The perception that SMBs have limited resources, smaller budgets and often a “that won’t happen to us” mindset makes them attractive to hackers. Although it’s true that SMBs don’t have the resources of Fortune 500 companies, you don’t need that kind of money to protect your business. Here are six simple strategies hackers hate.

1. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

The easiest way for hackers to break into your business accounts? Stolen credentials. The best way to stop them? Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) or Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). These security measures add an extra layer of protection by requiring not just a password, but also a second verification step—like a text message code or an authentication app.

Surprisingly, only 34% of SMBs use MFA, compared to 87% of large enterprises (JumpCloud’s 2024 IT Trends Report).

2. Keep Your Software Updated

Hackers love outdated software because it’s full of security holes they can exploit. Ransomware attacks often target vulnerabilities that have already been patched—but only if you update your system.

Here’s how to stay ahead:

  • Enable automatic updates for all operating systems, applications, and software.
  • Train employees on the importance of updates.
  • Set policies that restrict access until updates are installed.

Don’t let cybercriminals take advantage of weaknesses you can fix in just a few clicks!

3. Train Employees to Spot Phishing Emails

More than 90% of data breaches start with phishing emails (CISA). These emails look real, pretending to be from banks, colleagues, or retailers, but they contain malicious links designed to steal your passwords and sensitive data.

With AI making phishing emails more convincing than ever, employee training is crucial. Research shows that regular training can reduce phishing risks from 32.5% to just 5% in a year (KnowBe4).

The best training programs include:

  • Real-world examples of phishing attempts
  • Simulated attacks to test employees
  • Short, interactive training sessions for ongoing awareness

When employees know what to look for, they become your first line of defense.

4. Encrypt Your Data

Think of encryption as turning your business data into secret code—only authorized users can unlock it. Even if hackers intercept your emails or steal customer data, encryption keeps the information useless to them.

Many SMBs worry about the cost or complexity of encryption, but modern tools make it simple and affordable. Platforms like Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 offer built-in encryption, and most cyber insurance policies require it anyway.

If you’re handling sensitive data, encryption isn’t optional—it’s essential.

5. Limit Employee Access

Not every employee needs access to everything. The more open access employees have, the greater the risk of accidental (or intentional) security breaches.

Here’s how to manage access wisely:

  • Grant access based on roles (e.g., a marketing intern doesn’t need payroll data).
  • Use temporary admin access for specific projects instead of permanent access.
  • Work with IT to ensure employees have what they need—without unnecessary exposure to sensitive files.

Controlled access minimizes risk and keeps your business data more secure.

6. Back Up Your Data

Ransomware is a massive threat to SMBs, with 46% reporting attacks (OpenText Cybersecurity). Hackers lock up your data and demand payment for its return—but even if you pay, there’s no guarantee you’ll get your data back.

The best defense? Backups. Use the 3-2-1 rule:

  • Keep 3 copies of your data
  • Store them on 2 different types of storage
  • Keep 1 copy off-site (cloud storage or an external hard drive disconnected from your main network)

And don’t forget: test your backups regularly! A backup is useless if it’s incomplete or corrupted when you need it.

Final Thoughts: Hackers Hate These Strategies—And That’s Why You Should Use Them

These six strategies are straightforward, cost-effective, and powerful. If you’re missing any of them, now is the time to integrate them into your cybersecurity plan.

Cybercriminals rely on businesses ignoring security basics. By taking these simple steps, you make your SMB a much tougher target—and that’s something every hacker hates.

Need help implementing these strategies? Talk to an IT security expert today and keep your business safe!