Small business must do as good a job as possible within the resources available to protect against cyber attacks.
Cyber attacks are increasing in frequency – a data breach can cost upwards of $25000 due to the legal costs, the costs to recover data, or other costs to do with loss of business. As noted from a previous February compilation of small business attack statistics:
Small business must do as good a job as possible within the
resources available to protect against cyber attacks.Cyber attacks are increasing in frequency – a data breach
can cost upwards of $25000 due to the legal costs, the costs to recover data,or other costs to do with loss of business.
Thus the costs of doing nothing will cost more in the long run, preventive action can reduce or eliminate the chance of a data breach.
Choose between basic , seems right , and max effort:
Basic – Security Policy outline – 1 external vulnerability assessment
Seems Right – Security Policy Outline and 2 passes (back and forth with client to improve Sec Policy) external vulnerability assessment depends on setup may need onsite visit(at least 1 hour onsite visit) and write 1 report.
Max effort – Security Policy Outline plus 10 passes (or as many as required – discussions and Q&A), as many onsite visits as necessary to fully evaluate and write reports as needed.
Contact to discuss any program above.
So I asked AI the following:
“What is a passive strategy for a small business that needs to start with only 1 cybersecurity action out of risk assessment, vulnerability assessment, training, or other cyber actions . The part of a small business and it’s psychology of security which does not want to make a decision for a variety of reasons.?”
The AI answered in this manner:
For a small business hesitant to dive into cybersecurity due to indecision, limited resources, or overwhelm, the most passive yet effective starting point would be employee training. Here’s why and how it fits the psychology of a small business:
Why Training as a Passive Strategy?
- Low Commitment, High Impact: Training doesn’t require immediate infrastructure changes, expensive tools, or technical expertise upfront—unlike risk or vulnerability assessments, which demand follow-through decisions that a hesitant business might avoid. It’s a “set it and forget it” step that can run in the background.
- Addresses the Human Factor: Most cyber incidents (like phishing) exploit human error, not just tech flaws. Training employees to spot suspicious emails or links can reduce risk without the business needing to overhaul systems or make tough calls.
- Psychological Comfort: Small businesses often delay action due to fear of complexity or cost. Training feels approachable—it’s just teaching people what they already do (e.g., email, browsing) but smarter. It avoids the paralysis of “Where do we even start?” that comes with assessments.
How to Implement It Passively
- One-and-Done Approach: Use a free or low-cost online training module (e.g., from the U.S. Small Business Administration, CISA, or even YouTube videos on phishing awareness). Assign it once, ask employees to complete it at their own pace, and call it a win.
- No Decision Overload: Skip customizing or overanalyzing—just pick a basic, reputable resource and roll it out. For example, CISA’s “Cybersecurity Awareness Training” is free and straightforward.
- Set It Up and Step Back: Email a link to staff with a simple note: “Please watch this 15-minute video by next Friday.” No follow-up tests, no pressure—just plant the seed.
Why Not the Others?
- Risk Assessment: Requires expertise to interpret and act on findings, which could overwhelm a decision-averse business.
- Vulnerability Assessment: Demands technical resources and follow-up fixes—too active for a passive start.
- Other Actions (e.g., Patching, Firewalls): These involve ongoing management or upfront choices, clashing with the psychology of avoidance.
The Psychology Fit
Small businesses often feel cybersecurity is “someone else’s problem” or too daunting. Training sidesteps this by being non-invasive, empowering employees without forcing the owner to confront big risks head-on. It’s a quiet win that builds confidence for future steps—perfect for a business dipping its toe in without wanting to dive.
Start there. It’s the least disruptive way to move the needle.
I believe there should be one point we need to add besides employee training. Making sure employees are moving in the correct direction that a company needs to move to which is proper training of employees and ensuring that they will do the right things – including being aware of Incident reporting and more. Contact to discuss