance, but if you need a heart bypass, you’d want a cardiac surgeon involved. Similarly, an MSP keeps your IT healthy day-to-day, but complex security threats might require a security specialist.

Some MSPs do offer security services or partner with security firms (many are evolving into “MSSPs” – Managed Security Service Providers), but as a business owner you should verify what security measures are actually in place. Never assume “Our IT guy has it covered” without evidence. We’ve seen plenty of cases where an MSP assured a client that everything was secure, only for a later security audit to reveal serious vulnerabilities that had been overlooked. 

The Value of Working with a Qualified Cybersecurity Practitioner

So, if an MSP alone might not be enough, who can help fill the gap? This is where a qualified cybersecurity practitioner or consultant comes in. Working with a security professional adds tremendous value by bringing specialised expertise to your business. These folks eat, sleep, and breathe cybersecurity – it’s their core focus, not an add-on. Here’s what a good cybersecurity practitioner can do for you that a general IT provider might not: 

• Perform in-depth security assessments. A security consultant can review your entire IT environment with a hacker’s mindset, identifying weaknesses in configurations, networks, or processes. They know where to look for the less-obvious holes. This might include things like uncovering improperly configured cloud settings leaking data or discovering that an old employee account still has access to critical systems. They provide you with a clear picture of your risk. 

• Provide expert guidance and a strategic plan. A practitioner can help develop a tailored cybersecurity strategy for your company. That means creating policies (password policy, acceptable use, etc.), suggesting the right tools, and mapping out improvements in a practical, prioritised way. They’ll help you align with best practices and even compliance requirements if you have any (GDPR, industry regulations, etc.). 

• Keep you up-to-date on threats. Cyber threats evolve quickly – new scams, new malware, new vulnerabilities pop up all the time. A dedicated security expert stays current on these developments and can advise you proactively. For instance, if a major new software vulnerability (“zero-day exploit”) is announced that affects your systems, they’ll know and warn you to patch or mitigate immediately. This kind of vigilance is hard for an overburdened IT team to maintain on their own. 

• Be a second set of eyes (checks and balances). Even if you have IT staff or an MSP, bringing in a security consultant for periodic check-ups is like getting a specialist’s second opinion. They might catch something others missed. It’s not about replacing your IT team – it’s about enhancing it. A collaborative security pro works with your IT provider to make sure nothing falls through the cracks. 

• Assist in incident response and recovery. If the worst does happen (e.g. a ransomware attack or data breach), a cybersecurity practitioner can be instrumental in responding effectively. They’ve seen these situations before and can guide containment, eradication of malware, safely restoring from backups, and strengthening defences post-incident. Having an expert on call can mean the difference between a minor bump in the road and a business-crippling disaster. 

In short, a qualified cybersecurity practitioner brings peace of mind. You’re essentially adding a security champion to your team. For many SMBs, this might be a part-time engagement or project-based – and that’s fine. Even a few hours of expert guidance can dramatically improve your security posture. It’s about working smarter, not necessarily harder or spending a fortune.  

In fact, engaging a security consultant is often more cost-effective than dealing with a major breach after the fact (breach remediation costs, regulatory fines, and lost business can far exceed the upfront investment in security). 

Cybersecurity Frameworks 101: Cyber Essentials and ISO 27001 

You might be wondering, “How do I know what to do for good cybersecurity? Is there a checklist or standard I can follow?” Yes, indeed! There are established frameworks and certifications designed to guide businesses in building solid security. Two notable ones are Cyber Essentials and ISO 27001. 

Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed framework (popular with SMBs) that outlines the baseline of good cybersecurity practices. It’s built around five key technical controls that every business should implement: firewalls, secure configuration, user access control, malware protection, and patch management​. 

Think of these as the fundamental building blocks of security hygiene. Cyber Essentials is great because it’s straightforward and relatively easy to achieve. For example, it requires things like ensuring you have a firewall protecting your internet connection, using strong passwords and access controls so staff only access what they need, installing antivirus/anti-malware software, and keeping devices and software updated.

By getting a Cyber Essentials certification (or even just following its guidance informally), you dramatically reduce your vulnerability to common attacks. It’s often considered the “must-have minimum” in the UK; in fact, some government contracts require suppliers to have Cyber Essentials. Even if you’re not in the UK, the principles apply universally as basic best practices. 

ISO/IEC 27001 is a more advanced, internationally recognised standard for information security management​. Where Cyber Essentials is designed to keep basic threats at bay and provide the baseline standard, ISO 27001 is a comprehensive framework that helps you establish an entire Information Security Management System (ISMS) – essentially a structured approach to securing your information systematically. 

Achieving ISO 27001 certification means you have documented processes and controls in place covering a broad range of security aspects, from physical security to access control, incident management, supplier security, and more. It’s often broken down into a set of clauses and a lengthy list of controls (formerly 14 domains, updated to 4 themes in the 2022 revision). For a small business, ISO 27001 might sound daunting, but many SMBs do implement it, especially if they handle sensitive data or want to demonstrate security to clients.

Benefits of aligning with ISO 27001 include improved risk management and increased customer trust – it shows you take security seriously​. You don’t have to get formally certified to use ISO 27001’s guidance; even adopting portions of it internally can help professionalise your security practices. 

In summary, frameworks like Cyber Essentials and ISO 27001 give you a roadmap. Cyber Essentials is a great starting point for basic cyber hygiene, and ISO 27001 is a robust standard to aspire to as your security maturity grows. Following a framework ensures you’re not relying on guesswork – you have a clear list of “must-dos” and “should-dos” that are known to bolster security. A qualified cybersecurity practitioner can also help you navigate these frameworks, implement the controls, and even get certified if that’s a goal for your business. 

Case in Point: When “Secure” Wasn’t So Secure (A Real-World Example) 

To really highlight why an SMB should double-check their security, let’s look at a real-world scenario (anonymised for privacy). A small professional services company had all their IT managed by a third-party IT provider. The provider assured the business owner that security was “all taken care of” – they had firewalls, antivirus, the works, and everything was “locked down.” The business owner, wanting to be thorough, decided to get a second opinion from us. And it’s a good thing they did. 

Within a few hours of starting a security assessment, the Resolute uncovered several critical vulnerabilities: 

• The company’s firewall, while present, had outdated firmware and a well-known default admin password still in use. Essentially, if an attacker tried the manufacturer’s default login, they could get in and potentially reconfigure the firewall or sniff traffic. (The MSP hadn’t changed the default creds – oops!) 

• One of the servers had a remote access port open to the internet (for remote desktop access) with only a single factor password login. Not only that, the server was missing important security updates. This is like leaving a window open with no alarm. Our team was able to use a publicly known exploit on that unpatched server to gain initial access, proving the point that an attacker could do the same. 

• Several user accounts had excessive privileges. For example, a former employee’s account was never disabled and was still part of the “Domain Admins” group (full control over the network). Essentially, an old account that nobody monitored still had the keys to the kingdom. If hackers compromised that unused account (through a phishing email, guessable password, etc.), they would immediately have free rein. 

These findings were major red flags, yet the IT provider had been blissfully unaware of them while giving thumbs up on security. The business owner was understandably disturbed – they thought they were secure, but in reality, they were one lucky hacker or one phishing email away from a serious breach.

We worked with the provider to fix these issues quickly: updating firmware, closing unnecessary ports, implementing multi-factor authentication for remote access, removing or tightening those old accounts, and so on. The takeaway? Never assume you’re safe just because someone says so – verify it. A fresh set of eyes found issues in hours that could have gone undetected for years. 

This example isn’t an outlier; we frequently see cases where well-meaning IT teams miss critical security details because they’re focused on keeping things running, not actively looking for holes. It’s not about playing blame games – it’s about recognising that cybersecurity requires dedicated attention. A secondary assessment or penetration test by a specialist can reveal hidden risks before the bad guys find them. It’s far better to learn about a vulnerability from a friendly expert in a planned engagement than from a hostile hacker in the middle of the night. 

No business owner wants to see a “You’ve been hacked!” message on their laptop. Taking a proactive approach – such as getting a second opinion on your security – can help ensure you never do. In our real-world example, an SMB discovered glaring vulnerabilities before attackers could exploit them. 

How Professional Security Services Help Keep SMBs Safe 

By now, you might be wondering about specific security services and solutions that SMBs can leverage. It’s not all on your shoulders – there are services you can outsource or subscribe to, which bring advanced protection within reach. Let’s go over a few key services and how they add layers of defence for your business. 

Security Consultancy & Advisory  

This is essentially having a cybersecurity coach or advisor for your business (as we discussed in the practitioner section). They might come in, perform a risk assessment, help draft policies, choose the right security tools, and design a security program that fits your size and industry.

You can engage consultants for one-off projects (like a compliance audit or setting up a security framework) or on an ongoing basis (some SMBs use a “virtual CISO” – Chief Information Security Officer – model, where you pay for a fractional security leader to guide your strategy). The value here is strategic: making sure you have a roadmap and the policies/procedures in place to be resilient. 

Penetration Testing 

Often just called “pen testing,” this is a service where ethical hackers simulate attacks on your systems to find vulnerabilities before the real bad guys do. It’s like hiring a pro to break into your house (with permission) to show you where the weak locks and blind spots are. Pen testers might attempt to breach your external network, web applications, or even physically penetrate your office (testing security awareness).

Afterward, they provide a report detailing weaknesses and how to fix them. Regular penetration tests (perhaps annually or after major changes) are incredibly useful for an SMB – they provide assurance that your defences actually work and uncover any gaps that need patching. Many industry standards and clients now expect their partners to conduct pen tests. It’s an investment that can save you from costly incidents by catching issues early. 

Managed SOC (Security Operations Center) / Managed Detection & Response 

Not every small business can hire a full team to monitor their network 24/7 – in fact, almost none can. This is where Managed SOC services (also known as MDR – Managed Detection and Response) come in. A provider will use a combination of security tools and security analysts to continuously monitor your IT environment for threats, intrusions, or suspicious behaviour​.

They often leverage advanced tools that collect logs from your systems, network devices, cloud services, etc., and use automation + expert analysis to spot anything fishy. If an alert trigger (say, a strange login at 2 AM or signs of malware beaconing out), their team investigates immediately and will inform you and assist in containing it. 

Essentially, a managed SOC is like having a 24/7 security guard for your digital assets, at a fraction of the cost of building your own security team. It’s a subscription service and can be tailored to your needs.

For SMBs, this is a game-changer because it provides enterprise-level monitoring and response. As one industry source notes, even the smallest organisations benefit from continuous, round-the-clock monitoring and incident response to stop attacks early​. The sooner you detect a threat, the less damage it can do. Managed SOC ensures you’re not flying blind between infrequent IT check-ups. 

Managed Security Tools (MFA, EDR, etc.)  

In addition to high-level services above, many security firms or MSP/MSSPs offer specific managed solutions. For example, managed firewall services (where experts manage and update your firewall rules), Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR) tools on your computers that use AI to detect malware and can be monitored by pros, or managed backup and disaster recovery services to ensure your data is safe from ransomware.  

The key is these solutions offload the maintenance and expertise to a provider, so you get the benefit of the tool without having to become an expert in it. Don’t hesitate to ask your IT provider or security partner what managed security solutions make sense for you – it could be as simple as adding an advanced email filtering service to block phishing, or using a password manager enterprise plan to enforce strong credentials. 

By leveraging these kinds of services, SMBs can essentially “team up” with external experts and technologies to significantly boost security, without needing to hire a full internal security department. It’s a force multiplier.

Of course, you’ll want to choose reputable providers and ensure they understand your business needs. But when done right, these services let you focus on your core business while knowing that specialists have an eye on your security. It’s like adding a security pit crew to keep your business’s engine running smoothly and safely. 

Actionable Steps SMBs Can Take Today 

We’ve covered a lot of ground – now let’s boil it down to some concrete action items you can start on right away. Cybersecurity can feel overwhelming, but remember: every improvement, no matter how small, strengthens your overall security. Here are some practical steps to kickstart your SMB’s cybersecurity strategy: 

1. Start with a Risk Assessment (know your weaknesses). You can’t protect what you don’t know you have. Take inventory of your critical assets: data, systems, and processes. Identify what would hurt most if it was stolen or unavailable. Then, assess how well those assets are currently protected. This doesn’t have to be super formal – even a brainstorm with your team about “What are our top 5 cyber risks?” is a great start. If possible, engage a security consultant for a professional assessment to get a thorough view of gaps.
2. Implement Quick-win Security Measures. Address any low-hanging fruit immediately. For example: if anyone is using default or weak passwords, change them now and enforce a strong password policy (consider a password manager to help). Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on important accounts – especially email, remote logins, and banking/payment systems – this alone stops the vast majority of account hijacking attempts.Make sure all your PCs and servers have up-to-date antivirus/anti-malware protection, and that firewall protection is turned on. If you have remote desktop or other services open to the internet, secure them with VPNs or at least MFA. These steps cost little or nothing but pay huge dividends in security.
3. Keep Systems Updated and Backed Up. Set up a routine (or automatic processes) to update your software, devices, and applications regularly. Turn on auto-update where feasible. This includes everything from your operating systems (Windows, Mac, Linux) to applications (Office suites, PDF readers), to network gear firmware (routers, access points) – and don’t forget website plugins if you run a website.Regular updates patch known vulnerabilities that attacker’s prey on. Equally important: maintain reliable data backupsoffline or offsite. Ensure your important files and databases are backed up daily (with at least one copy off the network, so ransomware can’t encrypt it). Test your backups occasionally to be sure you can restore them. A solid backup is your safety net of last resort.
4. Educate and Engage Your Team. Make cybersecurity a company-wide effort. Even a basic training session or memo on security best practices can raise awareness. Teach employees how to spot phishing emails, to avoid clicking unknown links or downloading suspicious attachments, and to use strong, unique passwords (and again, MFA!).Establish a clear policy that everyone follows regarding use of company systems, personal devices (if allowed for work), and reporting anything weird (like strange pop-ups or if they think they fell for a scam). When people knowwhy these things matter (share a few breach horror stories), they are more likely to cooperate. Create a culture where it’s OK for employees to ask, “Hey, is this email legit?” – better safe than sorry. Remember, your employees are part of the security solution when properly informed.
5. Get a Professional Security Check-up. Just like you visit a doctor for a check-up, consider scheduling a cybersecurity check-up annually (or more frequently, depending on your risk). This could be a vulnerability scan and penetration test by an external provider, or a comprehensive audit against a framework like Cyber Essentials. The goal is to find and fix weaknesses before attackers do. Many SMB-focused security firms offer reasonably priced assessments or packages.If you already have an MSP handling IT, talk to them about adding a more security-focused review, or bring in a separate security consultant for a one-time engagement. The insights you gain will be well worth it. Plus, it sends a message to your customers (and potential partners) that you take security seriously, which can be a business advantage.
6. Develop an Incident Response Plan. This is one of those “hope you never need it but be glad you have it” documents. Write down a simple plan for what to do if a security incident occurs. Who do you call (e.g. your IT provider, a forensic specialist, legal counsel, customers if data is compromised)? How do you isolate affected systems? Who has authority to make decisions on paying ransomware or taking systems offline? Even a one-page checklist is better than nothing.When under the stress of a cyber incident, having predefined steps to follow is a lifesaver. Test the plan occasionally with a tabletop exercise (walk through a pretend scenario with your team). This will highlight any gaps and keep everyone prepared. If you work with a security company or MSP, they can often assist in developing and refining your incident plan.
7. Consider Cyber Insurance and Compliance Needs. As an actionable consideration, look into cyber insurance policies that can help your business recover financially from an attack (some cover costs like customer notifications, legal fees, recovery services, etc.). The underwriting process for insurance can also be insightful – insurers often ask what security controls you have in place. This can act as a prompt for improvements.Additionally, be aware of any legal or regulatory obligations for your industry. For instance, if you handle personal data, ensure you comply with regulations like GDPR. If you process credit cards, follow PCI-DSS requirements. Compliancedoesn’t equal security, but it sets a minimum bar and avoiding fines is always good for business. 

By taking these steps, you’ll build a strong foundation for your SMB’s cybersecurity. You don’t need to do everything overnight. Prioritise the most critical issues first (like patching that old server or enabling MFA on email) and then chip away at the rest. Consistency is key – cybersecurity is an ongoing process, not a one-time project. But each step you take greatly reduces your risk and improves your resilience. 

Conclusion: Stay Proactive and Stay Secure 

Cybersecurity can feel intimidating but remember that it’s a journey. The fact that you’re thinking about it and reading posts like this is a great sign. The worst mistake is complacency – assuming someone else has it handled, or that an attack “won’t happen to us.” By being proactive, educating yourself and your team, and leveraging experts when needed, you can significantly strengthen your defence without breaking the bank or overwhelming your staff. 

In a world of constantly evolving cyber threats, small and mid-sized businesses actually have an advantage: you can be agile and responsive. You can implement changes faster than a huge enterprise might, and you can foster a close-knit security-aware culture among employees. Use that to your benefit. Make security a business priority just like sales, customer service, or any other crucial function. 

Finally, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help. Cybersecurity providers exist to assist businesses like yours. Whether it’s a one-time consultation, ongoing monitoring, or training for your team, there are services out there tailored for SMB needs and budgets. You’re not alone in this. Partnering with a knowledgeable cybersecurity practitioner or firm can remove a lot of the stress and uncertainty, letting you focus on your business growth with confidence that your digital assets are safe. 

Stay vigilant, keep learning, and treat cybersecurity as an essential part of running your business. By doing so, you’ll not only reduce the risk of a damaging breach, but you’ll likely sleep better at night – and what business owner couldn’t use that peace of mind? 

At Resolute Cyber, we understand the unique cybersecurity challenges SMBs face, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our team of experts provides customised cybersecurity solutions designed to fit your specific needs. From comprehensive risk assessments to continuous monitoring and proactive threat detection, we offer a range of services that can help secure your business against cyber threats, ensuring you’re always one step ahead.  

Don’t wait for a breach to happen – Take action today to protect your business. We are here to support you throughout all your Cyber Security needs.