Cybersecurity Isn’t Just an IT Problem. It’s a Trust Problem.

Most people don't wake up thinking about cybersecurity.

They're thinking about work, family responsibilities, bills, and the never-ending list of things that need to get done.

Until something happens.

A suspicious banking alert appears on their phone.

An email arrives from what looks like a trusted company.

A business owner discovers that someone has been impersonating their company to request payments.

Suddenly, cybersecurity becomes very personal.

After more than 25 years working with the Better Business Bureau, I've seen how quickly trust can become vulnerable when criminals exploit the relationship between businesses and consumers.

And one thing is increasingly clear.

Cybersecurity is no longer simply a technology concern. It's a consumer protection issue and a business leadership responsibility.

The changing face of online scams

There was a time when suspicious emails were relatively easy to recognize.

Poor grammar, unusual formatting, and unrealistic financial promises were common warning signs.

Today, many fraudulent messages are far more sophisticated.

Criminals impersonate financial institutions, delivery companies, employers, and legitimate businesses.

Artificial intelligence can make fraudulent communications more convincing, making it even more important to verify unexpected requests rather than relying on appearances.

The challenge isn't necessarily that consumers are unaware scams exist.

It's that they're making decisions in an environment designed to demand their constant attention.

When an urgent message arrives during an already busy day, even a careful person can make a mistake.

Why small businesses cannot afford to overlook cybersecurity

For small businesses, cybersecurity may feel like something reserved for corporations with dedicated technology departments.

That assumption can be costly.

Business email compromise, fraudulent invoices, compromised accounts, and data breaches can disrupt operations and threaten customer relationships.

Consider an employee who receives an email appearing to come from a company executive requesting an urgent payment.

Without established verification procedures, the employee may unknowingly transfer funds to a criminal.

The consequences extend beyond immediate financial losses.

Customers may question whether their information is safe and whether they can continue trusting the organization.

A company's reputation is built through consistent actions, including how it handles the information customers entrust to it.

Five cybersecurity habits worth prioritizing

1. Use unique passwords.

Reusing passwords creates unnecessary risk. A password manager can help individuals and organizations maintain strong, unique credentials.

2. Enable multifactor authentication.

Adding an additional verification step can help prevent unauthorized access, even when a password has been compromised.

3. Verify unexpected requests independently.

Whether it's a payment request, account warning, or unexpected link, contact the organization through a trusted channel before acting.

4. Keep systems updated.

Software updates frequently include patches for vulnerabilities that criminals may exploit.

5. Make cybersecurity part of workplace culture.

Businesses should provide regular training, establish payment verification procedures, and encourage employees to report suspicious activity immediately.

Cybersecurity awareness should not depend on a single presentation or annual reminder.

It should be incorporated into everyday operations.

Trust requires more than good intentions

As consumers, we expect businesses to respect our personal information.

As business leaders, we have a responsibility to implement practices that support that expectation.

And as individuals, we need to recognize that cybersecurity is something we participate in every day.

October's Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a timely reminder, but the responsibility extends throughout the year.

BBB Eastern New England encourages consumers and businesses to explore the cybersecurity resources available at bbb.org/cybersecurity.

The most important step isn't becoming an expert overnight.

It's recognizing that small improvements in everyday habits can make a meaningful difference.

What cybersecurity habit do you think people overlook most often?

Paula Fleming is Chief Marketing & Sales Officer and Chief Spokesperson for BBB Eastern New England, where she has spent more than 25 years advocating for marketplace trust, ethical business practices, and consumer education.