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Some business owners may employ or outsource IT professionals to handle their cybersecurity. But some make the mistake of assuming that the IT department is the only one accountable for the company’s data security. Our cybersecurity partner, OrbitalFire, provides an overview of why cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility in ensuring the security of your business information.
Why Cybersecurity Accountability for Small Businesses Starts with One Name
There’s a cybersecurity myth that won’t leave orbit: “That’s IT’s job.”
But here’s the cosmic truth. Cybersecurity isn’t just an IT problem. It’s a business problem. And the most critical component of solving it isn’t fancy software, a checklist, or a really strong password. It’s accountability.
Without it, all the firewalls, policies filed away in a folder, and fancy software in the world won’t save you from one distracted click or one “Whoops, I thought that invoice looked legit” moment.
Write Someone’s Name Next to It
What is the first step to building a cybersecurity program? Write someone’s name next to it.
It doesn’t have to be a cybersecurity expert. It just needs to be someone who will:
- Coordinate the effort
- Keep things moving
- Ask questions
- Rally people
- Follow through
You need an intergalactic cyber cat-herder with a clipboard and some guts. The rest can be learned, hired, or outsourced.
Want a Culture of Security? Lead Like It.
A true Culture of Security isn’t built on fear. It’s built on clarity, ownership, and follow-through in a “cybersecurity is a leadership priority and a team expectation” kind of way.
- It means roles and responsibilities are defined.
- It means policies are real, not PDF shelf art.
- It means people understand the why, not just the what.
Cybersecurity accountability drives behavior. Behavior builds culture. Culture creates resilience.
“IT Ain’t Got This.” And That’s OK.
IT teams are critical. They’re overworked. And they are not cybersecurity experts. Expecting them to carry the full weight of cyber risk is a losing game.
Cybersecurity is only about 20% IT. The other 80% is about people, processes, and priorities. And that requires leadership-level accountability.
Even With OrbitalFire, You’re Still the Pilot
OrbitalFire provides the expertise, tools, and real-time monitoring necessary to secure your operations and mitigate risk. We recommend and help you execute a cybersecurity strategy that prioritizes the right things in the right order, all tailored to protect your business mission.
And if a cyber event occurs, you’ll be in a stronger, more defensible position with OrbitalFire by your side to help meet regulatory and cyber insurance requirements.
But let’s be crystal clear:
If there’s a breach, regulators will likely contact you.
If you lose customer data, they’re blaming you.
If you skip the policies, ignore the risk assessments, and never discuss phishing with your team?
That’s on you, too.
We’re the cybersecurity experts, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
You’re the business owner.
A strong cybersecurity strategy works when both of us show up.
So, start by writing a name next to it. Put it on a slide. Add it to the org chart. Make it real.
For more tips on creating accountability, watch our recent webinar, Beyond Awareness: Advanced Tips for Securing Your Humans.
Need help supporting the mission? We’re Here for You.
GTM’s Commitment to Cybersecurity
GTM is dedicated to maintaining the highest levels of data security, fraud prevention, and regulatory compliance to protect the sensitive information you entrust to us. We stay up-to-date with the latest regulations and standards in the payroll industry and work diligently to ensure our processes and policies meet or exceed all statutory and regulatory requirements, providing you with peace of mind. GTM undergoes security assessments and third-party audits to ensure compliance with cyber regulations. Our employees receive regular cybersecurity training, and our technology undergoes ongoing testing to protect our systems from cyberattacks.
Cyber and Data Breach Liability Insurance
A cyber liability and data breach insurance policy can help if your organization’s computers get hit with a virus that exposes private or sensitive information, your business is sued for losing your customers’ personally identifiable (PII) or personal health information (PHI), or your business takes on public relations costs to protect its reputation after a data breach. Coverage may help pay for notifying customers and patients of a data breach, hiring a public relations firm, regulatory fines from state and federal agencies, and credit monitoring services to victims. A policy may also replace lost income if your business can’t operate after a data breach and cover extortion costs if a hacker steals your business data and demands a ransom. Learn more about cyber and data breach liability insurance and get a quote for GTM Insurance Agency.
