Episode 17

Cybersecurity Tips Every Small Business Needs Right Now

Published on: 20th May, 2026

How secure is your business really?

In this episode of Giants Helping Giants, Lois Wyant talks with cybersecurity attorney Steven Wright about the growing risks facing local businesses in today’s AI-driven world. From ransomware attacks and fake AI-generated voices to weak passwords and poor backup systems, this conversation breaks down what small business owners need to know in plain English.

Steven explains why even small local companies are targets, how hackers are using AI and social engineering to manipulate businesses, and what practical steps owners can take to protect their systems, customer data, and reputation.

If your business depends on online systems, customer information, Google tools, cloud software, or AI platforms, this episode is a must-watch.

In this episode:

• Why backups are critical for small businesses

• How AI is changing cybersecurity threats

• What deepfakes, data poisoning, and data suppression mean

• Why local businesses are increasingly targeted

• How ransomware affects real businesses

• Why “common sense” is still one of your best defenses

• The importance of data governance and risk management

• Practical cybersecurity tips for everyday business owners

If you found this episode helpful, subscribe for more conversations designed to help business owners grow smarter, safer, and stronger.

DrStevenAWright@gmail.com

https://x.com/DrStevenAWright

https://www.linkedin.com/in/drstevenawright/

https://talks.co/drstevenawright/

https://www.drstevenawright.com/author/

https://www.macadamiasolutionsllc.com/home

#CyberSecurity #SmallBusiness #AI #BusinessSecurity #CyberThreats #Deepfake #Ransomware #LocalBusiness #BusinessGrowth #GiantsHelpingGiants

00:00 Why cybersecurity matters more than ever

00:28 Meet cybersecurity attorney Steven Wright

01:14 Advice for local service businesses using Google

02:21 Why backups are critical for small businesses

03:21 The dangers of online systems and cloud platforms

04:31 Password management and recovery tips

05:35 Industry-specific cybersecurity concerns

06:41 Scams, hackers, and small business vulnerabilities

07:54 Why hackers target smaller businesses

08:53 Social engineering and AI-powered scams

09:20 Deepfakes and AI impersonation risks

10:45 Executive scams and fake video meetings

11:39 How small businesses can verify customers safely

11:54 What is data suppression?

13:28 Understanding data poisoning and AI manipulation

14:34 How to stay updated on cybersecurity trends

15:30 Steven Wright’s book on data supply chain security

16:20 Why every business needs data governance

16:45 Threat modeling and risk management explained

18:21 Balancing security with running a business

19:14 Colonial Pipeline ransomware example

19:43 Final thoughts on staying safe online

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About the Podcast

Giants Helping Giants
Giants Helping Giants is a podcast for home service business owners who want to grow smarter, attract better customers, and build stronger companies. Hosted by Lois Wyant, each episode features conversations with entrepreneurs, coaches, and industry experts who help local businesses succeed. The show focuses on practical strategies that HVAC companies, plumbers, electricians, pest control businesses, roofers, solar installers, and other service professionals can use to generate more leads, improve their marketing, and scale their operations. Running a home service business is demanding. Owners are often balancing service calls, managing employees, handling customer expectations, and trying to keep their marketing working at the same time. Giants Helping Giants brings together experienced voices who share proven ideas, systems, and insights that can help contractors grow their businesses with more clarity and less chaos. Episodes explore topics such as contractor marketing strategies, lead generation for service companies, local SEO, automation tools, business systems, customer experience, and leadership for growing teams. The mission of the podcast is simple. Connect local business owners with the people, programs, and strategies that can help them build something bigger. If you run or work in a home service business and want practical ideas that actually work in the real world, this podcast is for you. Learn more at GiantsHelpingGiants.com.

About your host

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Lois Wyant