The Average Data Breach Now Costs $4.88 Million – How Much Would It Cost You? 

August 11, 2025

You don’t have to be a big corporation to suffer a major cyberattack. In fact, small businesses are now the most common targets for cybercriminals. Why? Because they’re easier to get into – and more likely to pay up.

And while a Fortune 500 company might be able to eat the cost of a breach, most small businesses can’t. 

According to IBM’s Cost Of A Data Breach Report 2024, the average cost of a data breach is $4.88 million. That includes downtime, lost customers, legal fees, ransom payments, and the hit to your reputation. 

Scary, right? 

But here’s the good news: There’s a new tool that’s helping businesses like yours catch cyberattacks before they do damage, and it’s changing the game. 

A Smarter Way To Stay Safe 

This tool is called endpoint detection and response (or EDR, for short). You don’t need to remember the name – you just need to know what it does. 

Think of it like a digital security guard that’s always on duty. 

While traditional antivirus software only blocks known threats, EDR watches everything happening on your work computers – every login, every file change, every strange behavior. If something suspicious starts happening (like ransomware trying to spread or someone logging in from a strange location), EDR steps in and shuts it down.

Why It Matters More Now Than Ever

Cybercriminals aren’t using the same old tricks anymore. They’re getting smarter, faster, and sneakier. They don’t just try to break in. Now they log in using stolen credentials. They disguise malware as everyday files. They wait for just one mistake from an employee, and that’s all it takes. 

EDR stops those threats cold – before they take down your business

Not Just Smart – Sometimes Required

Here’s something many business owners don’t know: Cyber insurance providers are starting to require tools like EDR. If you don’t have it in place, your insurance might not cover a breach. It’s like trying to file a fire claim without having a smoke detector installed. 

Is Your Business Protected?

If you’re not sure, let’s talk. We’ll walk you through what you need (and what you don’t) and help you make sure your business isn’t an easy target. 

Better safe than sorry – especially when “sorry” could cost you everything.

Ready to see if your business could survive a $4.88 million cyberattack? Let’s not find out the hard way. Schedule a free discovery call with our team today. We’ll walk you through your current cybersecurity posture and show you exactly where the gaps are – no tech jargon, no pressure, just clear answers. 

Recent Post

November 24, 2025

Holiday Tech Etiquette for Small Businesses (or: How Not To Accidentally Ruin Someone’s Day)

During the holidays, small businesses must maintain proper tech etiquette to avoid frustrating customers who are already stressed with end-of-year activities. Key practices include updating online business hours across all platforms (Google Business Profile, Facebook, Instagram, Yelp, and website banners) with clear, friendly messaging about closures. Setting human-sounding out-of-office email replies helps maintain customer relationships while avoiding oversharing personal details that could create security risks. Testing phone systems ensures voicemail greetings match current hours and provide clear instructions for urgent matters. For businesses that ship products, communicating shipping deadlines early and prominently prevents disappointed customers. These simple tech manners - updating hours, crafting friendly auto-replies, protecting privacy, testing communication systems, and setting clear expectations - demonstrate respect for customers' time and help maintain positive relationships even when the business is closed. Good holiday tech etiquette prevents customer frustration and protects business reputation during the crucial holiday season.
Read More
November 17, 2025

Holiday Scams in Disguise: What To Watch Out for When Donating Online

During the holidays, scammers exploit generosity by creating fake charity campaigns and fraudulent fundraisers. These scams can cost small businesses money and damage their reputation if they unknowingly support fraudulent causes. Red flags include pressure to donate immediately, requests for payment via gift cards or wire transfers, vague information about fund usage, and impersonation of legitimate charities. To protect your business, establish a donation policy with approval thresholds, educate employees about scam tactics, verify charities through official websites, and monitor how donated funds are used. Legitimate charities provide transparent financial information and accept standard payment methods. By implementing these safeguards, businesses can maintain their goodwill while avoiding financial loss and reputational damage from charity scams.
Read More
November 10, 2025

Tech Wins That Actually Made Small Business Life Easier This Year

In 2026, several practical technology tools genuinely improved small business operations. Automatic invoice reminders through platforms like QuickBooks, FreshBooks and Xero reduced payment times from 45 to 28 days, easing cash-flow stress. AI tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, and Microsoft Copilot handled administrative tasks like drafting emails and job descriptions, saving owners valuable time while preserving human decision-making. Simple cybersecurity measures, including multifactor authentication and password managers, enhanced security while streamlining logins. Cloud tools enabled true mobility, allowing business owners to access documents and close deals from anywhere. Communication platforms like Slack and Microsoft Teams reduced email clutter and facilitated quicker team collaboration. These tools succeeded because they solved real daily problems rather than adding complexity, proving that the best tech isn't the flashiest—it's the stuff that quietly saves time, protects businesses, and keeps people happy.
Read More
© 2025 Core Technologies Services, Inc. All rights reserved.