FOR small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), setting up shop is an exciting time. But with the complexities of building a business, hiring staff, and forming relationships with clients and vendors, there’s one aspect that’s often overlooked, but could hold serious consequences if not properly addressed: robust cyber security.
This isn’t an intentional oversight, but rather a misconception on the part of SMEs, which, in Zimbabwe, constitute the bulk of businesses. Many still believe that cyber security is an issue for large corporations only. This “we’re too small to be a target” attitude is precisely what makes these businesses vulnerable. The reality is that cybercriminals look for weak links, and businesses, irrespective of size, without strong protection, are easy prey.
Building trust in the value chain
Unfortunately for SMEs, malware, ransomware, phishing scams, and insider risks could have devastating consequences, even from a single incident. Capital could be wiped out, growth plans derailed, and, most critically, customer trust destroyed. And for businesses in the early growth stages, that trust is hard to rebuild.
Trust is essentially the currency of modern business; customers, suppliers, and partners all expect secure and responsible handling of their data. Zimbabwe’s Cyber and Data Protection Act [Chapter 12:07] (CDPA) makes this a legal obligation, but even more importantly, it’s a business differentiator. If a supplier is hacked, clients won’t blame them – they’ll hold the SME responsible for exposing their data. This makes cyber security a value chain issue. By demonstrating security compliance, SMEs not only protect themselves but also enhance their reputation across the ecosystem.
Cyber security is a growth enabler
For SMEs with growth ambitions, cyber security is an enabler. Trust attracts customers. Secure systems enable faster, safer transactions. Reliable protection makes it possible to embrace digital tools and cloud services that increase efficiency. That’s why it’s important to partner with a technology company that understands the challenges SMEs face and can help them implement tailored solutions.
For example, Liquid Intelligent Technologies has worked with a healthcare provider in Zimbabwe that started small but invested early in compliance and security certifications. Today, the company is SAS-compliant, ISO-certified, and working towards HIPAA. Over the years, it’s grown from a handful of users to more than 500 protected endpoints, earning public recognition from regulators and industry peers. It’s a real-life example of how embedding security from the start positions a business for sustainable growth.
Common gaps SMEs must address
How do SMEs know what to look for? There are often commonalities when it comes to weak points for SMEs. For instance, relying on free software to save costs may seem appealing, but free tools are often unprotected gateways for attackers. Human error is also a risk. Employees are the first line of defence, and without training, they’re the most likely entry point for phishing scams or malware. Also, many SMEs underestimate the value of the data they hold, particularly in sectors like healthcare or financial services, where breaches can have devastating reputational consequences.
But the good news is, there are practical steps they can take:
- Start with the basics – Protect all devices, such as laptops, servers, tablets, and endpoints, with reliable security tools.
- Educate employees – Regular awareness training can reduce the risk of phishing and insider threats.
- Assess your value chain – Ensure suppliers and partners meet security standards, since their weaknesses become yours.
- Adopt scalable solutions – Choose security systems that can grow with the business, avoiding costly reinventions later.
- Seek expert support – Partner with a tech specialist who can provide tailored, affordable solutions that suit your SME’s budget.
A comprehensive cloud-based risk management solution, such as Liquid’s Secure360, brings together all the essential defence mechanisms needed to safeguard SMEs, including employee education, verification processes, robust technical controls, advanced anti-phishing and AI-powered detection tools, and secure communication channels. These solutions can scale as the business grows, ensuring tailored protection at all stages of the SME’s development.
Ultimately, in the age of AI, cyber security is no longer about if an SME will be targeted, but when. Those who invest early, however, gain more than protection. They’re safeguarding their present, unlocking growth, and preparing their business for the future
By Lorreta Songola, Chief Executive Officer, Liquid Intelligent Technologies