Weak (or non-existent) cybersecurity weighs heavily on small businesses. Here's how to protect yours.

The opinions expressed by entrepreneurs contributors are their own.

If you were to ask five strangers from different walks of life what the biggest threats to the future of small businesses are, you'd likely get similar answers. Potential answers would likely include rising inflation and possible recession, job market volatility, speed of technological advancement, supply chain issues, etc.

The real question is, what insidious threat is all too often pushed aside and passed on to the next operating budget? What problem is left to solve when revenue is on the right path, inventory is viable, growth is stable, and scaling starts to take shape?

Cybersecurity.

Related: Cybersecurity is no longer an option. Your money is in immediate danger.

Ignoring warnings is the easiest - and short-sighted - route for SMBs

Ignoring the seriousness of cyber threats is a dangerous gamble. The risk is undeniable:

61% of small businesses suffered a cyberattack in 2021 Small businesses account for 43% of all data breaches More than half of small businesses victimized by a cyberattack close within six months

Recognizing the harsh reality that most people choose to ignore is a crucial starting point. A true understanding of the situation helps to know what protective measures need to be taken. Creating and implementing cybersecurity measures should be a top priority for businesses of all sizes, especially SMBs, where the margin for error is extremely high.

Pressure to allocate resources efficiently undermines cybersecurity efforts

There are few endeavors as nerve-wracking, terrifying, and potentially disastrous (but 100% worth it) as starting and running a small business. I experienced the passion that animates those who dedicate themselves to its realization. I felt the fuel burning in team members fully committed to taking an idea and turning it into a viable, self-sustaining entity.

It's no secret that the odds are stacked against us. The numbers don't lie. It is widely reported that on average, 8 out of 10 small businesses fail within the first year. The odds get even bleaker five years from now, with nearly half of all new small businesses closing.

Given the obvious confidence and enthusiasm exuded by founders, why do the majority of small businesses trivialize or completely ignore cybersecurity? Why is the immense potential for all-too-true disaster lurking around every corner? It's a matter of resources and a lack of informed perspective.

Related: 5 Ways to Protect Your Business Against Cyber ​​Attacks

SMB leadership must elevate cybersecurity

Addressing cybersecurity as a small business is a necessary endeavor that sees more and more complexity and effort over time. Fundamental measures must be taken, which are reinforced by increased security measures. Given the undeniable threats lurking, the stronger a company's protection features, the better.

Here are some crucial steps to take right from the start:

Internet security and firewall software. It is important to have anti-virus and firewall software running as they deal with separate issues. Firewalls prevent outside access to all data on a private network; the integration of reliable security software, operating systems and web browsers is an essential armor for the use of this networked data. Data backup. If a cyberattack occurs involving the misappropriation or corruption of company data, a