The Low-Cost Cyber Defenses Every SMB Should Implement

Many small and mid-sized businesses assume they can’t afford “real” cybersecurity. But that’s only true if you define “real” as “expensive.”

In reality, the most powerful protections cost little—or nothing—beyond consistency.

Build the Foundation First

Before buying another subscription, focus on the fundamentals:

• User access reviews: Quarterly checks to ensure employees only have the access they need.

• Patch management schedule: A documented process for timely updates.

• Onboarding/offboarding procedures: Add and remove accounts with precision.

• Incident response playbook: Know who does what before something goes wrong.

• Monthly awareness refreshers: Keep people alert to evolving scams.

Each of these strengthens your security posture without requiring a single new tool.

Process = Accountability

When you define processes, you create ownership. When you document them, you create accountability. That’s how small teams scale security maturity without scaling costs.

Action Item

Pick one process this week—just one—and formalize it. Write it down, assign responsibility, and review it monthly. You’ll be surprised how much stronger your defenses become.

Want help putting those processes into motion?

Subscribe to our newsletter and receive a 1-month preview of our IT Security Program Implementation Processes—a practical, no-fluff blueprint designed specifically for SMBs that want to strengthen security without overspending.

Get your preview ➜ https://itsppreview.cygentis.com