Do you think cyberattacks are a problem only for large corporations? Nothing could be further from the truth. Discover which security myths could expose your store to real losses and how to secure your business, customer data, and peace of mind at minimal cost.
In the daily hustle of managing deliveries, staff, and customer service, cybersecurity seems like a distant problem, reserved for large corporations. However, in the age of digitization, even the smallest grocery store becomes a target, and the consequences of an attack can be far more severe than a temporary POS system outage. Understanding the real risks is the first step to securing your business, reputation, and finances.
Many store owners base their sense of security on beliefs that have long since become outdated. Below, we debunk the most popular and harmful myths. Check to see if any of them apply to your business.
This is the most common and dangerous myth. Cybercriminals rarely choose their victims personally. Instead, they use automated tools that scan the internet en masse for any security vulnerabilities—regardless of whether they belong to a global supermarket chain or a local Polish store in Coventry. Small businesses are attractive targets precisely because they often overlook basic security practices, becoming “easy prey.” The goal is not always to steal millions. It could be stealing customer data, locking the cash register system for ransom (ransomware), or using your computer to launch attacks on other, larger targets. For a hacker, you are a gateway, not necessarily the ultimate target.
Antivirus software is absolutely essential, but today it is just one element of a multi-layered defense. Modern threats are much more sophisticated. Take phishing, for example—fraudulent emails that pretend to be an invoice from a supplier or information from a bank. No antivirus can stop an employee from clicking on a malicious link and entering their password on a fake site. Security is a system of interconnected vessels: up-to-date software (operating system, POS system), a strong firewall, regular employee training, and a thoughtful password policy. Relying solely on antivirus is like locking the front door but leaving all the windows open.
Every piece of information about a customer has its value. Even seemingly innocent data, such as a first name, last name, email address, or phone number, can be sold online and used for further fraud. If you store payment card data in your system (which is a very bad practice), the risk increases geometrically. Remember that in the UK, there are strict data protection regulations (in line with GDPR), overseen by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). A data leak is not only a threat of a hefty fine but, above all, a severe blow to your store’s reputation. Building customer trust takes years, but it can be lost in an instant.
A store owner in Manchester learned this painfully when his customer loyalty program’s email database leaked due to a poorly secured Wi-Fi network. Although the financial losses were minimal, rebuilding trust within the local community took him nearly a year.
Passwords that contain the company name, popular words, or simple number sequences are cracked by bots within seconds. Every system you use—payment terminal, back-office computer, Wi-Fi router, online ordering system—must be protected by a unique and strong password. A strong password is a combination of at least 12 characters, including lowercase and uppercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid reusing the same passwords in different places. The best solution is to implement a password manager that generates and securely stores complex passwords for you. Additionally, wherever possible, enable two-factor authentication (2FA), which requires entering a one-time code from your phone when logging in. This simple tool blocks 99% of unauthorized access attempts.
Offering free internet access can be a nice gesture towards customers, but if not properly configured, it poses a huge threat. The guest network must be completely isolated from your internal business network. If customers connect to the same network as your POS system, surveillance cameras, or office computer, you give potential attackers direct access to the heart of your business. Professional router configuration allows you to create a separate guest network that only has internet access and is cut off from business resources. This is an absolute necessity, not an option.
Imagine that one day all the computers in your store display a message demanding ransom in exchange for unlocking files. This is the scenario of a ransomware attack, which is becoming increasingly common. In such a situation, the only salvation is a current and secure backup. A USB drive kept in a desk drawer is not a safe solution—it can be lost, damaged, stolen, or encrypted along with the rest of the data. Follow the 3-2-1 rule: have at least 3 copies of data, on 2 different media, with 1 copy stored off-site. Today, the most convenient and secure solution is automatic cloud backups that run in the background and protect your data from almost any disaster.
A Polish store in London lost sales data for an entire month when a ransomware attack encrypted their server. The last backup on an external drive was from four weeks ago, which meant a massive effort in manually restoring inventory states and losing valuable sales analytics.
Even the best technical safeguards will be useless if humans remain the weakest link. Your employees are on the front line—they receive emails, handle the cash register system, and interact with customers. Without proper training, they may unknowingly open the door to your network. Do they know how to recognize a phishing attempt? Do they understand why they shouldn’t connect personal phones to company computers? Are they aware not to share passwords with anyone? A short, periodic training session is enough to sensitize them to basic threats. Clear rules and procedures are an investment that pays off many times over.
Securing your business doesn’t require huge investments, just a change in mindset and the implementation of good practices. Remember a few fundamental principles:
Don’t wait for the problem to find you. Spend a few hours reviewing your systems, passwords, and procedures. Simple changes made today can save you huge costs, stress, and problems in the future, allowing you to focus on what matters most—growing your business.
