Cyber threats are evolving—and small businesses are no longer flying under the radar.
In the latest episode of Stimulus Tech Talk, Nathan Whittacre, CEO of Stimulus Technologies, shares why now is the time for SMBs to get serious about cybersecurity. Whether you're a business owner, office manager, or IT decision-maker, this conversation is a wake-up call: 2026 is coming fast, and hackers are getting smarter.
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Why Small Businesses Are Big Targets
Think you're too small to get hacked? Think again.
Hackers are no longer just targeting big corporations. In fact, small businesses are easier targets because they often lack the layers of protection that enterprise companies have in place.
“The misconception that small businesses are off the radar is exactly why they're vulnerable,” Nathan explains.
These attacks may not make the news, but the financial damage—from ransomware, data theft, and system downtime—is very real.
5 Steps to Prepare Your Business for Cyber Threats in 2026
Here's what Nathan recommends to keep your company secure, compliant, and future-ready:
1. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Start with your email and financial accounts. MFA is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent unauthorized access. Use apps like Microsoft Authenticator or Google Authenticator instead of relying on SMS codes.
Pro tip: MFA should be a requirement—not a nice-to-have.
2. Update All Systems and Devices
Windows 10 is no longer supported, which makes it a prime target for cyberattacks. Upgrade to Windows 11 and ensure all your business-critical software is up to date.
“If your tools are outdated, your security is too,” Nathan warns.
3. Train Employees to Spot Cyber Threats
Phishing emails are getting harder to spot—especially with AI-generated language. Your staff is your first line of defense, so train them to think before they click.
Common attacks now look like:
- DocuSign notifications
- Fake Zoom invites
- Invoices from unknown vendors
4. Build a Resilient, Layered Security System
A solid cybersecurity strategy includes:
- Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR)
- Firewalls and backups
- Ongoing system monitoring
- Proactive patch management
It’s not just about “having antivirus.” You need a full-stack approach.
5. Have an Incident Response Plan (IRP)
When (not if) something happens, you need a plan. Work with your IT partner to create a documented IRP that outlines exactly what to do in the event of a breach, ransomware attack, or data loss.
IRPs are no longer just for enterprises—they're essential for every SMB.
Bonus Insight: IT and Cybersecurity Are Not the Same Thing
A big takeaway from this episode? Just because you have someone managing your IT doesn’t mean your business is protected.
IT support is about keeping things running.
Cybersecurity is about keeping things secure.
“You need different tools, different people, and a different mindset to truly protect your business.” – Nathan Whittacre
Final Thought: Don’t Wait for a Wake-Up Call
If your cybersecurity strategy hasn’t changed in the last 2–3 years, you’re already behind.
2026 will bring more complex attacks, tighter compliance requirements, and increased risk for unprepared businesses.
Now is the time to:
- Assess your risks
- Modernize your systems
- Train your team
- Partner with a proactive IT and cybersecurity provider
Watch or Listen to the Full Episode
Listen on Spotify
Watch on YouTube
Ready to Strengthen Your Cybersecurity Strategy?
Stimulus Technologies helps small and mid-sized businesses build secure, scalable, and resilient IT environments.
Book your free Discovery Call today to assess your current risks and build a 2026-ready cybersecurity plan.
