Your company may have the best ideas, a dedicated team, and loyal customers—but all of that can be at risk with just one wrong click. Every day, thousands of small businesses fall victim to cyberattacks that could have been prevented with basic digital security measures. What’s most concerning is that many don’t even realize they’re at risk.
At TecnetOne, we see it every day: companies that believe they’re off hackers’ radar because of their size or industry, only to end up facing financial, legal, and reputational losses. That’s why, in this article, we’re going to debunk the most common myths about cybersecurity in small businesses, explain the hard truths no one talks about, and show you how to protect your company.
Why Is Cybersecurity Crucial for Small Businesses?
Many small businesses assume that because of their size or the nature of their work, they aren’t an attractive target for cybercriminals. However, this is a dangerous misconception. In fact, over 40% of cyberattacks in Latin America target small businesses, according to data from cybersecurity firms.
Why? Because they often have less secure systems, undertrained staff, and weak or nonexistent security policies. In other words, they’re easier targets.
Consequences of a Cyberattack on a Small Business
A cyberattack can have devastating effects on a small business:
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Loss of sensitive data (clients, employees, bank accounts)
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Business interruption for days or even weeks
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Damage to reputation and loss of customer and partner trust
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Legal penalties for failing to comply with data protection regulations
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High financial costs from recovery, fines, and lost revenue
Myths and Truths About Cybersecurity in Small Businesses
Myth 1: “My company is small, no one’s going to target me”
You’ve probably heard this before: “We’ve never had any issues, so we must be safe,” or “No one’s interested in our data,” or “We use Macs at the office, so we’re protected.” Unfortunately, all of these statements are false—and dangerous.
Truth 1: Small businesses are targeted… precisely because they’re small
A large portion of cyberattacks aren’t aimed at tech giants or banks, but at small and medium-sized businesses. Why? Because they often have fewer resources to defend themselves, weaker systems, and little to no training in digital security. In short, they’re easy targets.
And no, not all attacks are about money right away. Sometimes hackers break in “for fun,” for the challenge, to cause damage, or to use your business as a stepping stone to reach a more valuable target (a client, a supplier, or a strategic partner).
Also, just because you haven’t noticed an attack doesn’t mean it hasn’t happened. Many cybercriminals stay hidden inside systems for months—spying, stealing information, or preparing for a bigger move.
Every piece of data has value, whether you think so or not. Emails, login credentials, client information, banking access, supplier details… Hackers can use that data to extort you, sell it, or even blackmail your contacts.
Myth 2: “Why bother protecting myself if I’m going to get attacked anyway?”
This mindset is very common—and completely defeatist. It’s like saying, “Why wear a seatbelt if accidents can still happen?”
Truth 2: It’s not about avoiding 100% of attacks, but about being prepared
It’s true that we’re all exposed to digital threats, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing we can do. The key is to reduce risks, detect an attack early, minimize the damage, and recover as quickly as possible.
Because when an attack happens, what really makes the difference is:
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How long will your business be down?
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How much data will you lose?
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How will you communicate the incident to your clients?
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Do you have a recovery strategy, or will you have to improvise?
Without proper preparation, the hit can be fatal.
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Here’s a scary but important fact: 60% of small businesses that suffer a cyberattack close within six months.
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The average cost of a ransomware attack exceeds $200,000.
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In Mexico, over 40% of businesses have experienced at least one cyberattack, according to data from the Asociación de Internet MX and other industry reports.
And the consequences aren’t just technical. They range from data loss and business downtime to reputational damage, loss of customer trust, and legal penalties for failing to protect information properly.
Read more: Managed Cybersecurity Service: A Key Solution for Businesses
Myth 3: “An antivirus is enough,” “I do backups, so I’m safe,” “I use the cloud, so I’m protected”
Truth 3: Cybersecurity goes far beyond antivirus software and backups
This is one of the most common cybersecurity mistakes in small businesses. Believing that having antivirus software installed or storing files in the cloud is enough creates a false sense of security.
Yes, antivirus protection is important. But the truth is, it only detects known threats—and hundreds of new variants emerge every day that can slip through unnoticed. That’s why more advanced solutions like EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) or XDR (Extended Detection and Response) are now recommended. These offer much smarter, adaptive protection.
As for backups, having a copy of your data isn’t very useful if it hasn’t been tested regularly or doesn’t meet basic principles such as:
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Integrity: ensuring files are not corrupted
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Confidentiality: only authorized people can access them
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Availability: you can recover them quickly when needed
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Frequency: they are updated regularly
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Isolation: they are stored in a separate, secure environment
And what about the cloud? Many believe that uploading data to Google Drive or Dropbox keeps it fully protected. But beware: cloud services operate under a “shared responsibility” model. That means they secure the infrastructure, but you are responsible for what you upload, how it’s configured, and who has access.
Experts say cloud providers typically cover only 20% to 30% of the total risks. The rest depends on how you use the service. Ever read the terms and conditions? You’d be surprised.
Key fact: If your small business plans to expand internationally, you’ll need to comply with cybersecurity regulations like GDPR (Europe), LGPD (Brazil), or LFPDPPP (Mexico). That takes more than just antivirus software and a backup.
Myth 4: “Cybersecurity is too expensive—I can’t afford it”
Truth 4: Preventing a cyberattack costs much less than recovering from one
This myth is especially dangerous because it delays crucial decisions. Many small business owners still believe cybersecurity is something only big corporations can afford.
But that’s no longer the case. Today, there are digital security solutions for small businesses that are affordable, scalable, and don’t require large budgets or complex IT teams—from basic protection platforms to managed services with subscription models.
The problem is, budgets often go straight to marketing, sales, or commercial tech—leaving security for later. But if your operations rely on technology, then they also rely on protecting that technology.
And if your business wants to compete in regulated digital markets, you’ll need to comply with increasingly strict standards. Cybersecurity is not just an investment—it’s a requirement to stay in the game.
Myth 5: “My team already knows what to do,” “My employees are well trained”
Truth 5: The human factor remains the weakest link in cybersecurity
This is a common but understandable mistake: assuming that because your team is responsible or experienced, they know how to respond to a cyber threat.
The reality is that most successful attacks start with human error. A click on the wrong link, a weak password, a suspicious attachment, a conversation with a “fake vendor”… Social engineering tactics are becoming more and more sophisticated, and anyone can fall for them.
That’s why cybersecurity training isn’t optional. It must be:
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Ongoing: one talk a year isn’t enough
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Updated: threats evolve constantly
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Practical: with real-life examples, simulations, and exercises
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Personalized: tailored to each person’s role in the company
The goal isn’t to turn your staff into tech experts, but to build a culture of digital security—where everyone knows how to act, what to do when something seems off, and how to report a potential incident.
And legal compliance is also part of the equation. In Mexico, the Federal Law on the Protection of Personal Data Held by Private Parties (LFPDPPP) requires companies to implement proper security measures to protect customer and employee data. Failing to do so can result in fines and legal sanctions.
Read more: Cybersecurity Awareness KPIs: Metrics That Truly Matter
In Summary: Protecting Your Small Business Is No Longer Optional
This is no longer a matter of “it could happen.” Cybercrime is a real and growing threat, affecting thousands of small and medium-sized businesses every year. And while the risks are increasing, so are the solutions.
Today, small businesses have two clear choices: wait for something to happen or take action and protect themselves now.
At TecnetOne, we understand the challenges small businesses face, which is why we offer cybersecurity solutions designed specifically for your type of business—affordable, effective, and hassle-free.
Not sure where to start? Contact us and we’ll help you assess your current situation—no strings attached. Give your business the protection it deserves.
