Why Cybersecurity Is No Longer Optional

Is your company open to cyber crime?

The answer, sadly, is yes.

No matter how deep your current cyber security runs, there are black hat hackers who want to take down your company, whether you’re a Fortune 500 outfit or a mom and pop operation.

Why? Why are there so many attempts at cyber blackmail, data rustling, and trolling?

The short answer is that society is rotten to the core. Nobody has your back anymore. Those who want what you’ve got just take it – if they can get away with it. And if they think the chances of them getting caught are too high, they’ll just hire someone else to do their dirty work for them. It’s a dog-eat-dog-world, with integrity thrown under the bus.

That’s the short answer.

The long answer is that most modern business practices tend to encourage amoral actions and consequences. This can be traced back to the laissez-faire mindset of the mid-19th century business environment, where “all the traffic can bear” was the watchword, and mighty fortunes and financial dynasties like the Carnegies, Rockerfellers, and Vanderbilts boasted that their wealth was a sign of Providential approval. Poor people were poor because of their own faults and failings – rich people had earned the right to mansions and extended vacations in Europe because of their industry, intelligence, and sharp-dealing.

As Confucius allegedly said: “In a country well governed, poverty is something to be ashamed of. In a country badly governed, wealth is something to be ashamed of.”

And so cyber criminals and cyber terrorists, along with cyber mischief-makers, not only thrive in our business- crazed society today (with a pushy businessman now elected President of the United States twice) but become media celebrities and rarely pay for their crimes with jail time.

A previous American President, Calvin Cooldige, said:  “The chief business of the American people is business.”  Tragically, Mr. Coolidge never specified just what kind of business or under what kind of rules it should be honored and pursued.

Thus, we have today’s grime landscape of internet strife. It’s not going away, so in order to deal with it any business worth its salt must have the best security available.

Reduce cyber risk with tailored IT support that aligns with your organization’s specific needs and threat landscape. No two businesses face the exact same vulnerabilities. A local accounting firm, for instance, may deal with targeted phishing attempts focused on financial credentials, while a healthcare provider must secure sensitive patient data under regulatory oversight. This is where customized cybersecurity frameworks come in. Whether it’s endpoint protection, encrypted communication tools, or secure cloud configurations, tailored IT support minimizes exposure and proactively closes security gaps before they can be exploited.

Beyond technical safeguards, modern cybersecurity also demands a cultural shift within companies. Employees must be educated on best practices, such as recognizing phishing emails, using strong passwords, and securing personal devices that connect to corporate networks. Businesses that invest in cybersecurity training reduce human error, which remains one of the top causes of data breaches. Moreover, regulatory compliance—such as GDPR, HIPAA, or PCI-DSS—requires proof of both technological controls and ongoing security awareness programs. Falling short in either category could result in costly fines and lawsuits.

Cybersecurity is also a competitive advantage. Customers, partners, and investors increasingly scrutinize how businesses handle data protection. A strong cybersecurity posture signals professionalism, responsibility, and trustworthiness—key factors in winning contracts or securing investment. On the flip side, one data breach can erode years of brand equity, spark public relations nightmares, and lead to churn. In highly competitive industries, cyber resilience could be what separates the winners from the forgotten.

In short, the digital age brings immense opportunity—but also immense risk. Treating cybersecurity as an optional expense is like driving without insurance through a storm. Businesses that prioritize prevention, tailor solutions to their environment, and foster a culture of security will be far better equipped to thrive, no matter what challenges emerge. With cyber threats continuing to evolve, the smartest move isn’t to wait—it’s to act.

Adam Hansen
 

Adam is a part time journalist, entrepreneur, investor and father.