Let’s cut to the chase: most small and medium-sized businesses are far more vulnerable than they think. A weak password, an outdated plugin, or one accidental click by an employee can bring everything down. And no—just having antivirus software isn’t enough anymore.
As Eric LeRiche, founder of lerichemarketing.com, I work with entrepreneurs and business owners not only to grow their online presence—but to make sure it’s protected. Because what’s the point of great marketing if your website gets hacked or your client data gets leaked?
Here’s why digital security needs to be on your radar—and what you can start doing today to tighten things up.
🔐 The Real Threat Isn’t a “Big Hack”—It’s the Small Stuff
When people think of cybersecurity, they picture a hoodie-wearing hacker breaching servers. But that’s not how most attacks happen.
Most security breaches start with:
- A weak or reused password
- An unpatched plugin or outdated software
- A phishing email that tricks an employee
- A forgotten admin panel left open
These are low-effort attacks—but they can cost you everything, from client trust to legal headaches.
⚠️ What’s At Risk?
If you collect leads through your site, sell online, or run client accounts, you’re holding sensitive data. A breach could mean:
- Client data exposure (think: lawsuits)
- Website defacement or downtime
- Damaged SEO rankings from blacklisted pages
- Lost revenue from payment interruptions
- A full-blown reputation crisis
And the worst part? Most businesses don’t realize there’s a problem until it’s too late.
✅ Simple But Powerful Security Moves
Here’s what I recommend for all my clients at lerichemarketing.com:
- Use a Password Manager + 2FA Everywhere
Weak or reused passwords are still the #1 vulnerability. Tools like 1Password or Bitwarden combined with two-factor authentication (2FA) close that gap instantly. - Install a Firewall + Security Plugin on WordPress
If you use WordPress (like most of my clients), install a plugin like Wordfence or iThemes Security Pro. These tools block common exploits, monitor login attempts, and alert you to suspicious activity. - Update Everything—No Exceptions
Themes, plugins, and CMS platforms like WordPress get updated for a reason. Skipping updates leaves your site exposed to known vulnerabilities. - Audit User Access Levels
Who has admin access to your accounts and tools? If someone left your company—or you gave access temporarily—remove it now. Most breaches come from inside or neglected accounts. - Backups, Backups, Backups
You can’t secure what you can’t restore. Make sure you have daily backups stored offsite (not just on your hosting account).
Final Thought: If You Ignore Security, It Won’t Ignore You
Security isn’t sexy. But it’s essential.
As someone who helps build marketing systems that drive traffic and leads, I’ve also seen firsthand how fast things fall apart when basic protections aren’t in place.
At lerichemarketing.com, I help businesses implement security best practices alongside their digital growth strategy—so they can grow confidently, not carelessly.
If you’re not sure where you stand, let’s talk. A quick audit might save you from a very expensive surprise.
