October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and it’s a timely reminder that even Main Street businesses — from local contractors and retailers to service providers and professional offices — are now frequent targets for cybercrime. You don’t have to be a big corporation to be at risk. According to the 2024 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report, 43% of all cyberattacks target small businesses, yet only 14% feel prepared to defend themselves.
For small businesses in Southwest Missouri, a cyberattack isn’t just an IT inconvenience — it can disrupt your operations, erode customer trust, and create significant financial strain. That’s why taking a few proactive steps now can help protect everything you’ve worked so hard to build.
Best Practices: Cybersecurity for Small Businesses in Missouri
✅ Use Strong Passwords and Consider a Password Manager
Weak or reused passwords are one of the biggest vulnerabilities for small businesses. A password manager helps your team use longer, more secure passwords across multiple platforms.
According to the Ponemon Institute, 51% of data breaches are tied to weak or stolen credentials.
✅ Turn On Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
MFA adds a critical second layer of security, such as a text message code or authentication app. It’s quick to implement and drastically reduces account takeover risk.
CISA offers a helpful overview here: https://www.cisa.gov/secure-our-world/use-strong-passwords-and-mfa
✅ Train Employees to Spot Threats
Phishing scams continue to be the #1 cyber threat for businesses of all sizes. The FBI’s 2023 IC3 Report confirms phishing is the most common entry point for cybercriminals.
Simple training topics include:
- Unexpected links or login requests
- Emails using scare tactics or urgency
- Lookalike email addresses pretending to be vendors or banks
✅ Keep Software & Devices Updated
Outdated systems are one of the fastest paths to a breach. Automating system and security updates for computers, POS systems, antivirus tools, and plugins helps close known vulnerabilities before criminals can exploit them.
✅ Consider Cyber Insurance as a Safety Net
Even the best cybersecurity plan can’t eliminate all risk. Cyber insurance can help cover:
- System recovery and data restoration
- Ransomware/extortion events
- Business interruption and lost revenue
- Client notification and legal requirements
- IT forensics and recovery experts
For many small businesses, recovery costs can exceed $100,000 — a devastating loss for an uninsured or underinsured operation.
Take Action One Step at a Time
Cybersecurity doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Small, consistent improvements make a big difference — and you don’t have to navigate it alone.
If you’re wondering whether your business has the right protection in place, we’d be happy to help you evaluate your options and understand where cyber insurance fits into your overall risk plan.
✅ Request a Coverage Review
If you would like a personalized cybersecurity insurance review for your business, our team at Smart Insurance Agency is here to help — locally, securely, and with real people you can talk to.