Local small businesses supporting other small local businesses with Smart IT Solutions
Small Business Week is a time to recognize the contributions of entrepreneurs, creators, and local leaders across the country.
Here in Minnesota, we believe in the power of small businesses supporting other small businesses — and as a locally-owned community-based IT provider, that’s exactly what we do. We understand the unique challenges small organizations face. With the rise of increasingly sophisticated threats in 2025, here are the critical steps your business should take to strengthen its cybersecurity.
Top Cyber Threats for Minnesota Small Businesses in 2025
Small businesses in Minnesota — from the Twin Cities to smaller towns — are at risk from a variety of cyber threats. Here are some of the most common dangers we’re seeing right now:
• Ransomware. Ransomware attacks encrypt your data and demand a ransom for its release. The damage can be devastating, often leading to downtime, financial loss, and long-term recovery.
• Phishing & Social Engineering. Cybercriminals use deceptive emails, websites, or phone calls to trick employees into giving up sensitive information, such as passwords or financial details.
• Data Breaches. Breaches expose customer or donor information, resulting in reputational damage, financial penalties, and loss of trust.
• Compliance Violations. Failing to meet industry standards — such as HIPAA, PCI-DSS, or GDPR — can lead to fines and legal issues, not to mention the risk of losing your business’s reputation.
• TOAD Attacks (Telephone-Oriented Attack Delivery). A growing concern for small businesses in Minnesota, TOAD attacks use phone calls and voicemails to socially engineer staff into revealing confidential information or gaining unauthorized access to systems. These attacks are often coupled with phishing or other types of social engineering, and they can catch businesses off guard, especially if employees are not trained to recognize suspicious phone calls.
TOAD attacks are an emerging threat in 2025 — and they often go unnoticed until it’s too late.
How to Strengthen Your Cybersecurity in 2025
It’s time to take proactive steps to safeguard your business. Here are five essential actions Minnesota small businesses can take to boost their cybersecurity in the coming year:
1. Perform an IT Security Audit. First, identify what you’re protecting: data, devices, and applications. A thorough audit of your IT infrastructure helps you pinpoint vulnerabilities before they are exploited. (Get an IT audit from CSI)
2. Educate Your Team About Phishing, TOAD, and Social Engineering. Cyberattacks often succeed because employees aren’t trained to spot them. Offer regular training to help your team recognize phishing emails, TOAD phone scams, and other social engineering tactics.
3. Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). Make it harder for cybercriminals to gain access by requiring multi-factor authentication for all critical systems. Even if a password is compromised, MFA adds an extra layer of security.
4. Leverage Cloud Solutions Move sensitive data to secure, compliant cloud platforms. Cloud solutions provide an additional layer of protection against physical theft, data loss, and security breaches. (Explore our Cloud Solutions for Nonprofits and Small Businesses)
5. Develop an Incident Response Plan In case of an attack, you need a well-prepared response strategy. Whether it’s a ransomware attack or a TOAD scam, we can help you create a customized incident response plan that minimizes downtime and data loss.
Why Small Businesses in Minnesota Need the Right IT Partner
Running a small business or nonprofit in 2025 means navigating constant tech changes, increasing cybersecurity threats, and tight budgets. That’s why working with a local, flexible IT partner matter.
Here’s how we help businesses just like yours:
- Proactive monitoring that prevents costly downtime
- Simple, affordable cybersecurity tailored for smaller teams
- Quick support from real people who understand your work
- Technology that grows with your goals — not against them
We’re not just service providers — we’re neighbors. And we care about helping you succeed.
Ready to strengthen your cybersecurity? Contact CSI Tech Corp today for a consultation and take the first step toward securing your future. (Contact Us for a Cybersecurity Assessment)
What is Small Business Week and how is it celebrated in Minnesota?
Small Business Week is a national event recognizing the contributions of small businesses. In Minnesota, it’s celebrated through community events, support programs, and partnerships like ours.
Why work with a local IT company as a small business?
Local IT providers understand your context better, offer personal service, and are often small businesses themselves — meaning they truly relate to your challenges.
Where can Minnesota nonprofits find small-scale IT support?
Right here. CSI Tech Corp. We specialize in supporting nonprofits and small teams with flexible, affordable tech solutions that don’t require in-house staff.