Why Inaction is Your Biggest Cybersecurity Risk

A business that hasn’t had a cybersecurity breach or other data security issue, or thinks they’re too small to be a target for cybercriminals, may think that being proactive isn’t a top priority. Our cybersecurity partner, OrbitalFire, provides this look at why a company’s biggest cybersecurity risk is inaction.

The Cybersecurity Cost of Doing Nothing: Why Inaction Is Your Biggest Risk

When it comes to small business cybersecurity, inaction isn’t a neutral choice. It’s a strategy — and a terrible one at that.

For many small businesses, it’s easy to fall into the trap of “we’ve never had a breach” or “we’re too small to be targeted.” But here’s a cosmic truth: if you have data, you’re on someone’s radar. Cybercriminals love low-hanging fruit, and businesses that delay action are practically gift-wrapped.

The Real Price Tag of Procrastination

Waiting until after an incident to invest in cybersecurity is like buying home insurance while your kitchen’s on fire. The average data breach for small businesses can come with a significant cost, and that doesn’t include the reputational fallout, legal fees, or regulatory fines.

Let’s not forget downtime. Even a few days offline can derail your operations, drive away customers, and leave your team scrambling. Spoiler alert: ransomware doesn’t care how busy you are.

What’s Holding You Back?

We get it. Cybersecurity feels complicated, expensive, and time-consuming, especially when you’re already stretched thin. But here’s the twist:

Small businesses actually have the advantage.

Why? Because your systems are usually less complex, less sprawling, and less tangled in bureaucratic red tape than your enterprise counterparts. That means securing them is more straightforward and way more affordable than you might think.

Still holding back?

We understand that cybersecurity can seem daunting, complex, costly, and time-consuming. However, here’s the reality.

According to IBM’s 2023 Cost of a Data Breach Report, the average cost of a data breach for organizations with fewer than 500 employees is approximately $3.31 million. While this figure is significant, it’s notably lower than the global average of $4.88 million reported in 2024. This suggests that smaller businesses, with less complex systems, may face lower breach costs.​

• Budget concerns? The cost of a breach can far exceed proactive cybersecurity investments.

• Complexity worries? Smaller systems mean fewer vulnerabilities and more straightforward security solutions.

• Uncertainty about where to start? Begin with a comprehensive risk assessment to identify and address potential threats.​

Moreover, if your business operates within regulated industries — such as healthcare, defense contracting, or finance — non-compliance isn’t just a risk; it’s a liability. Regulatory bodies like HIPAA, CMMC, and NYSDFS impose strict cybersecurity requirements. Failure to meet these standards can result in substantial fines, legal repercussions, and loss of customer trust.​​​

Bottom Line

Proactive cybersecurity measures are not just a defense mechanism — they’re a strategic investment in your business’s longevity and reputation.

Doing nothing is doing something. It’s choosing risk over resilience, chaos over control, and fear over preparedness. Fortunately, there’s still time to flip that script.

Security doesn’t have to be complicated. And you don’t have to do it alone. We are the small business cybersecurity experts. Contact us today.

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 abreast of the latest regulations and standards in the payroll industry and work tirelessly to ensure our processes and policies meet or exceed all statutory and regulatory requirements, giving you peace of mind. GTM undergoes security assessments and third-party audits to ensure compliance with cyber regulations. Our employees are assigned regular cybersecurity training, and our technology undergoes regular 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.