In an increasingly hostile digital environment, security experts warn that small businesses are the new prime target for cybercriminals. Here are some recommendations for protecting yourself without major investments.
Digitalization has democratized entrepreneurship, but it has also leveled the playing field for attackers. In today’s technological landscape, starting a business without a minimum cybersecurity strategy is akin to building a house without a lock. The smallest startup, the most modest freelancer, or the most local self-employed individual is now in the crosshairs of a global threat: automated cybercrime.
On the eve of Entrepreneur Day, specialized firms like ESET have issued a clear warning: small businesses are paying the price for a lack of digital protection. According to data from the National Cybersecurity Institute (INCIBE), nearly 100,000 cybersecurity incidents were reported in Spain in 2024, with over a third directly affecting SMEs, micro-enterprises, and self-employed individuals.
A Perfect Storm for Attackers
What makes small businesses so vulnerable? The answer lies in a combination of factors: little training in digital security, overconfidence in free tools, devices shared between work and personal life, and a widespread absence of internal protection policies.
Additionally, many startups and entrepreneurs adopt cloud services, third-party platforms, corporate social media accounts, and online banking services without assessing the risks or establishing secure access protocols. “Cybercriminals know that the weak link isn’t in the software but in human behavior and the lack of planning,” ESET explains.
Cybersecurity Without Big Budgets: It’s Possible
The good news is that protecting a digital business doesn’t have to involve large investments. Simple practices can be integrated from the start. Here are some key points that every entrepreneur should keep in mind when launching their project:
- Basic Digital Hygiene: Keep all systems, applications, and plugins updated. Many attacks occur by exploiting already patched vulnerabilities.
- Professional Protection Solutions: Use reliable cybersecurity tools—even if they are free—that are tailored to the business environment rather than home use.
- Secure Password Management: Avoid weak or repeated credentials. A password manager can be a great ally.
- Separation of Environments: Do not mix personal and professional devices. A failure in one can compromise the entire business.
- Awareness as a Business Culture: Even if there is only one person in the company, it is vital to periodically review permissions, access, and configurations.
Reputation at Stake
One of the least valued aspects by new entrepreneurs is the reputational damage that a cyberattack can cause. Unlike a technical malfunction, a security breach compromises the trust of clients, suppliers, and partners. According to the 2024 report from the Spanish Association of Companies Against Fraud, the online channel now accounts for 43% of recorded corporate fraud, and small organizations have less capacity to respond to these incidents.
Entrepreneurship with a Protection Mindset
Cybersecurity is not just a technical issue; it’s a strategic component of the business. Just as an idea is protected with a trademark registration or a confidentiality clause, so too must the digital environment it inhabits be protected. “It’s not about living in fear, but about incorporating security as part of the business’s DNA,” experts point out.
In a world where the first customer can come from anywhere on the planet and the first attack can too, there is no room for improvisation. Entrepreneurship in 2025 requires vision, resilience… and a good antivirus.
Source: Security News