You don’t need to be a bank or a big tech company to be targeted. In fact, 73% of Nigerian SMEs have suffered at least one cyberattack, according to a Punch News report. That’s not a fluke, it's part of a global wave. Check Point data shows a 75% surge in cyberattacks globally in 2024, with small businesses among the easiest targets. Many of these businesses didn’t even realize what hit them until money vanished, customer trust eroded, or critical data got locked. And these aren’t Hollywood-style hacks. They’re often basic tricks: fake links on WhatsApp, cloned bank emails, or malicious apps disguised as payment tools. And they work because most small businesses operate without firewalls, training, or even strong passwords.
Cybercriminals know this. They’re counting on it.
In a world where your phone, your laptop, and your business account are all connected, one careless click is all it takes.
That’s why cybersecurity should to be part of how you run your business
These practical steps can make your business difficult to hack.
1. Start with the Basics: Lock Your Devices Like Your Wallet
Think of your laptop or phone the same way you think of your wallet. You wouldn’t leave it open on a table at a crowded market, right?
Yet many business owners leave their devices unlocked, unencrypted, or protected by weak passwords like“1234” or “admin.”
And cybercriminals love that.
According to the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), over 90% of financial fraud cases in 2023 were technology-driven, often starting from compromised devices.
What to do:
- Use strong, unique passwords for every device and tool (think passphrases like: MarketDay2024IsBusy!).
- Turn on screen locks and auto-lock features. Even 30 seconds of idle time can be risky in public spaces.
- Avoid saving passwords in browsers. Use a reputable password manager instead, like Bitwarden or 1Password.
Tela tip: If you have employees or collaborators, make device security part of your onboarding checklist. One unsecured laptop can be all a hacker needs.
This is your first line of defense and it costs nothing but a few clicks.
2. Update Everything, Your Software Isn’t Meant to Last Forever
When was the last time you clicked “Remind me later” on a software update?
It feels harmless, until that delay becomes the open door hackers use to walk right into your system.Outdated software is a goldmine for cybercriminals
Many of the most exploited leaks came from unpatched systems. These are flaws that developers have already fixed but businesses just didn’t bother to update. Cybercriminals are no longer brute-forcing entries; they’re exploiting forgotten vulnerabilities in old versions of your tools.
What to do:
- Enable automatic updates for your operating system, antivirus, and major software.
- Audit your tools monthly. Create a 15-minute calendar reminder titled “Cyber Health Check.”
- Delete what you don’t use. Old plugins, unused apps, they're security risks if they’re just sitting there unpatched.
Tela tip: One outdated plugin can be the weak link that breaks your business. Updating is your low-effort, high-impact shield.
3. Train Your Team, Because Human Error Is the Real Hacker’s Shortcut
Cybersecurity isn’t just a tech problem it’s a people problem. SpyCloud’s analysis, discussed on Hacker News, revealed that 94% of Fortune 50 companies had employee data exposed in phishing attacks over six months, with a 17% increase in phishing emails. Phishing remains one of the most common entry points for attacks. And let’s be honest: even the smartest employee can fall for a convincing email. One wrong click, and your business data is in the wrong hands.
What to do:
- Run quarterly training sessions (nothing fancy just 30-minute walkthroughs of phishing examples, password do’s and don’ts, and safe browsing tips).
- Test your team. Send fake phishing emails. Reward those who report it. Teach the ones who don’t.
- Create a security cheat sheet, a one-pager of what to click, what to avoid, and who to tell when things feel off.
Why it matters: You can buy expensive software, but it won’t stop a careless click. Empower your team to become the first line of defense, not the weakest link.
4. Don’t Just Use Passwords Strengthen Them with Layers
Yes, passwords matter but passwords alone are no longer enough.
The Verizon 2024 Data Breach Investigations Report (DBIR) confirms that stolen or weak credentials remain the top cause of data breaches worldwide. That means a single compromised password could expose your client list, payment details, or even your entire business operation. Most breaches happen because people reuse simple passwords across accounts like "business2024" or "admin123".
What to do:
- Use a password manager to generate and store strong, unique passwords for each account.
- Turn on Multi-factor authentication (MFA) so even if someone guesses your password, they can’t get in without a second or third verification.
- Avoid sharing passwords through email or chat apps. Use secure sharing tools instead, especially for team access.
Tela Tip: You wouldn’t give your office key to just anyone,so don’t treat your digital keys like an afterthought. With password layers, you're not just locking the door, you’re adding a security gate and a fingerprint scanner too.
5. Install the Right Protection Antivirus Alone Isn’t Enough
Antivirus is not “set it and forget it” you need to fix.it right. Today’s cyber threats are more advanced than ever. Basic antivirus tools won’t stop phishing, ransomware, spyware, or zero-day threats. And cybercriminals know most SMEs still rely on outdated protection. According to the Kerpersky firm, free antivirus software, used by 43% of small businesses, offers limited protection compared to business-grade solutions, which provide advanced threat detection and response.
Here’s what you need instead:
- Use business-grade endpoint protection like Bitdefender GravityZone, Sophos Intercept X, or Microsoft Defender for Business.
- Enable automatic updates so your protection keeps up with new threats daily.
- Don’t just install schedule regular scans and review any flagged activity.
- For remote teams, consider cloud-based security solutions that cover all devices, wherever they are.
Tela tip: A single virus can cost your business days of lost work or worse, expose your clients’ data. Investing in proper malware protection is your first digital line of defense.
6. Avoid Public Wi-Fi Without Protection Or Pay the Price Later
Free Wi-Fi at cafés, airports, and hotels feels like a lifesaver but for hackers, it’s an open invitation. Public Wi-Fi is often unencrypted, making it easy for cybercriminals to intercept what you're doing online whether it’s logging into your email or accessing cloud files. And with many small teams working remotely, this risk multiplies fast.
What to do:
- Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) on all devices when accessing public networks. It encrypts your traffic, shielding sensitive data from prying eyes.
- Avoid logging into financial accounts or tools like your business bank dashboard or payment platforms when connected to public Wi-Fi even with a VPN.
- Set up two-step verification on all critical logins. Even if credentials are compromised, the extra barrier can stop an attack in its tracks.
- Train your team to turn off auto-connect to Wi-Fi networks, so they don’t unknowingly join fake hotspots.
Tela tip: Remote work can be productive but only if it’s secure. Treat every open Wi-Fi network like a potential trap.
7. Hire Professional to Audit Your System
Even with the right tools, strong passwords, and staff training, blind spots still exist. That’s why cybersecurity experts recommend doing regular security audits not just DIY ones, but from professionals who know where to look.
According to a survey by IBM, it takes an average of 204 days to identify a data breach. That means many businesses are compromised without even knowing it.
Here’s what a cybersecurity audit can reveal:
- Unpatched software vulnerabilities
- Weak access controls
- Shadow IT (apps or devices your team uses without approval)
- Gaps in employee practices or remote work security
What to do:
- Hire a certified cybersecurity consultant or firm to run a comprehensive audit.
- Ask for a clear action plan after the audit
- If a full-time hire is out of budget, look for freelancers or managed security services (MSSPs who specialize in SME-level protection.
Tela tip:You wouldn’t try to fix a leaking pipe without calling a plumber. The same goes for cybersecurity. A professional’s eyes might catch what yours,and your antivirus can’t.
Conclusion.
You may not have the same budgets as big corporations, but that doesn’t mean you can afford to be careless. You don’t need a million-dollar security team to stay safe. What you need is awareness, the right habits, and a willingness to act before something goes wrong. So take the next step. Share these habits with your team. Review your systems. Update your defenses.