“Are We Really the Target?” The #1 Cybersecurity Move Small Businesses Must Make

Aug 5

Are small businesses really the target of cyberattacks?

Let’s cut to the chase. Yes, they are.

I get this question from small business owners all the time.
They tell me, “We’re too small to be a target,” or “We’re using the cloud. So we must be safe, right?”

Wrong.

The truth is, more than 99% of cyberattacks target small and mid-sized businesses. Why? Because hackers know you’re more vulnerable than big corporations. You don’t have an internal cybersecurity team. You don’t have time to monitor your systems around the clock. And you trust platforms like Microsoft 365 to do all the work for you.

But if you think you’re safe because you’re “in the cloud,” it’s time for a serious reality check.

What’s the single best cybersecurity strategy for small businesses?

If there’s one thing I tell every small business to implement today.
It’s Managed Detection and Response (MDR).

MDR is like hiring digital bodyguards.
They monitor your systems 24/7, identify threats early and shut them down before they spread.

Think of it this way:
Cybersecurity = Access Control for your digital assets
MDR = The team watching the cameras and locking the doors in real time

If you’ve ever asked:

“What’s the best way to protect my business right now?”
“What should I do if I can only afford one cybersecurity service?”
“Is there a way to stop attacks before they happen?”

Then the answer is Managed Detection and Response.

What kinds of attacks does MDR help prevent?

Here are the most common threats we see small businesses face. Especially those using tools like Microsoft 365:

Phishing Emails: Hackers disguise themselves as trusted contacts to steal login info
Malware Links: Malicious files or downloads that infect your network
Unauthorized Access: Weak passwords and over-permissioned accounts open the door
Data Leaks: Employees accidentally (or intentionally) share sensitive info
AI Risks: Tools like Microsoft Copilot can accidentally expose private data

With MDR in place, you have someone watching for these risks 24/7. You’re not relying on guesswork or luck. You’re backed by experts.

Why isn’t Microsoft 365 enough?

Because Microsoft is not responsible for your cybersecurity strategy. You are.

Sure, they offer basic protections like MFA and spam filtering. But those are just the locks. MDR is the person checking the door is locked, every hour, every day.

We’ve seen countless breaches happen inside Microsoft Teams, OneDrive or Outlook. Not because the software was bad, but because nobody was watching.

Why should small businesses take action now?

You might think cybersecurity is too expensive or too complex. But I promise you, it’s a whole lot cheaper than recovering from a ransomware attack, losing customer trust or facing compliance penalties.

MDR makes real cybersecurity affordable for businesses of all sizes.

You don’t need an internal IT team.
You don’t need a massive tech stack.
You just need a system that alerts, responds and protects your business before it’s too late.

At PSLA Security Systems, we work with companies across Ventura County, Santa Barbara County and beyond. Offering cybersecurity, access control, and integrated security systems from coast to coast.

Bottom line: One move, huge impact

If you remember nothing else from this blog, remember this:

You are the target.
MDR is your defense.

It’s the smartest, most impactful thing you can do to protect your business.

As I like to say: “Put the snipers on the roof.”
Because once something’s already inside, it’s too late.

Let us help you sleep at night knowing someone’s watching your six. Reach out to PSLA Security Systems and ask about Cyber Covenant, our all-in-one solution for small business cybersecurity.

Let’s secure your business before someone else gets there first.

See you out there,
Gary Hoffner
Vice President
PSLA Security Systems