Cybersecurity for Small Businesses: Protecting What Matters Most

At CMAG Safety & Defense, we often talk about locks, alarms, and physical security. But in today’s world, one of the greatest threats to your business doesn’t come through the front door — it comes through your network.

Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT department concern; it’s a business survival issue. Small businesses are often targeted because they’re seen as easier entry points, and a single breach can lead to devastating financial losses, reputational harm, and even regulatory fines.

What are you doing to back up information that lives in the cloud?

Cloud storage is an incredible asset for small businesses — it allows you to work from anywhere and easily share files. But storing data in the cloud doesn’t mean it’s automatically safe.

• Redundant Backups: You should have at least one backup outside of your primary cloud provider (also known as a "cold backup"). This can be a secure external hard drive, a separate cloud service, or an encrypted offline storage solution.

• Version Control: Enable versioning so you can restore earlier versions of documents if they become corrupted or encrypted by ransomware.

• Regular Testing: Periodically test your backups to make sure they actually work when you need them.

Are your computers properly protected — including those used remotely?

Many businesses allow remote work, but each employee’s device becomes a potential entry point. Ask yourself:

• Are all devices running up-to-date antivirus and anti-malware software? Keeping security software current is critical to stopping known threats.

• Do you use strong, unique passwords and multi-factor authentication (MFA)? Reused or simple passwords are still a leading cause of breaches. MFA adds an essential layer of protection.

• Are remote connections secured through a VPN? Virtual private networks protect data in transit and reduce the risk of interception when employees work from home or public networks.

• Do you require automatic updates on all devices? Unpatched software is a prime target for attackers.

Do you have a strong firewall in place?

A firewall is your business’s first line of defense against external threats.

• Network firewalls: Protect your office network by blocking unauthorized access and monitoring traffic.

• Endpoint firewalls: Ensure that individual devices (especially laptops used off-site) have their own firewalls enabled and configured correctly.

• Next-generation firewalls (NGFW): These provide advanced filtering, intrusion prevention, and application awareness — features that can significantly strengthen your defense.

How ready are you to respond to a breach — especially under HIPAA?

If your business handles protected health information (PHI), you are required under HIPAA to notify affected individuals, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and sometimes the media within specific timeframes.

• Incident Response Plan: Every business should have a written plan detailing how to detect, contain, and recover from a breach.

• Breach Reporting Policy: Define who is responsible for reporting and how fast the notification must happen (HIPAA requires notification without unreasonable delay, and no later than 60 days after discovery).

• Employee Training: Staff must understand what to look for and how to report suspected incidents immediately.

• Documentation: Keep thorough records of all security incidents and actions taken to demonstrate compliance during an audit or investigation.

Final thoughts

At CMAG Safety & Defense, we believe that cybersecurity is a vital piece of overall safety and defense — no different from locks on your doors or alarms in your office.

Ask yourself today:

✅ What are we doing to protect our data in the cloud?

✅ Are our devices secured, no matter where they’re used?

✅ Do we have strong firewalls at every level?

✅ Are we ready to respond quickly and properly to a breach?

If you're unsure about any of these answers, it’s time to act. Protecting your business digitally is protecting your livelihood and the trust of every client, patient, and partner you serve.