By Joe Seanor, CISSP | Cyber Investigator & Network Security Expert.

You don’t need a six-figure security budget to defend yourself from cyberattacks.

You just need the right strategy—and a little bit of discipline.

As a cyber investigator, I’ve seen firsthand how small businesses are now primary targets for ransomware, phishing, and data theft. Why? Because attackers know that most small companies:

• Don’t have dedicated security teams
• Use outdated or unpatched software
• Rely on default passwords and unsecured systems

The good news? You can fix 80% of the most critical vulnerabilities without breaking the bank.

Here’s how to defend your small business like a big enterprise—on a small business budget.

Step 1: Prioritize Your Most Valuable Assets

Before you secure anything, ask:
What would hurt the most if it were stolen, encrypted, or leaked?

For most small businesses, this includes:

• Customer data
• Financial records
• Email accounts
• Website backends
• Intellectual property (contracts, designs, formulas)

Focus your defenses where the risk and impact intersect.

Step 2: Lock Down Accounts with Free or Low-Cost Tools

Compromised credentials are the #1 cause of small business breaches. Let’s fix that.

Do this immediately:

— Turn on Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) everywhere—email, payroll, CRM, bank
–Use a free password manager (like Bitwarden or LastPass Free) to create strong, unique passwords
–Disable unused accounts and remove default admin usernames

Even enterprise attacks often start with one weak password.

Step 3: Update Everything—No Exceptions

Cybercriminals love unpatched software. It’s often the easiest way in.

Protect yourself by:

• Enabling automatic updates for your OS, browsers, and plugins
• Uninstalling software or plugins you don’t use (less code = fewer holes)
• Updating your Wi-Fi router firmware and using WPA3 encryption

Remember: even your printer or smart thermostat could be a vulnerability if it’s on your network and unpatched.

Step 4: Teach Your Team to Spot a Scam

Technology can’t stop a user from clicking a fake invoice or malicious email.

Provide security training that covers:

• What phishing emails look like
• Why you should never reuse passwords
• How to spot spoofed websites or links
• What to do if they make a mistake (reporting is key!)

Free tools like KnowBe4, PhishMe, or Google’s phishing quiz can help simulate attacks safely.

Step 5: Backups = Business Continuity

If ransomware hits, your backups could save the company.

Follow the 3-2-1 backup rule:

• 3 copies of your data
• 2 different storage types (e.g., cloud + external drive)
• 1 copy offsite or offline

Test your backups regularly. A backup that doesn’t restore is worse than no backup at all.

Step 6: Basic Network Security (Yes, Even for Small Offices)

Your firewall and Wi-Fi setup can be your first line of defense—or your weakest link.

Secure your network by:

Changing all router admin passwords (no more “admin/admin”)
Using a guest Wi-Fi network for clients and non-business devices
Turning off remote access features unless absolutely necessary
Enabling firewall protection on routers and endpoint devices

Consider inexpensive routers with built-in security monitoring, like those from Ubiquiti, ASUS, or Synology

Step 7: Prepare for the Worst (It’s Free)

Every business should have a basic incident response plan. Even a one-page checklist is better than chaos.

Include:

• Who to call (IT provider, lawyer, bank, cyber insurance)
• Where your backups are stored
• How to contain a compromised system (e.g., disconnecting Wi-Fi)
• What customer notifications are required by law if data is leaked

Make sure someone besides the owner knows the plan.

Bonus: Free and Low-Cost Security Tools

Here are some of my favorite budget-friendly tools:

Tool	Purpose	Cost
Malwarebytes	Anti-malware scanner	Free & Premium
Bitwarden	Password manager	Free for personal use
Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1)	Secure DNS	Free
HaveIBeenPwned.com	Check exposed emails	Free
Windows Defender	Built-in antivirus	Free on Windows 10/11
UFW (Uncomplicated Firewall)	Linux firewall	Free

Many great tools are open-source or freemium—you just need to know where to look.

Final Thoughts: Small Doesn’t Mean Vulnerable

You don’t have to be a cybersecurity expert to protect your small business.

You just need:

• A plan
• A few smart tools
• The discipline to act consistently

Criminals want the easy target. Show them you’re not one.

Stay secure,

Joe Seanor

CISSP | Private Cybersecurity Consultant