5 Low-Cost Cyber Security Tips for Organizations Under 50 People

In today’s environment, cyber threats aren’t reserved for large corporations. Smaller organizations, those with fewer than 50 people, are increasingly targeted because attackers assume they have less cyber security, and they are usually right. But “fewer people” doesn’t have to mean “few protections.” With smart choices and disciplined habits, small teams can dramatically strengthen their cyber posture without breaking the bank. Below are five high-impact, low- or no-cost strategies to get started.

1. Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) everywhere possible

Passwords alone are a weak line of defense. Credential theft, phishing, and brute force attacks remain common ways attackers penetrate systems. Enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) that requires a second verification, such as a code from an authenticator app or a hardware token, adds a critical extra layer of protection.

• Many services (email, cloud storage, financial systems) now include MFA support at no extra cost.
• Encourage the use of app-based authenticators (such as Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator) rather than SMS where possible, since SMS is vulnerable to interception.
• For key administrative accounts (IT, finance, system admin), consider using hardware security keys (e.g., YubiKey) if your budget allows.

Enabling MFA is one of the highest “return on effort” moves a small organization can make, significantly reducing the risk of compromised passwords.

2. Use a password manager and enforce unique, strong passwords

Weak or reused passwords remain among the top causes of breaches in small organizations. A password manager solves this by generating, storing, and auto-filling strong credentials across accounts.

• Use a (free or low-cost) enterprise or team password manager, ensuring each user has their own vault, and shared accounts (when necessary) are handled securely.
• Encourage use of passphrases (long, memorable phrases) or random strings rather than dictionary words.
• Periodically audit for reused or weak passwords and rotate them.
• Never share passwords over email or chat; always use the password manager’s secure sharing functions.

This approach removes the human burden of remembering dozens of complex passwords and ensures far better credential hygiene.

3. Patch and update systems (and automate where possible)

Many attacks succeed by exploiting known vulnerabilities in outdated software or operating systems. Regular patching is essential and often free if built into standard updates.

• Turn on automatic updates wherever possible (OS, browsers, plugins, applications).
• Maintain a simple inventory of systems and software versions to track what needs updating.
• Prioritize critical patches (especially those flagged as security updates).
• For devices no longer supported by updates (e.g., ancient hardware), retire or isolate them from network access.

By staying up to date, small organizations deny attackers known exploit paths at minimal cost.

4. Train your people (and run phishing tests)

Technology can do a lot, but people remain your greatest asset or your weakest link. Regular, focused training helps the team recognize phishing, social engineering, and risky behavior.

• Use free or low-cost security awareness training platforms (some nonprofits or vendors offer free versions for small organizations).
• Conduct occasional simulated phishing campaigns (many vendors offer low-cost or free basic phishing simulation tools) to test awareness and reinforce lessons.
• Maintain an easy, no-blame process for reporting suspicious emails or events.
• Lead by example: leadership should visibly adopt good security habits and support the program culturally.

Research repeatedly shows that human error is a significant source of breaches. Investing in awareness pays its weight in avoided incidents.

5. Establish regular, secure backups and test your restore process

Even with prevention, breaches and data loss (hardware failures, ransomware, accidental deletions) can still occur. The difference between a disaster and a recoverable incident often lies in backups.

• Use free or low-cost backup tools (cloud backup services, local NAS + offsite copy) to back up critical data daily or continuously.
• Maintain multiple backup copies (on-site, off-site, and cloud) to avoid a single point of failure.
• Keep at least one air-gapped backup copy (not continuously connected) so it can’t be encrypted or altered by attackers.
• Test restoring backups at least quarterly—backups are worthless if you can’t recover them.
• Define priority data (financials, client data, contracts) and ensure these are backed up first.

By planning for failure, small organizations can bounce back from attacks rather than capitulate.

Putting It All Together: A Simple Implementation Plan

For a small organization under 50 people, here’s a suggested rollout over a few months:

• Month 1: Enable MFA on all critical systems; adopt a password manager.
• Month 2: Audit patches and updates, enable automatic updates; begin a training schedule.
• Month 3: Launch phishing simulations; set up daily automated backups and redundancy.
• Month 4 and onward: Monitor metrics (phishing click rates, backup restore success, patch compliance), adjust policies, and revisit gaps.

Leadership buy-in is essential—if the CEO or executive director visibly supports security, adoption improves. Document your security policies (even a simple set of “acceptable use, incident response, password policy”), review them annually, and evolve them as threats change.

Why these five steps matter especially for small teams

• High ROI: These steps don’t require huge capital outlays, yet guard against far more expensive incidents.
• Scalable: As the organization grows, these foundations scale with you.
• Cultural shift: They embed security into daily habits, reducing risk from human error.
• Risk reduction: Many attacks succeed via credential theft, phishing, or unpatched systems—these steps cut off those pathways.
• Resilience: Even if a breach occurs, good backups and response planning minimize damage.

While your organization’s small size may make you seem less of a target, that very perception makes you vulnerable. Attackers often see “easier prey.” But by adopting these five practices, multi-factor authentication, password management, patch hygiene, training, and backups, your organization can punch far above its weight in cyber security.

Commonwealth Sentinel will help you face your organization’s growing cyber security threats.  We can assess your existing IT security and collaborate with your team to safeguard your data and assets. At Commonwealth Sentinel, we stay focused on cyber security so you can focus on other things. Contact us today or sign up for a free consultation.

 At Commonwealth Sentinel, we are focused on cyber security so that you can focus on other things.