How to assemble a basic set of protections without breaking the budget
Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) face the same digital risks as large corporations — but usually without a dedicated IT security team. The good news? You don’t need an army of specialists to make your company much safer. You just need a basic kit of security essentials. Think of it like the “first aid kit” for your business.
Here’s what every SMB should have in place
1. VPN (Virtual Private Network)
- Encrypts traffic for remote workers.
- Prevents sensitive data from being exposed on public Wi-Fi.
- Helps secure access to company resources.
Tip: Don’t rely on free VPNs. Choose a reputable provider or set up a corporate VPN.
2. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
- Passwords alone are not enough.
- 2FA stops 90%+ of account takeover attempts.
- Works with apps (Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator) or hardware keys.
Tip: Enforce 2FA for email, cloud storage, and finance tools — the crown jewels of your business.
3. Access Control & Offboarding
- Not everyone needs access to everything.
- Use role-based access: limit permissions by job function.
- Remove accounts immediately when employees or contractors leave.
Tip: Make offboarding part of your HR checklist. Forgotten accounts are open doors.
4. Password Manager
- Prevents password reuse across tools.
- Makes strong, unique passwords easy to manage.
- Centralizes control for the business.
Tip: Invest in a business-grade manager (1Password, Proton Pass for Business, Bitwarden).
5. Device Protection
- Enable full-disk encryption on laptops and phones.
- Require screen locks and auto-logout.
- Keep operating systems and software updated.
Tip: Lost laptop ≠ lost data if encryption is on.
6. Backup & Recovery
- Store backups in at least two locations (cloud + offline).
- Test recovery regularly — backups you can’t restore are useless.
- Protect backups from ransomware by keeping at least one offline.
Tip: Automate backups and set a monthly “restore test” day. That way, you’ll be sure your recovery plan actually works.
7. Phishing Awareness
- Train employees to spot fake emails, CEO fraud, and malicious links.
- Run occasional internal tests to check awareness.
- Encourage reporting over shaming — mistakes happen.
Tip: Use a simple rule: When in doubt, don’t click — verify. A quick phone call can save your business from a costly mistake.
Final Word
Cybersecurity doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Start with this kit and you’ll cover the most common entry points attackers use against SMBs.
It’s like seatbelts and airbags — not fancy, but life-saving.
