Cybersecurity isn't just an IT concern—it's a fundamental business survival issue. Take the cautionary tale of a small fashion business featured in Vogue that went from earning six figures monthly to closing permanently after a devastating cyber attack. The owner's haunting words echo what many small business owners face: "I did not have an IT department...I felt very out of my depth and very alone."

The statistics are sobering. Small and medium businesses account for nearly half of all cyber attacks, with average losses around $25,000 per incident. But beyond the financial impact, there's the operational devastation—websites down for days, critical data lost, and customer trust shattered. For businesses with remote workers, these risks multiply across every home office and personal device.

Building resilience starts with fundamentals: implementing password managers like 1Password or Bitwarden, enforcing multi-factor authentication, and creating clear security policies for remote staff. Limiting administrative access, maintaining rigorous software updates, and securing home networks form your first line of defense. Meanwhile, regular backups provide your last resort if all else fails.

Transferring risk through cyber insurance has become essential for businesses of all sizes. Providers like AIG, Chubb, and Travelers offer policies specifically designed for small businesses, covering everything from data breaches to business interruption. For those looking to strengthen their defenses, the Small Business Administration (SBA.gov) provides free resources, training, and guidelines tailored to small business needs.

Remember that cybersecurity isn't achieved through one big action but through consistent, manageable steps taken over time. Your business doesn't need to become a security fortress overnight—it just needs to be better protected than it was yesterday. Ready to secure your business against digital threats? This episode gives you the roadmap to get started.

Please visit my website at https://securedandinsured.buzzsprout.com for everything discussed in this episode.