Charmaine R.A. Is the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Aboitiz Equity Venture Inc., where she leads the company’s cyber security strategy and initiatives. With over two decades of experiences in information security and risk management, Charmaine has been instrumental in safeguarding critical assets and ensuring regulatory compliance across diverse industries.

In today’s digital age, cyber security is not just a priority for large corporations but also for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). While SMBs may have fewer resources than their larger counterparts, they face similar cyber threats, making them prime targets for attacks. Unfortunately, many SMBs still view cyber security as either too expensive or too complicated to implement. However, smart leadership is proving that cyber security for SMBs doesn’t have to be prohibitively costly or complex, and it is essential to the survival of these businesses.
The Unique Challenges SMBs Face
SMBs often operate with smaller teams and tighter budgets, which can make it difficult to invest in comprehensive cyber security. Despite this, they face a serious risk: 60% of SMBs that suffer a cyber-attack go out of business within six months, according to the National Cyber Security Alliance. Unfortunately, many SMBs underestimate their vulnerability, mistakenly believing that their smaller size makes them less attractive to cybercriminals.
This is where forward-thinking cyber security leaders come into play. They are helping to change the narrative by implementing effective, affordable security measures tailored to SMBs. These solutions can make a significant difference in helping smaller businesses stay protected against rising threats.

Innovating on a Budget: Cost-Effective Solutions
Cyber security doesn’t have to break the bank. One of the key strategies many cyber security leaders advocate for is focusing on basic cyber hygiene. Measures like multi-factor authentication (MFA), strong password policies, and regular software updates are affordable yet incredibly effective. These simple steps can drastically reduce the risk of an attack and are particularly valuable for SMBs working with limited budgets.
Another cost-effective solution is to leverage cloud-based security platforms. Many cloud providers offer built-in security features that allow SMBs to access enterprise-level protection without having to invest in costly hardware or dedicated teams. Cloud platforms also offer scalability, which is a major advantage for growing SMBs. By shifting critical business functions to the cloud, SMBs can benefit from robust, built-in security measures while keeping costs down.
Managed Security Services: A Game-Changer for SMBs
Maintaining an in-house cyber security team can be out of reach for many SMBs, but managed security service providers (MSSPs) provide a viable alternative. MSSPs offer outsourced cyber security services, such as threat detection, response, and continuous monitoring, giving SMBs access to top-level protection without the need for a full-time, internal team.
Cyber security professionals often advocate for these partnerships, as they allow SMBs to concentrate on their core business operations while ensuring their systems and data remain secure. Outsourcing to an MSSP provides flexibility, enabling SMBs to customize their cyber security needs according to their budget, while still receiving the benefits of expert-level services.

Building a Culture of Security
Cyber security is more than just a technical challenge; it’s also a people issue. Employees are often the first line of defense against cyber-attacks, and their actions can either strengthen or undermine a company’s security posture. Building a culture of security is essential for SMBs, and this can be achieved through leadership prioritizing security awareness and training.
Cyber security training programs don’t have to be costly. In fact, they can be as simple as regular team meetings that highlight safe online behaviors, phishing threats, and password security. By fostering a workplace environment where security is seen as everyone’s responsibility, SMBs can proactively defend themselves against attacks.

Leadership’s Role in SMB Cyber security
Strong leadership is crucial in transforming how SMBs approach cyber security. Forward-thinking leaders emphasize the integration of cyber security into the overall business strategy. They ensure that security efforts align with the company’s broader goals, which helps SMBs view cyber security as an enabler of business growth rather than a financial burden.
By focusing on risk management, leaders are helping SMBs prioritize their security investments. They are shifting the conversation from cost to value, enabling businesses to make informed decisions about where to allocate their resources to achieve the most impact. This holistic approach ensures that cyber security doesn’t just protect SMBs, but also helps them grow and thrive in an increasingly digital marketplace.

One of the key strategies many cyber security leaders advocate for is focusing on basic cyber hygiene.

Case Study: Leading with Resourcefulness
Consider a small retail company that faced growing cyber threats but had a limited budget. With the guidance of their CISO, they implemented basic security measures like MFA, data encryption, and employee training. The company also partnered with an MSSP to handle monitoring and threat detection. These steps allowed the business to protect its customer data and systems without going over budget.
This example illustrates how SMBs can prioritize practical and cost-effective cyber security solutions that address their most critical risks. Through a combination of basic cyber hygiene practices and external support, SMBs can protect themselves without sacrificing flexibility or scalability.
Looking to the Future
As the threat landscape continues to evolve, the need for innovative, budget-conscious cyber security solutions will grow. SMBs will increasingly depend on leaders who can balance technical expertise with strategic decision-making. These leaders must build strong teams, foster a culture of security, and implement solutions that keep businesses safe without overextending their resources.
The future of cyber security in SMBs lies in leveraging solutions that offer the right level of protection at an affordable price. Leaders who are able to navigate the unique challenges faced by SMBs will be instrumental in ensuring the long-term success of these businesses in a digital-first world.
Conclusion
For SMBs looking to bolster their cyber security posture, the message is clear: a large budget or massive team is not required to protect your business. Smart, resourceful strategies can yield powerful results, even with limited resources. By focusing on foundational security practices, utilizing cloud services, and partnering with MSSPs, SMBs can secure their operations and drive growth.
As the cyber security landscape evolves, strong leadership will continue to shape the way SMBs approach security. With the right strategies and partnerships, SMBs can not only survive the challenges of today’s digital world but also thrive in it.