If you’re a small business owner, let me guess: you’ve got a mental list of things you’d rather do than think about cybersecurity.
Pretty much anything else, right?
That’s not unusual. Most of the entrepreneurs I talk to admit that security feels overwhelming, isolating, and like one more “hat” they don’t have time to wear. And yet, there’s this nagging thought in the back of their minds: “If something happens, my whole business could be at risk.”
Here’s the good news: you don’t have to figure this out alone. In fact, we’re building something brand-new to make cybersecurity more supportive — and we’d love your input.
The Problem with Going It Alone
Most small businesses approach cybersecurity in one of three ways:
- DIY security patchwork. A password manager here, maybe antivirus there, and lots of crossed fingers in between.
- “Knowing a guy.” A partner, friend, cousin, or acquaintance who “does IT” sets up the Wi-Fi or installs some basics. That can work for a while — until something breaks, or you’re staring at a phishing email at 2 a.m. and realizing your “guy” isn’t picking up the phone. (There’s a reason many attacks happen outside business hours!)
- Total avoidance. Hoping you’re too small to be noticed by cybercriminals.
The trouble is, none of these approaches are enough. Cyberattacks don’t just hit Fortune 500 companies — in fact, small businesses are a favorite target because criminals know they often have weaker protections in place. And once something goes wrong — a stolen password, a fake invoice, a ransomware pop-up — you’re left scrambling to fix it while your clients are wondering if they can still trust you.
Typical solutions are designed for larger SMBs with bigger margins. (The average managed security services provider charges in the range of $2000-4000, a good value for the companies they serve, but not necessarily in reach for the smaller small businesses or industries with tighter margins.)
Why Community Can Help in Cybersecurity
Here’s a secret most people don’t realize: cybersecurity doesn’t have to be a solo sport.
Think about it like fitness. Sure, you can exercise alone in your living room with a YouTube video. But joining a class or a group? Suddenly it’s easier to show up, you learn faster, and you don’t feel silly asking questions because everyone’s in it together.
Cybersecurity can work the same way. When you’re part of a private trusted community:
- You realize you’re not the only one struggling with passwords, backups, or phishing emails.
- You can ask “Is this safe?” without worrying about sounding dumb.
- You get accountability and encouragement to actually take those small but important steps.
- You get solid support at 1/10th of the typical cost.
Community turns an intimidating chore into something approachable — and, dare I say, even empowering. (You thought I was going to say “fun”, right? We’ll do our best, lol.)
What Community Cybersecurity Looks Like in Action
So what does cybersecurity-as-community actually look like?
Here’s what we are thinking about for our Security Done Easy Co-op model:
- Tailored cohorts: based on identity (LGBTQ+, women founders) or industry (like CPAs who need WISPs, or retailers who deal with point-of-sale systems).
- Clear onboarding: your essentials set up in the first month with confirmation you are up and running — no guessing or late-night Googling.
- We do the monitoring for you, 24x7: no more guessing if things are working or not working or covered. We'll let you know if there's something to address. You focus on your business.
- Templates and training on demand when you need them: makes drafting a required policy easy.
- Weekly tips: bite-sized, plain-English reminders that build good habits without overwhelming you.
- Support your way: group Q&A, quick drop-ins, or private voice/text support.
- Proof of progress: quarterly reports you can show to clients, insurance, or regulators.
In other words: you’re never left wondering, “Am I doing this right?”
The Payoff
Yes, the technical side matters — stronger passwords, fewer vulnerabilities, better email protections. But let’s talk about the emotional side for a moment, because that’s where community really shines.
When you’re supported by a group:
- Fear turns into confidence. You stop dreading the “what if” questions and start trusting your protections.
- Isolation turns into solidarity. You realize you’re not the only one learning, and that makes it easier to ask for help.
- Risk turns into resilience. Even if someone on your team clicks the wrong link, you know your business won’t collapse.
Imagine being able to tell a client, ‘Yes, we’re secure — and here’s the proof.’ That peace of mind is priceless. That’s exactly what we’re testing with the new Co-op model — and you can help shape it.
If you’ve ever thought cybersecurity was too complicated or too expensive, this model was built for you. And the best part? You don’t have to figure it out alone.
👉 We’re shaping the very first cybersecurity Co-op for small businesses — and we want your input. Take our 3-question survey to tell us what kinds of cohorts (identity or industry) you’d love to see (along with… what we should name this Co-op?!) Your voice will help us build it right from the start.
