May 2025

May 20, 2025

Why SMBs and Consumers Still Need a VPN for Online Banking in 2025

Online banking has become the default for millions of people around the world. Whether it is personal accounts or business accounts, people are checking balances and paying bills, managing investments and applying for loans, and most financial activity now happens online. It is now crucial to use a VPN for online banking. But as banking has become more convenient, it has also become a top target for cybercriminals. In fact, financial services account for over 20% of phishing and malware attacks globally—and the risks are only growing. With new scams, man-in-the-middle attacks, and public WiFi exploits emerging constantly, it’s clear that traditional security measures aren’t enough. That’s why a VPN (Virtual Private Network) remains one of the smartest and simplest tools you can use to protect your financial information online. Whether you’re banking from a laptop at home or checking your balance on your phone while traveling, a VPN provides a […]

May 14, 2025

Too Small to Hack? Think Again.

Brian Thompson Breach, Employee Benefits, Identity Theft

Identity theft protection for small businesses isn’t optional anymore. Nearly 73 % of U.S. SMBs were breached last year, and 60 % closed within six months. Employers now face legal duty-of-care claims when staff data leaks. Use the five-step playbook below to keep employee information safe, meet compliance rules, and stay in business. 1. Are SMBs really too small for identity thieves to bother with? Short answer: No. Myth vs. Reality Data point “We fly under the radar.” 73 % of owners reported an attack in 2023 — a record high.¹ “Hackers chase the Fortune 500.” Small businesses made up 43 % of all breaches tracked in Verizon’s DBIR.⁵ “We’d bounce back.” 60 % of small firms close within six months of a breach.² A false sense of security leads many owners to skip basic safeguards, leaving HR and payroll systems wide open. 2. Hidden liabilities & lawsuits HR can’t […]

Business Security Policy Checklist graphic—visual hero for article on security policies for small businesses, branded defend-id

May 8, 2025

10 Security Policies Every Small Business Needs in 2025

Brian Thompson Uncategorized

Running a company today means juggling sales, payroll, staffing, and security policies for small businesses that keep hackers and fines at bay. Nearly 1 in 2 attacks now hit firms with under 500 employees, but you don’t need a tech degree to protect yours. This plain-language guide covers the ten policies every SMB should have, why they matter, and simple steps to start this week. Core Security Policies for Small Businesses at a Glance # Policy What It Does 2025 Must-Do Update 1 Access Management Decide who gets the keys—and take them back when they leave. Phase-in passkeys; retire SMS OTP. 2 Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery Keep the lights on (or get them back fast) after a cyber-attack, fire, or storm. Map Gen-AI dependencies. 3 Clear Desk • Clear Screen Don’t leave sensitive info on desks or unlocked screens. Auto-lock screens ≤ 30 s in shared spaces. 4 Digital […]