Article

Bolstering Cybersecurity for Micro-sized SMBs in New Zealand

Author

Joseph Morgan

Date

12 August, 2023

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For a micro-sized Small to Medium-sized Business (SMB) in New Zealand, every resource counts. Your team may be small, but the risks posed by cyber threats can be just as significant as they are for larger corporations. The good news is, with the right strategies, even the tiniest of teams can stand tall against cybersecurity threats.

The Risks

A quick refresher on what micro-sized SMBs should be on the lookout for:

  1. Phishing Attacks: Deceptive tactics used by attackers to lure victims into divulging sensitive data, often via seemingly legitimate emails or links.
  2. Ransomware: Hostile software that encrypts a victim’s files, making them inaccessible until a ransom gets paid.
  3. Unpatched Software: Software without regular updates can expose your business to known vulnerabilities.
  4. Weak Password Policies: Simple passwords can become a cyber attacker’s golden ticket to your data.

Practical Cybersecurity Tips for Micro-SMBs

1. Ongoing Awareness and Dialogue

Even without formal training programs, make it a habit to discuss cybersecurity during team meetings. Share articles, updates, and best practices regularly.

2. Leadership Advocacy

Even in a compact team, it’s crucial for the person at the helm to prioritize and advocate for cybersecurity, emphasizing its importance in daily operations.

Team of financial experts using tablet during brainstorming

3. Everyone’s a Guardian

In smaller teams, the responsibility to safeguard the business rests on everyone. Empower every member by sharing resources and tools that help them understand and identify potential threats.

Man touching a padlock shield icon

4. Simplify Reporting

Ensure that if someone encounters something suspicious, they know who to inform and how. This can be as straightforward as a shared email or chat group dedicated to security alerts.

Message Inbox Notification Icon Concept

5. Appoint a Cybersecurity Point Person

Even without a dedicated IT team, designate one person (possibly someone with a keen interest in tech) to keep abreast of the latest threats and solutions. They don’t have to be experts, but they’ll act as the go-to person for any security-related queries or concerns.

Two people working in mission control center

Responding to Cyber Threats

The world of technology and cybersecurity is evolving at a breakneck pace. SMBs are facing challenges they’ve never seen before, especially in the wake of global events like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Final Thoughts

For micro-sized SMBs, size isn’t a barrier to robust cybersecurity. With proactive strategies, even the smallest of teams can establish a formidable line of defence against potential threats.

Navigating the intricate landscape of IT and cybersecurity often presents budgetary challenges for SMBs. If committing to a comprehensive in-house IT department or a dedicated Chief Information Security Officer seems financially daunting, there’s a strategic alternative you should consider.

Outsourcing via a Virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) service offers a resourceful and efficient approach. Such services provide tailored, outsourced security solutions, allowing you to harness specialised cybersecurity expertise without bearing the financial weight of a full-time role. This means you can ensure robust cybersecurity measures, even on a limited budget, in an era where remote work and dynamic threats are the norm.