Discover Why Hackers Are Really Interested in Your Business

If you own a small business, you might think that hackers aren’t really interested in your data. After all, they’ve successfully penetrated the security of some of the world’s largest retailers and corporations, so why would they come after you? The truth is that SMBs are the prime targets for hackers for a few very different and surprising reasons.

SMBs are the Largest Target

While you might only hear about the large companies who’ve been victimized by hackers and ransomware on the news, SMBs are the largest target – and by quite a large margin. In fact, Inc. reported on a Verizon Data Breach Report in late 2015 that showed small businesses represented 70% of all the data breaches for that year. Nothing has changed since then; in fact, if anything, small businesses are experiencing an increase of attacks each year, and the same source reports that small businesses pay an average of $36,000 in damages for each attack.

Your Employees Are Your Biggest Threat

Most small businesses go to great lengths to ensure their data is safe from external attacks. They may encrypt their data, hide it behind firewalls, and install a variety of security software for that very purpose. Although this is a great idea, these small businesses are forgetting one very important part of their security – their employees. Verizon’s survey also found that one in every four people will click a link found in a phishing email while on their employers’ networks, and this opens the entire network up to threats. That’s why small businesses are often the biggest targets; employers have fewer protocols in place to prevent employees from opening these links.

Hackers Know You’re Under-Secured

The fact of the matter is that most small businesses don’t go to the same lengths to protect their data as large corporations. They simply lack the funding for the necessary infrastructures, and hackers know this. If a burglar sees a house locked up and protected with an alarm, but the neighbor left his doors wide open, that burglar will rob the unlocked home because it’s viewed as an easy target. For this reason, even if you have a very small business, it’s vital to put the proper security and infrastructure in place to protect not only yourself, but also your employees and customers.

Things to Consider

First things first, it’s important to remember that a hacker won’t overlook your business simply because it’s small. In fact, it’s more likely that you’ll be attacked if you have fewer than 100 employees. You should take the time to educate your employees about internet safety; encourage them to avoid clicking links, and teach them how to recognize malicious emails and websites. Next, work with a professional or an outsourced IT company to help you set up the proper security infrastructure. After all, locking your doors is the first step in keeping an intruder out.

Although hackers certainly have less to gain from a small business when they do manage to get in, the truth is that many small businesses leave their doors wide open – and hackers know it. It’s important to protect yourself and your network from the start so you don’t become a victim of a security breach.

Common IT Security Compliance Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

June 17, 2025
Meeting IT security compliance standards is crucial for businesses that handle sensitive data, particularly in industries such as healthcare, finance, defense, and e-commerce. Regulatory frameworks such as HIPAA, CMMC, PCI-DSS, and GDPR exist to help ensure businesses protect customer information and maintain robust cybersecurity practices. Unfortunately, many organizations fall short of these requirements, often due to common, avoidable mistakes. These gaps can result in costly fines, data breaches, and reputational damage, which can significantly impact the business's bottom line and customer trust. 1. Failing to Conduct Regular Risk Assessments The Pitfall: Many businesses overlook the importance of conducting routine risk assessments. Without these, it’s challenging to identify vulnerabilities or evaluate whether your current cybersecurity controls meet compliance standards. How to Avoid It: Implement a regular risk assessment schedule. Work with a qualified IT provider to evaluate your systems, identify weaknesses, and document remediation plans. These assessments should be performed at least annually, or whenever significant changes to the system occur. 2. Inadequate Employee Training The Pitfall: Your employees are your first line of defense—and often your most significant vulnerability. A common compliance issue arises when businesses fail to train staff on cybersecurity best practices or on handling sensitive data appropriately. How to Avoid It: Invest in ongoing cybersecurity awareness training. Ensure employees understand how to recognize phishing emails, create strong passwords, and report any suspicious activity. Training should be updated regularly to reflect current threats and compliance requirements. 3. Improper Data Handling and Storage The Pitfall: Storing sensitive data in unsecured locations, failing to encrypt information, or retaining data longer than necessary are significant compliance risks. These practices are often flagged during audits. How to Avoid It: Adopt data classification policies that define how different types of data should be handled; encrypt sensitive data both at rest and in transit. Establish clear data retention policies and ensure that obsolete data is disposed of securely. 4. Lack of Incident Response Planning The Pitfall: When a security incident occurs, time is of the essence. Many businesses lack a documented incident response plan, or their existing plan hasn’t been thoroughly tested. This can lead to delayed responses, increased damage, and regulatory penalties. How to Avoid It: Develop a formal incident response plan that includes roles, responsibilities, communication protocols, and steps for containment and recovery. Run simulated breach scenarios with your IT team to ensure everyone knows how to respond effectively. 5. Using Outdated Software or Systems The Pitfall: Running outdated operating systems, software, or firmware is a common issue that can lead to compliance failures. Unsupported technologies are more vulnerable to exploitation. How to Avoid It: Keep all systems and applications up to date with the latest patches. Use automated tools to track software versions and receive alerts about end-of-life technologies. Schedule regular maintenance windows to apply updates and upgrades. 6. Insufficient Access Controls The Pitfall: Allowing too many employees access to sensitive data—or failing to revoke access when it’s no longer needed—can lead to data breaches and non-compliance. How to Avoid It: Implement role-based access controls and follow the principle of least privilege. This principle means that each user should have the minimum level of access necessary to perform their job. Regularly audit user accounts and permissions to ensure access is current and appropriate. Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an additional layer of protection. 7. Neglecting Third-Party Vendor Risks The Pitfall: Businesses often overlook the fact that their compliance responsibilities extend to third-party vendors. If a vendor mishandles your data, you could still be held accountable. How to Avoid It: Vet third-party vendors carefully. Ensure they meet the same compliance standards as your business and include security requirements in your contracts. Conduct periodic audits or request compliance certifications from your vendors. 8. Failing to Document Policies and Procedures The Pitfall: Even if your security practices are strong, failing to document your compliance policies can result in audit failures. Regulators want to see evidence that you have formal processes in place. How to Avoid It: Create and maintain clear documentation for all compliance-related policies, including data protection, access control, incident response, and employee training. Make these documents easily accessible for audits and regularly review them to ensure updates are current. Conclusion Compliance with IT security standards is not a one-time project—it requires ongoing attention, regular updates, and a proactive approach to maintain effectiveness. By understanding and addressing these common pitfalls, your business can stay ahead of regulatory requirements, strengthen its security posture, and reduce the risk of costly incidents. This ongoing attention is crucial to maintaining your business's security and audit readiness. If you’re unsure whether your business is meeting current IT compliance standards, professional support can help. Contact SDTEK today to schedule a compliance assessment and learn how our IT services can keep your business secure and audit-ready. With our support, you can navigate the complex landscape of IT security compliance with confidence.

Why Cybersecurity and Business IT Support Are Crucial for Fort Wayne Businesses

April 9, 2025
In today’s digital-first world, cybersecurity isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether you run a small startup or a growing enterprise in Fort Wayne , protecting your business’s data, systems, and clients is essential for long-term success. From ransomware attacks to phishing scams, cyber threats are evolving every day, and the best way to stay ahead of them is by partnering with a reliable IT services provider that understands the unique needs of local businesses. Here’s why investing in professional business IT support is one of the smartest decisions Fort Wayne businesses can make—and how working with SDTEK helps protect your operations, your data, and your reputation.