What Is Cyber Risk – And What San Diego and Chicago Business Owners Should Do Right Now to Secure their Network Data.
Cyber threats are a daily risk for local businesses in San Diego and Chicago. From phishing scams to cloud misconfigurations, cybercriminals are targeting businesses of all sizes, especially those handling sensitive client data, financial records and intellectual property.
Understanding cyber risk is critical for business owners. This guide explains what cyber risk is and the immediate steps your company should take to protect its operations, customers, and reputation.
What Is Cyber Risk?
Cyber risk refers to the potential for loss or exposure resulting from an attack or data breach impacting an organization or business. This can come from data breaches, malware attacks, ransomware or system outages. Large and small companies are at risk.
In San Diego and Chicago, where industries like biotech, finance, legal and manufacturing are booming, the stakes are even higher due to increased regulatory pressures and data sensitivity.
Why Local Businesses Are Prime Targets
- San Diego’s booming tech and biotech sectors make it a magnet for cybercriminals looking for valuable data.
- Chicago’s financial and legal industries face constant pressure to meet compliance regulations like CCPA, HIPAA, and others.
- Many small to mid-sized businesses assume they are “too small to hack”—this is false. SMBs are now the #1 target for ransomware and phishing attacks.
Top Cyber Risks in 2025 for SMBs
- Cloud Misconfigurations
- Improperly configured cloud services (AWS, Microsoft 365, Azure) can expose sensitive data publicly without you knowing.
- Phishing & Ransomware
- Employees are still the weakest link. Sophisticated emails trick users into clicking malicious links or paying fraudulent invoices.
- Third-Party Vendor Risks
- Your vendors and supply chain partners may have weak cybersecurity practices, putting your data at risk.
What Should Business Owners Do Right Now?
1. Conduct a Cybersecurity Risk Assessment
- Identify your vulnerabilities and gaps before attackers do.
2. Audit & Secure Your Cloud Environment
- Use multi-factor authentication (MFA), encryption, and ensure configurations are secured.
3. Train Your Employees
- Ongoing awareness training reduces the risk of phishing success by 70%.
4. Partner with a Local Cybersecurity Expert
- A San Diego or Chicago-based firm like CompuOne understands the local business climate and compliance requirements.
Why CompuOne?
CompuOne offers tailored IT, Cloud, and Cybersecurity solutions for San Diego and Chicago businesses, including:
- Cybersecurity audits
- Cloud security hardening
- Managed detection & response
- Compliance support for CCPA, HIPAA, NIST
*Contact us today for a free risk assessment.
