Big Security on a Small Business Budget

Happy Small Business Month! We know running a small business means being scrappy, resourceful, and wearing about twenty hats a day. You know how to stretch a budget. You know how to prioritize what really matters. And you know how to keep moving forward — even when it feels like the odds are stacked against you.

But here’s the thing: when it comes to cybersecurity, too many small businesses feel like they’re stuck.
It seems expensive.
It sounds complicated.
And it often feels like something that’s built for “the big guys.”

The good news?
You don’t need a massive IT budget to have real, powerful cybersecurity.
You just need the right approach — and the right partner.

In this blog, we’re breaking down how you can get big security for your business, on a small-business budget.
Let’s get into it.

The Cybersecurity Myth: "It’s Only for Big Companies"

It’s easy to believe cybersecurity is only necessary for massive corporations.
After all, when you hear about cyberattacks on the news, it’s often big brands and billion-dollar breaches making headlines.

But here’s the reality:
Cybercriminals love small businesses.

Why?
Because they know many small businesses are stretched thin.
Because they know you’re busy running your business — not constantly monitoring for digital threats.
Because they assume you won’t have strong defenses in place.

The numbers don’t lie:

• 43% of all cyberattacks now target small businesses.
  
  

• Yet fewer than 15% of small businesses feel confident in their current cybersecurity.
  
  

• And 60% of small businesses that suffer a major breach close within six months.
  
  

This isn’t to scare you — it’s to empower you.
Knowing the risks means you can take action before anything goes wrong.

You don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert.
You just need to be smart, strategic, and a little bit proactive — and the protection you deserve is totally within reach.

What “Big Security” Actually Means for a Small Business

When you hear “big security,” you might picture huge teams of IT pros, massive firewalls, and high-end systems only giant companies can afford.
But for your business, big security doesn’t have to mean big, complicated setups.

Here’s what real, strong cybersecurity looks like for a growing small business:

• Clear Cybersecurity Policies:
  Easy-to-follow rules for how your team handles passwords, sensitive information, and daily technology use.
  
  

• Essential Protection Tools:
  Things like password managers, VPNs, anti-malware, and device management — the basic armor your business needs online.
  
  

• Ongoing Training:
  Helping your team recognize phishing emails, suspicious links, and other common scams before they become a problem.
  
  

• Threat Monitoring and Support:
  Having experts in your corner watching for unusual activity, ready to step in when needed.
  
  
  

Think of it like layers of protection:
Each layer makes it harder for a cybercriminal to succeed — and much easier for you to spot and stop a threat early.

You don’t need a 24/7 command center or a million-dollar IT budget.
You just need smart, simple defenses that actually fit your business.

How You Can Get Big Protection on a Small Budget

You don’t need to spend a fortune to seriously level up your cybersecurity.
In fact, there are a few simple steps you can start taking right now — no IT degree required.

Here’s how you can start building real protection today:

1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords — and a Password Manager

Passwords are the front doors to your business’s digital world.
If you’re using the same password for everything — or easy-to-guess ones — you’re leaving the door wide open.

✅ Use long, complex passwords (12+ characters).
✅ Never reuse passwords across multiple accounts.
✅ Get a password manager to store and protect them all securely (no more sticky notes!).

2. Turn On Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

MFA adds a second layer of protection beyond your password — like a code sent to your phone.
Even if someone guesses your password, they’ll need that second code to get in.

✅ Turn it on for email, banking, accounting software, and any app that offers it.
✅ It’s fast, it’s free, and it makes hacking your accounts way harder.

3. Keep Your Devices and Software Updated

Those annoying “update now” reminders?
They’re not just about getting new features — they often fix critical security holes hackers know how to exploit.

✅ Regularly update your computers, phones, routers, and apps.
✅ Enable automatic updates whenever possible so you never miss one.

4. Train Your Team to Spot Common Threats

A lot of cyberattacks don’t start with a fancy hacker — they start with a simple email tricking someone into clicking a bad link.

✅ Teach your team what phishing emails look like.
✅ Remind them not to open strange attachments or share passwords via email.
✅ Hold short “cyber hygiene” refreshers every few months (it’s worth it).

Why DIY Doesn’t Cut It Anymore

Taking simple steps like stronger passwords, MFA, and regular updates is an amazing start.
If you've made those changes already — give yourself credit.
You’re doing more than most businesses!

A lot of small businesses start their cybersecurity journey by DIY-ing it — and honestly, it’s understandable.
You’re resourceful. You’re used to figuring things out yourself.

But here’s the thing:
Cybersecurity threats move fast.
Hackers don’t stand still — and free tools, DIY policies, and one-time fixes can leave hidden gaps.

Here’s where DIY protection often falls short:

• No Layered Defenses:
  Free antivirus might catch basic threats — but it can’t shield your entire attack surface (your devices, networks, accounts, and people).
  
  

• No Ongoing Monitoring:
  Cybercriminals constantly evolve their tactics. Without someone watching for new threats in real-time, your protections get outdated fast.
  
  

• No Integrated Support:
  When something goes wrong, DIY setups mean scrambling to figure it out yourself — often after the damage is already done.
  
  

• Time Drain:
  Managing patches, policies, employee questions, and incident responses by yourself pulls your focus away from growing your business.
  
  
  

Cybersecurity today isn’t just about setting it and forgetting it.
It’s about creating a living, breathing defense system that adapts as threats change.

And doing that well takes more than a few free downloads.
It takes expertise, consistency, and the right tools working together — seamlessly.

Good news:
You don't have to hire an expensive IT department.
You don't have to become a cybersecurity expert overnight.

You just need a partner built for businesses like yours.
(And yes, we know a really good one. 😉)

Lockwell: Built for Businesses Like Yours

When we created Lockwell, we had one mission:
Make real cybersecurity accessible, affordable, and effortless for small businesses.

We knew there had to be a better way — something designed for the real world you live in:
tight budgets, lean teams, and big dreams.

Here’s how Lockwell makes cybersecurity simple and smart for you:

🔹 Full Protection, Not Just Pieces

With Lockwell, you get a complete cybersecurity program — not just another app or checklist.

✅ Professionally written cybersecurity policies tailored to your business
✅ Secure tools like password managers, VPNs, and anti-malware protection
✅ Regular team security training to stay sharp against evolving threats
✅ Continuous threat monitoring powered by Elle, our AI cyber defense agent, who can detect threats and take immediate action on your behalf
✅ Dedicated support from our Security Concierge team — real people ready to help whenever you need advice, troubleshooting, or extra support

Every layer works together to give your business full-circle protection — without you having to stitch it together yourself.

🔹 Pricing That Actually Makes Sense

At Lockwell, we believe cybersecurity should feel like a smart investment, not a heavy burden.

✅ Simple, transparent pricing: $100 per team member per month
✅ Month-to-month flexibility — no long-term contracts
✅ No hidden fees, no confusing packages — just real protection, priced for real businesses

In fact, Lockwell is up to 10x more affordable than traditional managed security providers (MSSPs) — and 5x faster at helping you achieve NIST cybersecurity compliance.

🔹 Built for Your Growth

You’re not just protecting what you have today — you’re protecting everything you’re building for tomorrow.

Lockwell grows with you:

• Whether you have 2 employees or 20, our services scale easily.
  
  

• Our policies and technology evolve with emerging threats, so you're always protected.
  
  

• You gain the cybersecurity credibility that helps win bigger contracts and build customer trust.
  
  
  

Bottom line?
You shouldn’t have to choose between affordability and strong protection.
With Lockwell, you get both — and you get a partner who’s truly in your corner.

Ready to Protect Your Business the Smart Way?

You’ve worked hard to build your business.
You deserve cybersecurity that works just as hard — without adding extra stress or expense.

This Small Business Month, let’s celebrate your success by making sure it’s protected.

👉 [Schedule Your Complimentary Cybersecurity Risk Assessment Today]