Data Privacy Day: How To Protect Your Business From Costly Data Breaches

January 28 is Data Privacy Day – a global reminder of how critical it is to keep your business’s sensitive information secure. In industries like construction, distribution, and manufacturing, data privacy might not seem like a top concern – but ignoring it can be a costly mistake.

A single cyberattack can wipe out years of hard work. In fact, small and midsized businesses (SMBs) are the prime target for cybercriminals, accounting for 43% of cyberattacks. And most of these businesses don’t have the resources to recover after a major breach.

Data breaches cost businesses an average of $4.35 million in 2023, according to IBM’s Cost Of A Data Breach report, and that number is only going up. The good news? With the right precautions, you can minimize your risk and avoid becoming a headline.

Why Data Privacy Is Critical For Your Business

Hackers don’t just go after big corporations. They know small businesses often lack the security measures needed to stop an attack – and they exploit that weakness.

A data breach can have devastating consequences:

• Financial Losses: From ransomware demands to fines and lost revenue.
• Reputational Damage: A breach can destroy customer trust and impact future sales.
• Operational Downtime: Cyberattacks can bring your business to a standstill, delaying projects and shipments.

With cybercrime on the rise, businesses that rely on outdated security practices are at extreme risk. Let’s look at how hackers steal data – and what you can do to stop them.

How Cybercriminals Steal Your Data

• Phishing Attacks: Hackers send fake e-mails that look legitimate, tricking employees into clicking dangerous links or sharing login credentials.
• Ransomware: Cybercriminals lock you out of your own systems and demand a hefty ransom to regain access.
• Weak Passwords: Easy-to-guess or reused passwords give hackers instant entry into your network.
• Unsecured Devices & Networks: Many businesses use outdated or unprotected systems, leaving a wide-open door for cybercriminals.

If your business isn’t proactively securing its systems, you’re leaving the door open for hackers to steal valuable data.

How To Strengthen Your Data Privacy & Protect Your Business

• Know What Data You Have & Who Has Access

  Conduct an inventory of:

  • Customer information (orders, payment details, contact info).
  • Employee records (payroll, SSNs, HR files).
  • Financial data (invoices, banking details).

Pro Tip: Only collect and store what’s necessary – the less data you keep, the less there is to steal.

• Encrypt Everything

Encryption scrambles data, making it useless to hackers without a special key.
Make sure encryption is enabled for:

• • E-mails
  • Cloud storage
  • Databases and backups

• Limit Employee Access

Not every employee needs access to all your business data. Only give access to what’s essential for their job.

• • Your bookkeeper shouldn’t have access to customer orders.
  • Your sales team doesn’t need payroll info.

• Train Your Team

The #1 cause of data breaches is human error. Teach employees how to:

• • Recognize phishing scams
  • Protect devices and passwords.
  • Report suspicious activity immediately.

• Partner With A Trusted IT Provider

A Managed IT Services Provider (MSP) – like GeckoTech Solutions – can:

• • Monitor your systems 24/7 for cyber threats.
  • Secure your network, devices, and cloud data.
  • Provide data backup & recovery to keep your business running if disaster strikes.

Don’t Leave Your Business Vulnerable – Take Action Now!

A data breach can cost you everything – your money, reputation, and business. This Data Privacy Day, take action to protect what you’ve built.

Take Action Now

Start with a FREE Cybersecurity & Network Assessment – we’ll identify risks in your systems and provide expert recommendations to keep your business secure.

Click here to schedule your FREE assessment today!

Let’s make 2025 the year your business stays one step ahead of cyber threats – and focused on growth instead of recovery.