Why SMEs Must Prioritize Cybersecurity Now: Insights from Sage Inc.’s Brian Buiwe

Cyber threats are evolving at an alarming rate, yet many small-to-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) still see cybersecurity as an afterthought. Brian Buiwe, Technology Specialist at Sage Inc., recently sat down with Cyber Intelligence to shed light on the critical security gaps facing SMEs—and what businesses can do to stay ahead of cybercriminals.

The Knowledge Gap in SME Leadership

According to Brian, one of the biggest challenges is the lack of awareness among SME leadership. “Many C-suite executives, doctors, and lawyers don’t fully grasp the urgent need for cybersecurity,” he explains. “Mainstream media hasn’t done a great job of educating them on the growing threats.” This knowledge gap leaves businesses vulnerable to data breaches, financial fraud, and industrial cyber-espionage.

Bridging the Gap with Education and Compliance

At Sage Inc., cybersecurity education starts with a broad perspective. “We begin with foundational topics like data security, then expand into areas such as personally identifiable information (PII) and compliance protocols,” Brian shares. “Once companies understand what constitutes sensitive data, they’re more open to implementing stronger safeguards.”

Compliance is another key area where SMEs often fall short. Many small businesses work with larger organizations that hold vast amounts of sensitive data—making third-party risk a serious concern. Brian highlights the importance of keeping up with evolving regulations:

• A Texas-based company working with a California client must comply with California state laws.

• Businesses with international clients may need to follow EU regulations like the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA).

• Medical and adjacent fields, such as dentistry, must comply with strict patient data protection requirements.

  
  

When framed as a legal obligation rather than an optional security measure, compliance becomes a higher priority for businesses.

The Hidden Dangers of BYOD Policies

Many SMEs still rely on Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies to cut costs, allowing employees to use personal devices for work. However, Brian warns that this can introduce major security risks. “Organizations often don’t realize how many unsecure apps or services are running on these personal devices,” he notes.

At Sage, we help SMEs determine the best approach for their unique needs. Some businesses may benefit from company-issued work devices, while others can secure existing devices through training and policy updates. Beyond security, providing separate work devices can also help employees maintain a better work-life balance, reducing burnout.

Cybersecurity: A Long-Term Investment, Not a One-Time Fix

One of the biggest mistakes SMEs make is treating cybersecurity as a one-time fix instead of an ongoing strategy. “A company with 50 employees may get by with quick security patches, but as they scale, those patchwork solutions won’t hold up,” Brian explains. “Every stage of business growth introduces new vulnerabilities.”

At Sage Inc., we guide SMEs through comprehensive cybersecurity planning, ensuring that protections evolve alongside their business. From risk assessments to security training and compliance guidance, we help organizations build a resilient cybersecurity framework that grows with them.

Ready to Strengthen Your Cybersecurity?

SMEs can no longer afford to ignore cybersecurity. Whether you're looking to train your team, navigate compliance, or implement stronger security policies, Sage Inc. is here to help.

Contact us today to learn how we can safeguard your business in an increasingly digital world.