Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Protecting Your Small Business in a Digital World

Every October, we recognize Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a time to strengthen our digital habits and protect the businesses we’ve worked so hard to build.

While large corporations often make the news for data breaches, small businesses are some of the most common targets for cyber attacks. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, nearly half of all cyber attacks target small businesses, and many of those businesses struggle to recover from the financial and reputational impact.

At Minding My Black Owned Business (MMBOB), we believe that protecting your brand goes beyond marketing and visibility — it also means safeguarding your systems, finances, and data from threats that could set you back. Cybersecurity is an act of empowerment and ownership.

“I remember when I first started my business, I didn’t think about cybersecurity. I was more focused on branding and client experience — until one day I opened what looked like a client invoice and nearly sent sensitive information to a scammer. That was a wake-up call. Now I double-check every link and make cybersecurity part of my daily workflow.” -A'Ja Rolfe

4 Simple Steps to Strengthen Your Cybersecurity

1. Use Strong Passwords (and Change Them Regularly): Avoid reusing passwords across accounts. Use a password manager to securely store unique, complex ones.

2. Turn On Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Adding this extra verification step significantly lowers your risk — even if someone knows your password.

3. Watch Out for Phishing Scams: Always verify emails and messages that ask for money, information, or login details. One careless click can open the door to major issues.

4. Update Software & Back Up Data Regularly: Outdated apps and systems are easier to hack. Keep automatic updates on and back up your files to a secure location.

Trusted Cybersecurity Resources for Small Businesses

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has compiled an incredible list of educational tools and resources specifically for small businesses. Below are some of the most helpful:

Free Toolkits & Guides

• Global Cyber Alliance (GCA) Cybersecurity Toolkit for Small Businesses

• What Small Business Owners Need to Know About Cybersecurity – Entrepreneur

• 3 Biggest Cybersecurity Threats Facing Small Businesses Right Now – Entrepreneur

• Microsoft Cybersecurity Tips & Technology for Small Businesses

• FICO & U.S. Chamber of Commerce Cybersecurity Risk Assessment Report

  
  

Government Resources

• NIST Small Business Cybersecurity Corner

• FTC Cybersecurity for Small Business

• National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) SMB Resources

Additional Learning

• SCORE: How to Protect Your Small Business from a Cyber Attack

Cybersecurity isn’t just a technical concern — it’s a business foundation. Whether you’re running a boutique, nonprofit, or creative studio, your systems deserve the same protection as your products and ideas.

This month, take the time to:

✅ Review your passwords and settings

✅ Train your team or volunteers

✅ Back up important data

✅ Explore one of the free toolkits listed above

Because protecting your data means protecting your dream, your community, and your legacy.

📎 Reference: Adapted from the FCC’s Cybersecurity Resources for Small Businesses. The FCC does not endorse any non-FCC product or service.