Cybersecurity Basics That Most SMEs Get Wrong (And How a Consultant Can Fix Them)
Cyberattacks are rising in Singapore. As of 2025, 40% of cybersecurity incidents have happened to SMEs. Yet, survey data shows that awareness of cyber risks actually fell by 10%.
Business leaders often think they’ve covered the basics, but in today’s world, assuming you’re secure could be your biggest mistake. Complacency is the ultimate welcome mat for hackers so let’s unpack some cybersecurity basics that SMEs often overlook, and discover how consultants can help protect your business.
Using Weak Passwords
Hackers don’t always use sophisticated techniques; sometimes, they just guess. Passwords like 123456 or CompanyName123 aren’t just common, they put both company and customers’ personal data at risk. When a breach happens because of a weak password, clients start leaving and your business reputation falls.
A good password is like installing a sturdy lock on your door. Meanwhile, using Two-actor Authentication (2FA) is like adding a thumbprint scanner on top of it. They work together to protect your information and prevent people from getting your company’s data.
While no password is undefeatable, using a strong alphanumeric password and 2FA is the first step to making sure your business is protected. The next step would be to recognise scams and suspicious links.
Not Training Your Staff
We need to talk about the project, hop in on this meeting now!” A junior unsuspecting employee panics at the urgent tone in the email and clicks the link. They don’t realise it’s a fake link that captures login credentials and opens the door to your internal systems.
Phishing scams aren’t as obvious as they used to be; they evolved to look like the people you know. Hackers disguise themselves as management or clients, hoping that the urgency in their tone will make your staff click first, and think later.
Cybersecurity training teaches staff to spot scams and suspicious links, helping you stay secure. Although training can help decrease cyber risks, it still doesn’t guarantee you’re 100% safe. Feeling secure and becoming complacent is where some SMEs go wrong.
Believing You’re Completely Secure
Encrypted passwords, 2FA, and months of staff training, but someone manages to enter your database and starts deleting important information.
Panicking, your team scrambles to remove the intruder, wasting precious time on trying to figure out the technical details. When they’re done, you realise no one knows how to restore your systems or figure out which files have been deleted. Downtime goes up, your revenue drops, stress increases exponentially.
People like to believe that with the right steps, your company will never be targeted or breached. However, it’s only a matter of time before hackers set their eyes on you. A proper plan of response is crucial to getting your business up and running in the shortest time possible. Not just for yourself, but for your stakeholders and your clients, because even if you recover the data, there’s a layer people forget: legal compliance.
Overlooking Compliance
Your files are restored, safe, and untouched after a breach. So, that means you’re all clear, right? Not quite. According to the Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC), your business must make an effort to protect personal data by preventing unauthorised access and exposure.
Although leniency is granted for minor and first-time breaches, your business can face hefty fines for negligence. Hence, it’s better to pursue compliance from the start. That’s where consultants come in.
Cybersecurity Consultants and How They Help
Navigating cybersecurity might feel like you’re running a technological maze while blindfolded, but it doesn’t have to be. The right cybersecurity consultant helps you prepare for all sorts of cyberthreats without compromising your bottom line.
MyRepublic’s Cybersecurity Consulting gives you experienced advisors who assess risks, close gaps, and keep you compliant. With services like rapid breach responses, penetration and vulnerability testing, and security assessments, we make sure that your systems are resilient and response-ready.
It’s not a matter of if; it’s a matter of when. Don’t wait for a cyber disaster to learn virtual first aid. Contact MyRepublic for a tailored cybersecurity assessment and future-proof your business.
