Outsmart Evolving Cyber Threats To Your Business With This Proven Strategy

The Internet was never created with security in mind. This didn't used to matter so much in times past. But today things are dramatically different. Your small business can't even carry on daily operations without using Internet-based technologies. And criminals know this. That's why their business is booming and new players enter the field constantly. They all want a piece of the action, or more accurately, a piece of your money. So it's safe to say that in 2025 cybersecurity isn't just a buzzword—it's a survival necessity.

But here's the harsh reality: the threats evolve faster than most businesses can keep up. What protected your network last year might be as effective as a screen door on a submarine today. For small and mid-size businesses (SMBs), this constant shift can feel overwhelming, especially when resources are stretched thin. Your IT team (if you even have one, many small businesses don't have anyone handling technology for them) is likely doing their best to stay ahead, but auditing against outdated standards leaves gaping holes in your defenses. It's like trying to proofread your own writing—you're too close to spot the errors.

In this blog, we'll get into why a good cybersecurity strategy demands an external perspective, how third-party assessments can uncover hidden vulnerabilities, and practical steps to get started. If you're an SMB owner or IT leader wondering if your current measures are truly "the right things," read on. You might just find the nudge you need to fortify your business.

The Relentless Evolution of Cyber Threats

Cybersecurity is a moving target. Hackers aren't using the same tricks from five years ago; they're leveraging AI-driven attacks, sophisticated phishing schemes, and zero-day exploits that target the latest software vulnerabilities. The average cost of a data breach for a small business in the United States in 2025 can range from $120,000 to $1.24 million, depending on the severity of the breach. This cost encompasses various factors, including: detection and containment, notification, lost business, and remediation. Smaller businesses often face a disproportionately higher impact from data breaches due to limited resources and revenue. And this is not including lost customer trust or regulatory fines.

For SMBs, the stakes are even higher because you often lack the dedicated security teams that larger enterprises have. Your IT staff might be juggling everything from email setup to server maintenance, leaving little time for proactive threat hunting. And those "antiquated standards"? Think about it: if you're still relying on basic firewalls or annual compliance checklists from a decade ago, you're essentially inviting trouble. Ransomware attacks, for instance, have surged, with groups like LockBit targeting SMBs precisely because they know defenses are often outdated.

The question isn't whether your team is trying—it's whether they're equipped to identify what's truly effective in this dynamic environment.

Why Internal Assessments May Be Falling Short: The Proofreading Paradox

We've all heard the saying: "You can't proofread your own work." The same applies to cybersecurity. Your internal team knows your systems inside out, which is both a strength and a blind spot. They might overlook vulnerabilities because they're accustomed to the setup or assume certain configurations are secure based on past experiences.

Consider this practical example: A mid-size retail business we worked with had been conducting internal assessments quarterly. They felt confident—until a third-party assessment revealed that their remote access tools were vulnerable to brute-force attacks, a tactic that's exploded in popularity post-pandemic. The internal team hadn't flagged it because it "worked fine" in their tests. But an unbiased expert, simulating real-world hacker methods, exploited it in under an hour.

This isn't about blaming your team; it's about recognizing human limitations. Internal audits and assessments often focus on compliance checkboxes rather than real-world exploitation. Third-party assessors, on the other hand, specialize in thinking like the bad guys. They may even use ethical hacking techniques to probe for weaknesses, providing a fresh, objective view that uncovers risks you didn't even know existed.

What Are the "Right Things", Anyway?

Your team is undoubtedly committed to doing the right things—but in cybersecurity, the "right things" change daily. Should you be assessing for the risk of quantum-based encryption breaking attacks yet? Or, should you be testing against AI-powered deepfakes in phishing? These aren't hypothetical; they're emerging threats. Things quickly become complicated and everyone starts to wonder, what is the "right thing" to be doing today and now?

The good news? You don't have to figure it out alone. Partnering with a third-party cybersecurity assessor gives you access to specialized expertise without the overhead of a full-time hire. It's like having a co-pilot for your digital journey, ensuring you're not flying blind.

Ready to Sleep Better at Night? Take the Next Step

If this resonates, ask yourself: When was the last time an unbiased external expert reviewed your defenses? Don't wait for a breach to force your hand. Reach out to a reputable third-party assessor today—they'll help you identify vulnerabilities, implement practical fixes, and build a resilient security posture tailored to your SMB.

Contact Executive Solutions, or another trusted provider for a no-obligation consultation. Remember, in cybersecurity, proactive beats reactive every time. Your business—and your peace of mind—depend on it.

George Bakalov is a Certified virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) with over 20 years of experience in small business, technology and information security. You can meet with him here to talk about your challenges in this space.