Why Every Small Business is a Cybersecurity Target

hackers target small businesses

When you hear about cybersecurity breaches, the headlines usually focus on billion-dollar corporations. Fortune 500 companies.
Government agencies. Hospitals. Tech giants. And it’s easy to assume that if you’re not one of them, you probably don’t need to worry.

But that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Cybercriminals are now actively targeting small businesses, especially ones without strong cybersecurity systems in place. If your business is on Long Island, in New York, or anywhere else in the U.S., you’re part of the most targeted group in today’s digital threat landscape. 

Small Business Cybersecurity: You’re Not Too Small to Matter

Some businesses don’t realize they’re considered “small.” Others do but still don’t think cybersecurity is something they need to worry about. 

Either way, this message is for you.

According to the Small Business Administration, any company with fewer than 500 employees is classified as a small business. And if that sounds broad, it is:

  • Out of the 33 million businesses in the U.S., only about 20,000 have more than 500 employees. That’s just 0.06%.
  • That means 99.94% of all U.S. businesses are officially “small.”
  • On Long Island, over 90% of all businesses fall into this category.

 
Whether you’ve got 20, 50, or even 400 employees, you’re in the majority. And you’re exactly who this article is for.

Cybercriminals know there are millions of small businesses that are successful, growing, and often under protected. Businesses that don’t think they’re a target. That mindset alone is what makes them vulnerable.

Why Cybercriminals Target Small Businesses with Weak Cybersecurity

  • Limited security infrastructure – Many businesses lack dedicated IT or cybersecurity personnel.
  • Employee vulnerability – One phishing email is all it takes. Without proper cybersecurity awareness training, your team might not spot the threat.
  • Outdated systems – Unpatched software and old hardware are common points of entry.
  • False sense of security – Many small businesses think they’re too small to matter.

The biggest risk is believing this doesn’t apply to you.

Most businesses that experience a breach aren’t reckless. They are focused on running the day-to-day, hiring, growing, and serving customers. Cybersecurity isn’t always top of mind.

That’s exactly why it gets overlooked.

Many companies don’t realize they’re exposed. Others assume they’re not a target because of their size or industry. Some have never been shown what needs protecting in the first place.

Cybercriminals count on that. Not because you’re doing something wrong, but because this is how it goes for most businesses. Until it happens. 

The Cost of Cyber Attacks on Small Businesses

A breach doesn’t just mean downtime or frustration. It can be devastating: 

  • Ransomware that locks you out of your systems
  • Leaked customer data that leads to lawsuits or penalties
  • Lost reputation and damaged client trust
  • Weeks of halted operations

How to Protect Your Small Business with Cybersecurity Services

If your business is on Long Island or anywhere else, it’s not about how big or small you feel. It’s about what you’re doing to stay protected.

Here’s how to strengthen your defenses:

  • Penetration Testing – Simulates real-world attacks to expose weaknesses
  • Vulnerability Scanning – Finds gaps in your systems before hackers do
  • Phishing Simulations & Cybersecurity Training – Prepares your team to recognize and stop threats
  • Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – Adds a second layer of login security
  • Patch Management – Keeps your software and hardware updated
  • Incident Response Planning – Helps your team act quickly and effectively if something goes wrong

Whether you’re in real estate, manufacturing, law, accounting, or retail, every business needs a cybersecurity strategy.

Cybersecurity on Long Island: More Than Protection. It’s Progress.

Strong cybersecurity doesn’t just protect your business. It helps it grow.

More vendors, clients, and partners are requiring businesses to meet security standards before working together. Without the right protections, you could be limiting your own future.

By investing in cybersecurity, you create opportunities for:

  • Bigger clients and vendor partnerships
  • Contracts with higher standards
  • Trust from customers who know their data is safe

Flexible IT provides cybersecurity services for Long Island businesses that want to move forward with confidence. Whether you’re trying to land larger accounts, meet vendor requirements, or simply create a safer place to work, we’ll help you build a secure and resilient business.