Small Business Cybersecurity “Wake-Up Call”: New Regulations and the Need for Proactive Measures
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Are you too Small to fail, too small to matter, too small to worry about Cyber Threats? That’s a NO, NO, and NO!
The recent publication of the draft rules by the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) highlights the increasing importance and urgency for small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to tighten their cybersecurity measures. With the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act set to go into effect beginning 2026 and the subsequent regulatory framework being rolled out, it is clear that the regulatory landscape is evolving rapidly.
The rule, as it is drafted, would apply to entities in a critical infrastructure sector that (1) exceed the small business size standard or (2) meet a sector-based criterion. SMBs must be prepared to comply with these new regulations, or they risk facing significant penalties and legal consequences.
Being reactive in the face of cybersecurity threats is not a viable option; SMBs must adopt a proactive approach to cybersecurity. Proactive Managed Services are not just beneficial but essential in today’s digital age. These services can significantly reduce downtime, enhance the security of critical data, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
Do not get caught without a plan. Reach out to go over the critical aspects of Securing your business. Here are some important points to discuss with us as a Cybersecurity and Managed IT provider:
In Depth Risk Assessments: Determine the specific areas of Vulnerability and Partner with us in developing plan for mitigating your risk.
Make a Move: Implement these measures immediately: Multi-factor authentication, regular software updates, and employee training programs. Proactive Managed Services can provide continuous monitoring and timely response mechanisms to detect and mitigate cyber threats effectively.
Incident Response Plan: Develop a detailed response plan for when you experience a Breach. This includes steps for notifying your IT provider of suspicious activity, reporting an incident to the appropriate agency, notifying insurance, etc.
Training your People: Employees are often the first line of defense against cyber threats. Regular training and awareness programs can significantly reduce the risk of human error and improve overall cybersecurity posture.
It is clear that CISA has reason to believe there is a benefit to including Small Businesses in this new rule. Cyber Attacks on SMB’s are increasing, You are not too small to be targeted, you’re just too small to make the news. That’s about to change and whether you’re ready for it is the question. According to multiple sources such as the Verizon DBIR Report, Varonis, and Attorney General’s Report: 46% of Cyber Attacks were against small businesses with less than 1,000 employees. Your business has something these criminals want and its valuable enough to lie in wait, undetected for an average of 129 days to obtain. Should you be worried? Yes, because a Cyber attack costs small businesses an average of $3.1 million or $164 per record exposed. Think you can survive? Consider the costs below and reach out if you’d like to know more.
Costs associated with a Breach may include:
- Direct Deposit/ACH/Transfer theft
- Remediation and system repair
- Regulatory and compliance fines
- Legal and public relations fees
- Notification, identity theft repair and credit monitoring for affected parties
- Increase in insurance premium
Indirect costs include the following:
- Business disruption and downtime
- Loss of business or customers
- Loss of intellectual property
- Damage to company credibility, brand and reputation
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