Strengthening Cybersecurity in Businesses:Concrete Ways to Reduce Risks

Any organization that has data, users, and Internet access is a potential target. As a result, cybersecurity has become a core IT governance issue for small and medium-sized businesses.

The size of your SMB does not make it less attractive to cybercriminals. Quite the opposite. Smaller businesses are increasingly targeted by cyberattacks. A recent BDC study shows that in 2024, 73% of SMBs experienced at least one cybersecurity incident.

The reality is simple: it’s often easier to extract $50,000 from several SMBs than $5 million from a large organization with stronger defences.

In most incidents, human factors are the root cause. Breaches rarely happen because there are no security tools in place, but rather because controls are incomplete, poorly applied, or never tested.

The real question isn’t “Do we have the right tools?” It’s “Are we actually ready?

Key Factors That Put Business Cybersecurity at Risk

Beyond human error, several recurring security gaps are common in SMBs:

A lack of guidance and cybersecurity support often amplifies these risks. Plus, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Every SMB must adapt its controls to its operational reality.

To strengthen cybersecurity in an SMB, organizations must rely on practical, measurable levers, configured to match their specific needs.

Un hacker qui cherche une vulnérabilité pour lancer une opération de piratage informatique

8 Key Levers for Optimal Cybersecurity Risk Management

1. Secure Internet Access and Entry Points

Network and internet access remain among the primary entry points for cyberattacks. To protect your business, the following security measures should be implemented:

These controls must be centralized, continuously monitored, and regularly updated. Without proper oversight, their effectiveness quickly erodes.

Are These Protections Fully Deployed Across Your Environment?

ited helps SMBs select and implement security solutions to strengthen their cybersecurity posture.

2. Control User Access and Responsibilities

Every user represents a potential entry point. Strong access management is essential:

Without proper controls, even the best technical solutions can be unintentionally bypassed.

3. Involve Human Resources in Your Cybersecurity Strategy

According to data shared by the Government of Canada95% of cyber incidents involve human error. Human resources therefore play a key role in risk reduction.

A cybersecurity strategy is only effective when implemented in collaboration with employees and partners.

Key actions include:

A strong security culture significantly reduces the attack surface.

4. Govern and Secure Cloud Environments

Cloud solutions offer SMBs several competitive advantages, including:

That said, moving to the cloud does not eliminate organizational responsibility. Another factor to consider is the wide variety of offerings and services available for cloud computing solutions.

Managing access, configurations, and data stored in the cloud also remains essential to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Working with experts helps ensure cloud solutions truly align with your SMB’s needs.

5. Encrypt Data and Protect Sensitive Information

Encryption protects data from unauthorized access. It preserves confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity—even during a security incident.

For SMBs, encryption is a key safeguard to limit the impact of a breach, especially when combined with strict access policies.

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6. Manage Backups to Ensure Business Continuity

Putting all your eggs in one basket is risky. Simply having backups isn’t enough if they’re all stored in the same place. To minimize data loss, backups must be automated, isolated, and regularly tested.

According to the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, effective backups should include these 7 key elements :

True cyber resilience is measured by how quickly operations can resume after an attack or major outage.

How Long Could Your SMB Continue Operating After a Critical Incident?

ted offers backup solutions designed to support SMB business continuity.

7. Document and Test an Incident Response Plan

A clear incident response plan helps to:

In many SMBs, response plans are incomplete—or never tested. Yet they are a critical lever for reducing financial and operational impact.

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S'appuyer sur des experts en cybersécurité

8. Rely on Cybersecurity Experts

Identifying security gaps is often difficult without an external perspective. That’s where professional cybersecurity services bring real value to SMBs.

With tailored support, organizations gain:

Cyber resilience shouldn’t be left to chance. Choosing a trusted IT partner helps ensure long-term success in cybersecurity initiatives.

Go Further with ited

Protect. Detect. Respond. These three principles define our cybersecurity approach.

Strengthening cybersecurity in an SMB is an ongoing process. ited supports IT leaders in deploying coherent, measurable protections tailored to real business needs.