Think your small business is too invisible for hackers? Think again—half of all cyberattacks hit companies exactly like yours. Cybercriminals don’t care about size. They hunt easy targets. If your files, customer info, and day-to-day work aren’t locked down, you’re leaving the front door wide open.
Here’s the ugly truth: a recent Canadian study found 1 in 4 small businesses faced a cyber incident last year. In New Brunswick, with tight budgets and tiny IT teams, this leads to expensive downtime or lost files. Most folks don’t realize their setups are missing basics like firewalls or multi-factor authentication. It’s like running a busy shop with the door wide open, hoping no one walks in.
One Fredericton bakery got hit hard—no backups, no firewall, no extra login checks. Their website and orders were down for days. Meanwhile, a Moncton marketing firm stopped attacks cold with a simple firewall, daily backups, and multi-factor authentication. They haven’t lost an hour of work in over a year.
Here’s what actually works: Think of a firewall as the bouncer at your business’s digital front door—without one, anyone can wander in. Add multi-factor authentication (MFA), which asks for a second code after your password to block hackers, even if they steal it. Set up automated daily backups so your important files have a safety net. Train your team to spot fake emails—they’re the easiest way hackers sneak in.
Don’t guess if you’re protected. Try this quick 3-step check:
1. Log into your email on an unfamiliar device. Does it ask for a code after your password?
2. Check if your business apps and services support multi-factor authentication—and turn it on.
3. Ask your IT person or email provider how to enable MFA if it’s off.
Activating MFA usually takes under 5 minutes—and stops 99% of hacks. We get it—budget and time are tight in NB. But as a fellow New Brunswicker, I know ignoring cybersecurity until it’s too late costs way more.
We offer free security assessments tailored for New Brunswick small businesses. No upsells, no jargon—just a plain look to spot what’s missing and how to fix it. When you’re ready to move, we move.
Cybersecurity isn’t rocket science. It’s about locking your door, having a reliable alarm, and knowing your team won’t let strangers in. Protect your files, customer info, and your business’s day-to-day work before the next headline is about you.