Why Small Businesses Need to Prioritize Cybersecurity: Insider Threats paired with Copper Harbor Ale

Understanding the Threat: Insider Threats

Insider threats come from within your organization—employees, contractors, or partners who misuse their access to harm your business. These threats can be intentional (malicious) or unintentional (negligent), but both can lead to data loss, financial damage, and reputational harm.

Beer Profile: Copper Harbor Ale

Copper Harbor Ale is a classic amber ale with a rich, layered flavor profile from Midland Brewing Company. It looks familiar and trustworthy—just like an insider threat. Beneath its smooth exterior lies complexity, reminding us that not all threats come from the outside.

How to Protect Your Business

To reduce the risk of insider threats, businesses should:

• Implement role-based access controls and monitor user activity.
• Conduct background checks and enforce strong onboarding/offboarding processes.
• Foster a culture of transparency and accountability.
• Use data loss prevention (DLP) tools and insider threat detection software.
• Provide regular training on data handling and security policies.

Yeo & Yeo Technology helps businesses design secure systems and policies that protect against both external and internal risks.

Real-World Example: Michigan Medical Practice

In 2022, a disgruntled employee at a Michigan-based medical practice accessed and leaked patient records after being terminated. The breach led to HIPAA violations and costly legal consequences. Insider threats are often overlooked—until it’s too late.

 Why It Matters

Small businesses often assume they’re too small to be targeted—but insider threats don’t discriminate. Yeo & Yeo Technology’s cybersecurity and business consulting services are designed to help organizations of all sizes build secure, scalable systems.

Complimentary IT Consult

Are you concerned about who has access to your data? Our free IT Consultation includes a review of access controls, insider threat exposure, and policy effectiveness.

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