Data Security 101: What Every Business Owner Needs to Know
By Todd Wentz, CEO, Wentz IT Consulting
If the phrase “data security” makes your eyes glaze over, you’re not alone. But in 2025, if you’re running a business—retail, food service, manufacturing, anything—you’re in the data business, whether you realize it or not.
What ‘Data Security’ Really Means
It’s not just about hackers or IT jargon. Data security means protecting the systems, customer info, financial records, and employee data your business depends on. It’s what keeps you from going dark after a cyberattack or falling out of compliance with new privacy laws.
The Most Common Risks Facing Small Businesses
- Weak or reused passwords
- No data backups (or untested backups)
- Unpatched software or old POS systems
- Employees clicking phishing emails
- No access controls—anyone can get to anything
- Cloud services misconfigured or left open to the public
It’s Not Just IT’s Problem—It’s Yours
Too many owners assume the “tech guy” is handling it all. But security needs to be baked into how your business runs—from who can log in, to how you approve expenses, to what happens when someone leaves your company.
The Good News: You Don’t Have to Be an Expert
Here’s what you need:
- Clear responsibilities (who handles what)
- Basic tools: MFA, backups, password manager, antivirus
- Outside help when needed (an MSP or IT provider who knows what they’re doing)
- A checklist to track where you stand (we made one for you below)
Final Thoughts
You lock your doors at night. Data security is the digital version of that. You don’t need a degree or a budget like Amazon—you just need to take it seriously.
Download our free Data Security Basics Checklist to see where you stand and what to fix first.