by Brian Thompson | May 20, 2025 | Breach, Identity Theft
Online banking has become the default for millions of people around the world. Whether it is personal accounts or business accounts, people are checking balances and paying bills, managing investments and applying for loans, and most financial activity now happens online. It is now crucial to use a VPN for online banking.
But as banking has become more convenient, it has also become a top target for cybercriminals.
In fact, financial services account for over 20% of phishing and malware attacks globally—and the risks are only growing. With new scams, man-in-the-middle attacks, and public WiFi exploits emerging constantly, it’s clear that traditional security measures aren’t enough.
That’s why a VPN (Virtual Private Network) remains one of the smartest and simplest tools you can use to protect your financial information online. Whether you’re banking from a laptop at home or checking your balance on your phone while traveling, a VPN provides a critical layer of encryption that keeps you and your money safe. And we have solutions for both individuals and SMBs.
The Modern Threat Landscape for Online Banking
Today’s cyber criminals don’t just go after big banks—they go after you. And they’re surprisingly successful.
Many of today’s banking-related attacks exploit the following:
- Unsecured public WiFi (like coffee shops, airports, hotels)
- Fake banking apps that mimic legitimate mobile interfaces
- Man-in-the-middle (MitM) attacks, where your internet traffic is intercepted and monitored
- Credential theft from phishing emails and compromised browsers
- Rogue access points, which appear to be legitimate WiFi networks but are controlled by hackers
And these threats don’t just hit users on outdated machines or sketchy websites. Sophisticated attackers now create convincing replicas of banking portals, inject malicious scripts into real ones, and trick even savvy users into exposing personal details.
Financial Institutions Are Recognizing the Need for Encryption
According to a recent article in Banking Frontiers, Neha Anand, VP & Head – Cyber at Prudent Insurance Brokers, explains that SMB employees, many of whom work outside the office, are at risk as well. She explained that employee’s home WiFi networks frequently lack strong security, leaving them vulnerable to online attacks. Hackers can use phishing attacks, which can trick employees into clicking on harmful links, to take advantage of remote work disadvantages. These connections have the potential to install malware or launch ransomware attacks, encrypting confidential company information and interfering with business operations.
As a result, financial institutions are making VPNs available to SMB customers to improve security.
Why a VPN Is Essential for Safe Banking
When you use VPN encryption, your internet connection is routed through a secure, encrypted tunnel. That means:
- Your data is shielded from hackers. Even if you’re using public WiFi, a VPN ensures that your session is encrypted from end to end, making it virtually impossible for bad actors to snoop on your activity.
- Your IP address is hidden. This helps protect your location and personal identity, adding another layer of anonymity to your banking session.
- You’re protected from network-based threats, such as MitM attacks or DNS hijacking.
A good VPN acts like a private, armored lane for your internet traffic. For online banking, that kind of protection isn’t just helpful—it’s crucial.
The Mobile Factor: Don’t Forget Your Phone
Nearly 70% of Americans now use mobile apps for banking. While apps are generally more secure than browsers, they’re still vulnerable to malware infections, fake app clones on third-party app stores, and poorly secured WiFi connections.
A VPN on your phone ensures that every banking action—whether it’s transferring money, setting up alerts, or applying for a mortgage—is done over an encrypted, trusted connection.
Pro tip: Avoid banking apps that allow logins on jailbroken or rooted devices. These environments make it easier for hackers to bypass app security.
But Doesn’t My Bank Already Use Encryption?
Yes, most modern banks use HTTPS (TLS encryption) for web and mobile access.
However, HTTPS alone can’t protect you if a hacker is intercepting your connection on public WiFi, your DNS requests are being rerouted to a spoofed site, or malware is logging your keystrokes or screenshots.
A VPN adds a second layer of encryption over your connection, ensuring your traffic stays private before it even hits the banking website. Think of it as adding a deadbolt to a locked door—it’s another barrier that attackers would rather avoid.
Public WiFi? Use with Caution and use a VPN for online banking
Using free WiFi at airports, hotels, or cafes without a VPN is like shouting your banking password across a crowded room. Even if the WiFi is password-protected, it’s often shared among dozens or hundreds of people. Because of this, it gives hackers plenty of opportunities to intercept unencrypted traffic.
Always turn on your VPN before logging into your bank on public WiFi. It could be the difference between a safe transaction and a stolen identity.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, online banking is a modern convenience we can’t live without, but it comes with modern risks. A VPN remains one of the most affordable, effective ways to protect your financial data from theft, fraud, and prying eyes.
Whether you’re banking from a remote cabin, a coworking space, or your own kitchen table, make sure your connection is secure. Make sure you’re using a VPN.
by Brian Thompson | May 14, 2025 | Breach, Employee Benefits, Identity Theft
Identity theft protection for small businesses isn’t optional anymore. Nearly 73 % of U.S. SMBs were breached last year, and 60 % closed within six months. Employers now face legal duty-of-care claims when staff data leaks. Use the five-step playbook below to keep employee information safe, meet compliance rules, and stay in business.
1. Are SMBs really too small for identity thieves to bother with?
Short answer: No.
| Myth vs. Reality |
Data point |
| “We fly under the radar.” |
73 % of owners reported an attack in 2023 — a record high.¹ |
| “Hackers chase the Fortune 500.” |
Small businesses made up 43 % of all breaches tracked in Verizon’s DBIR.⁵ |
| “We’d bounce back.” |
60 % of small firms close within six months of a breach.² |
A false sense of security leads many owners to skip basic safeguards, leaving HR and payroll systems wide open.
2. Hidden liabilities & lawsuits HR can’t ignore
The identity theft protection for small businesses landscape changed after Pennsylvania’s Dittman v. UPMC ruling confirmed an employer’s common-law duty to protect employee PII stored online. Failure can bring negligence suits—even if you never lose customer data.⁶ Add 50+ state breach-notice laws (most with per-record fines) and the cost of “doing nothing” skyrockets.
3. 2025 threatscape in plain English
| Scam (🚩) |
How it works |
One-click defense |
| CEO / BEC email |
Spoofed exec asks HR to wire funds or send W-2s |
Verify requests by phone |
| W-2 phishing |
Fraudster posing as CFO demands every employee’s W-2 |
Share via secure HRIS only; train staff |
| AI voice deepfake |
Cloned CEO voice calls finance for an “urgent” transfer |
Two-person approval rule |
| Payroll login scam |
Text/email link steals self-service credentials, diverts pay |
MFA + out-of-band alerts |
The IRS still flags the W-2 scam as “one of the most dangerous” HR attacks it sees.⁷ AI voice fraud is the new twist: criminals cloned WPP’s CEO in 2024 to try to siphon funds.⁸
4. The five-step HR & Owner Identity Theft Protection for Small Businesses Defense Plan
4.1 Baseline security on a budget
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA) on payroll/benefits portals
- Encrypted, access-restricted HRIS (ditch spreadsheets)
- Weekly cloud backups + endpoint monitoring
4.2 90-minute staff drill
- Quarterly 5-minute micro-trainings cut phishing clicks and please insurers.
- Simulated phishing tests + “report” button rewards.
4.3 Incident-response flowchart (print-ready)
Who calls whom in the first 72 hours? Map IT, HR, legal, insurer, FBI/IC3 notifications.
4.4 Offer an identity-protection benefit
Over 51 % of employees say their employer should provide identity-theft protection, and adoption drives retention.⁹ Plans cost roughly $3–$6 per employee per month.
4.5 Cyber-insurance 101
Only 17 % of small companies have coverage, yet a single breach averages $ 500k in hard costs.³ Make sure the policy covers employee-data incidents, legal counsel, and credit-monitoring expenses.
5. ROI snapshot—cost vs. coverage
| Line item |
Typical SMB cost |
Potential breach loss |
| Cyber-insurance premium |
$1.2k–$2.8 k / yr |
Legal & tech fees: $ 120k+ |
| ID-protection benefit |
$3–$6 PEPM |
Employee recovery time: $ 20k–$ 40k |
| MFA / password manager |
$2 user/mo |
Credential theft payout: $ 25k average wire |
Run the numbers for your workforce in our free ROI calculator below →
6. Grab-and-go checklist
- Turn on MFA for every payroll login today.
- Limit HRIS access to need-to-know.
- Teach staff to verify any “exec” request for money or data.
- Draft a 72-hour breach-response plan; rehearse quarterly.
- Price identity-protection benefits and cyber insurance this quarter.
[Download printable PDF]
7. FAQ
Does general liability cover identity theft? No. Standard GL excludes cyber events; you need a cyber endorsement or stand-alone policy.³
How fast must we notify employees? Most states require notice “without unreasonable delay,” many within 30–45 days; some mandate 72 hours if SSNs are exposed.
Is identity theft protection a taxable benefit? Generally not if the employer offers it post-breach; voluntary plans are typically post-tax, like other ancillary benefits.
Next Steps for those of you who are looking for identity theft protection for small businesses.
Believing you’re “too small to hack” is like leaving the front door open because thieves target mansions—criminals prefer easy wins. With 73 % of SMBs already hit, and courts holding employers liable for lax data controls, the question isn’t if but when. Follow the five-step plan, share the checklist with your team, and DM us for the full playbook or a demo of our all-in-one employee identity-protection platform.
Citations for and additional articles related to identity theft protection for small businesses
- Business Data Protection Practices: Six Pillars Every Company Needs in 2025
- 10 Security Policies Every Small Business Needs in 2025
- Small Businesses Suffer Record Number of Cyber-Attacks — 73 % hit in 2023, Infosecurity Magazine
- 60 % of small companies close within six months of a breach Cybersecurity Ventures
- Only 17 % of small firms have cyber insurance (Navex survey).
- Forbes: 17 % coverage, rising premiums context, Forbes
- Verizon DBIR: 43 % of breaches involve small businesses. Verizon
- Dittman v. UPMC establishes employer duty of car,e Justia Law
- IRS Alert IR-2017-20 on W-2 phishing scam IRS
- Deepfake CEO voice scam targeting WPP (Incode blog) incode.com
by Brian Thompson | May 8, 2025 | Uncategorized
Running a company today means juggling sales, payroll, staffing, and security policies for small businesses that keep hackers and fines at bay. Nearly 1 in 2 attacks now hit firms with under 500 employees, but you don’t need a tech degree to protect yours. This plain-language guide covers the ten policies every SMB should have, why they matter, and simple steps to start this week.
Core Security Policies for Small Businesses at a Glance
| # |
Policy |
What It Does |
2025 Must-Do Update |
| 1 |
Access Management |
Decide who gets the keys—and take them back when they leave. |
Phase-in passkeys; retire SMS OTP. |
| 2 |
Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery |
Keep the lights on (or get them back fast) after a cyber-attack, fire, or storm. |
Map Gen-AI dependencies. |
| 3 |
Clear Desk • Clear Screen |
Don’t leave sensitive info on desks or unlocked screens. |
Auto-lock screens ≤ 30 s in shared spaces. |
| 4 |
Digital Security Plan |
Your “how we handle tech” playbook: updates, backups, vendor checks. |
Require INP < 200 ms in dev SLAs. |
| 5 |
Generative AI Policy |
Set safe, fair, legal rules for ChatGPT-style tools. |
Watermark AI output; bias-test models. |
| 6 |
Incident Response Plan |
Step-by-step “break-glass” guide when things go wrong. |
Add dark-web extortion & crypto-ban flow. |
| 7 |
Personal-Info Management |
Rules for collecting, storing, deleting customer/employee data. |
Tie to 13 new U.S. state privacy laws. |
| 8 |
Physical Security |
Badge doors, cameras, and who can enter secure areas. |
Smart-locker returns for hybrid staff. |
| 9 |
Privacy Notice |
The public promise you make about data—usually on your website. |
Auto language selector; WCAG 2.2 layout. |
| 10 |
Record Retention & Destruction |
How long you keep paperwork/files and how to dispose safely. |
Cloud “right-to-delete” API hook. |
1. Access Management: Controlling the Keys
Why it matters
Weak or stolen passwords caused 24 % of breaches last year (Verizon DBIR 2024).
Easy first step
Give every employee their own login. Shared passwords are like master keys—no one can trace who used them.
2025 tip
Test passkeys—phishing-proof fingerprint or face-ID logins now built into Google & Microsoft (Google Security Blog).
2. Business Continuity for Small Businesses: Keeping the Lights On
Why it matters
Gartner pegs an hour offline at $300 K for the average SMB (Gartner Business Continuity Cost Study).
Easy first step
Make a two-column sheet: Critical systems (email, website, POS) and How long you can survive without each. That’s the heart of a BCDR plan.
3. Clear Desk • Clear Screen: The $0 Policy
Why it matters
A USB left in a café or a pay stub on a copier is an instant data leak—no hacker needed.
Easy first step
Post a sticky note on monitors: “Lock before you walk.” Press Windows + L or ⌘ + Control + Q when you step away.
4. Digital Security Plan for Small Businesses
Why it matters
Unpatched software triggered 60 % of ransomware infections in one 2024 study (Sophos State of Ransomware).
2025 tip
Ask your web team if your site scores “good” (< 200 ms) on Google’s new INP metric (web.dev INP guide)—slow sites now drop in search.
5. Generative AI Policy: Cool Tool, Clear Rules
Why it matters
Pasting client info into ChatGPT can break privacy laws.
Easy first step
Email staff one rule: “Never paste private customer data into public AI tools.”
6. Incident Response Plan: When Things Go Sideways
Why it matters
Companies that practice their IRP save an average $1.5 M per breach (IBM Cost of a Data Breach 2024).
Easy first step
Create a wallet card with:
- Who to call (IT, lawyer, insurance)
- Where backups live
- How to shut systems off fast
Run a 30-minute “fire drill” twice a year.
7. Personal Information Management
Why it matters
13 U.S. states now have privacy laws, with fines up to $ 7,500 per record (IAPP US State Privacy Legislation Tracker).
8. Physical Security for Small Businesses
Collect badges and laptop chargers before the exit interview ends—simple, often missed.
9. Privacy Notice
If your public privacy policy doesn’t match reality, the FTC calls that deceptive and fines follow (FTC Enforcement Examples).
Read it out loud; rewrite jargon into everyday language.
10. Record Retention & Safe Destruction
Old data = big liability. In a breach, everything you kept can leak—even files from ten years ago.
Pick one data type (e.g., payroll stubs), decide a keep-time (say, seven years), and schedule a yearly purge.
Rolling Out Security Policies for Small Businesses in 60 Days
| Week |
Milestone |
| 1 |
Download or draft templates for all ten policies. |
| 2 |
Customize with your company name, contacts, and any industry rules. |
| 3 |
Share the docs; collect e-signatures for “I’ve read it.” |
| 4 |
Hold 15-minute micro-trainings. |
| 5 |
Run a tabletop test of BCDR and Incident Response plans. |
| 6 |
Fix gaps, then calendar quarterly reviews. |
Need support? defend-id’s compliance toolkit—Policy Center, Training Suite, and 24/7 Breach Support—handles templates, reminders, and audit logs so you can focus on running the business.
Related to security for small businesses:
by Brian Thompson | Apr 30, 2025 | Breach
Business data protection practices are now board-level guardrails. Nearly 46 % of all cyber-breaches strike firms with under 1 000 employees¹, and the average SMB pays $120 000–$1.24 million to put Humpty Dumpty back together². Courts and regulators treat “we didn’t know” as negligence, not an excuse⁹. Master the six pillars below—or face the fallout.
Practice 1 – Continuous Vulnerability & Threat Scanning
Automated bots probe every public IP, and red-team testers have breached 93 % of corporate networks³.
Benefits when in place
-
Early detection: Weekly scans surface unpatched ports before attackers do.
-
Lower insurance premiums: Demonstrable hygiene earns cyber-policy discounts.
-
Audit evidence: Risk-score trends prove “reasonable security” to regulators.
Repercussions of neglect
-
Silent footholds that ransomware gangs monetize months later.
-
Breach litigation fuel: Plaintiffs cite absent patch cadence as “failure of care.”
-
Incident-response costs balloon because root cause grows harder to trace.
Negligence alert: Courts view skipped patches as avoidable, foreseeable harm—no defense⁹.
Practice 2 – Policy Governance & Lifecycle Management
With 20+ U.S. states now enforcing comprehensive privacy laws⁴, policies must be living, reviewed, and version-controlled.
Benefits when in place
-
Regulatory alignment: Up-to-date policies map to each state’s notice and consent rules.
-
Operational clarity: Staff know precisely how to handle data and report issues.
-
Vendor leverage: Clear policy requirements flow into contracts.
Repercussions of neglect
-
Fines & injunctions for outdated or missing privacy notices.
-
Conflicting procedures that stall incident response and sow blame.
-
Loss of deals: Enterprise customers demand evidence of written, maintained policies.
Negligence alert: Regulators ask, “Did you follow your own policy?”—having none is indefensible⁹.
Practice 3 – Incident-Ready Breach & Response Playbooks
The global average breach costs $4.88 million⁵—and climbs with every hour of confusion.
Benefits when in place
-
Play-by-play clarity: Roles, 72-hour regulator checklist, comms templates.
-
Lower legal exposure: Courts weigh documented readiness when awarding damages.
-
Customer trust: Fast, transparent notices curb churn.
Repercussions of neglect
-
Chaos tax: Paralyzed teams miss statutory deadlines and rack up penalties.
-
Ballooning forensics fees as investigators reconstruct steps you never rehearsed.
-
Reputational free-fall fed by press leaks and social media speculation.
Negligence alert: Failing to test a plan is evidence you knew better and still did nothing⁹.
Practice 4 – Employee Security Awareness & Micro-Training
Humans triggered 95 % of 2024 breaches⁶. One careless click can undo a million-dollar tech stack.
Benefits when in place
-
Click-rates plunge: Phishing simulations show measurable drops.
-
Culture shift: Security becomes everyone’s job, not just IT’s.
-
Insurance credits: Many carriers now require ongoing training.
Repercussions of neglect
-
Credential-phishing epidemics that feed business-email-compromise losses.
-
Regulator scorn: “Untrained staff” appears in nearly every class-action complaint.
-
Higher premiums: Carriers hike deductibles or cancel coverage.
Negligence alert: Plaintiffs argue that skipping low-cost staff training is per se unreasonable⁹.
Practice 5 – Third-Party & Vendor Risk Management
35.5 % of breaches in 2024 traced to suppliers⁷. Your security is only as strong as the weakest contractor.
Benefits when in place
-
Tiered oversight: Red/Amber/Green scoring focuses effort where risk is highest.
-
Contractual leverage: Security questionnaires and audit rights lower exposure.
-
Supply-chain resilience: Swift alerts when a partner is compromised.
Repercussions of neglect
-
Cascade breaches—one vendor compromise spreads to every client.
-
Shared-liability lawsuits: Customers sue both you and the vendor.
-
Sales friction: Enterprise prospects reject vendors without a VRM program.
Negligence alert: Courts increasingly rule that ignoring vendor security equals corporate negligence⁹.
Practice 6 – Data-Subject Access & Transparency Workflows
Privacy requests jumped 72 % YoY from 2021 to 2022⁸ and keep climbing.
Benefits when in place
-
Reg-ready SLAs: Automated identity checks, dashboards, and deadline reminders.
-
Cost savings: Self-service portals slash manual hours.
-
Brand trust: Showing customers their data builds credibility.
Repercussions of neglect
-
Per-request fines for missed deadlines under CPRA, VCDPA, others.
-
Back-office bottlenecks that hijack IT and legal bandwidth.
-
Class actions: Plaintiffs allege “reckless disregard” for privacy rights.
Negligence alert: Regulators interpret slow or manual DSAR handling as failure to exercise reasonable care⁹.
Pulling the Six Pillars Together
These business data protection practices interlock: scanning spots flaws; policies define fixes; playbooks contain fallout; training reduces human error; vendor controls plug external gaps; transparency proves compliance. Skipping any layer leaves regulators—and plaintiffs—room to claim negligence.
Looking for a way to get this done simply, contact sales@defend-id.com
Footnotes
-
StrongDM “Small-Business Cybersecurity Statistics 2025.” StrongDM
-
PurpleSec “True Cost of a Data Breach to Small Business.” PurpleSec
-
Positive Technologies, “Cybercriminals Can Penetrate 93 % of Company Networks.” Positive Technologies
-
Bloomberg Law, “Which States Have Consumer Data Privacy Laws?” Bloomberg Law
-
IBM “Cost of a Data Breach 2024.” IBM
-
Infosecurity Magazine, “95 % of Data Breaches Tied to Human Error in 2024.” Infosecurity Magazine
-
SecurityScorecard “Global Third-Party Breach Report 2025.” SecurityScorecard
-
DataGrail “Privacy Trends 2023.” DataGrail
-
Womble Bond Dickinson, “Defending Data-Breach Class Actions” (2024).
by Brian Thompson | Apr 23, 2025 | Employee Benefits, General, Identity Theft
Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) face the same cybersecurity threats as large corporations, without having the same budgets or dedicated security teams. Cybercriminals know this, so they’re increasingly targeting smaller companies with phishing attacks, ransomware, data breaches, and network intrusions. In fact, recent studies show that over 40% of cyberattacks today specifically target small businesses. This is why a VPN for small businesses is critical.
To protect your company from these threats, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential. Remote WorkForce VPN is designed precisely for SMBs, offering business-level security without enterprise-level costs or complexities.
Why VPNs Are Crucial in a Remote and Hybrid World
With more employees working remotely, secure internet access has become vital. Employees regularly access company files, applications, and emails from home offices, airports, coffee shops, or hotels. Unfortunately, these public networks often lack security and are easy targets for cybercriminals.
A VPN solves this problem by creating an encrypted tunnel between an employee’s device and your company resources. As a result, it prevents unauthorized access, protecting credentials, customer information, and intellectual property from theft.
As cyberattacks continue to evolve, a VPN provides your first and most effective defense when employees connect from outside your secure office network.
Why Cybercriminals Target SMBs
You might assume your business is too small to attract cybercriminals. However, attackers think otherwise. Smaller companies often lack proper security measures, have outdated systems, or inconsistent policies. Additionally, many SMBs don’t have a full-time cybersecurity staff or IT team.
Even one compromised device can lead to data theft, costly fines, or significant disruption. Therefore, proactive cybersecurity, starting with a reliable VPN, is essential—not optional.
What Makes Remote WorkForce VPN Different
Many VPN solutions exist, but few cater specifically to SMB needs. Remote WorkForce VPN stands out in several key ways:
-
Easy to Deploy: Our cloud-based VPN can be set up within minutes, whether you have five employees or fifty. There’s no complicated hardware or difficult network configuration needed. Thanks to a simple interface and guided setup, you don’t need to be tech-savvy to secure your business.
-
Fast Performance: Many VPNs slow down internet connections—but not Remote WorkForce VPN. Using advanced traffic optimization and high-speed global servers, our VPN provides seamless, encrypted connections. Consequently, employees can work without delays or interruptions.
-
Strong Encryption: Our VPN uses military-grade encryption (AES-256) and trusted protocols (WireGuard and OpenVPN). This ensures all data remains secure during transmission, whether accessing cloud services or sending confidential documents.
-
Multi-Device Protection: Employees switch between laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Remote WorkForce VPN covers all major platforms—Windows, macOS, iOS, Android—protecting your team no matter their location or device.
-
Affordable Pricing: Most enterprise VPNs are expensive. In contrast, Remote WorkForce VPN offers flexible pricing specifically for small businesses. Thus, you pay only for the features you need, scaling affordably as your company grows.
Compliance and Building Client Trust
If your business manages customer data, financial details, or health records, using a VPN helps you comply with regulations such as HIPAA, GDPR, or PCI-DSS. Secure remote access is often required in compliance audits.
Moreover, clients and partners trust businesses that prioritize data security. Adopting a VPN shows your commitment to protecting sensitive information, helping build lasting credibility and trust.
VPNs and ZTNA: Better Together
Although Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) solutions are beneficial, VPNs remain effective, especially as part of a layered cybersecurity strategy.
VPNs are excellent at encrypting traffic and providing secure connections for employees, contractors, or consultants who require extensive resource access. For many SMBs, starting with a VPN and gradually moving toward ZTNA makes practical and financial sense.
Bottom Line: Why You Still Need a VPN for small businesses
In 2025, firewalls and antivirus software alone won’t fully protect your business. SMBs must proactively secure their data, employees, and reputations. Implementing a VPN is among the most effective, immediate, and affordable security upgrades you can make.
Remote WorkForce VPN specifically addresses the unique challenges faced by small businesses. It’s secure, fast, easy to use, and scales as your company grows.
Don’t wait until a cyberattack hits. Let us help you protect your business today.
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