How to maximize security as a SMB for your entire business operations

#programming #cybersecurity #security #startup

Introduction

In today's digital world, small and medium sized businesses face the same cybersecurity threats as large enterprises, but often without the same resources. That's why I have built my own security first workflow, designed to protect every layer of my business operations using accessible, ethical, and high-standard tools.

This article breaks down how I do it, why it works, and what trade-offs are worth making to achieve real security.

Start with Personal Security - Protons Eco System

For personal and foundational business security, I use Proton's suite of tools:

Proton VPN - Encrypts internet traffic and hides IP addresses.
Proton Mail - End to End encrypted email communication.
Proton Pass - Secure password management.
Proton Drive - Encrypted Cloud Storage
Proton Wallet - For secure digital transactions. These tools are built with end-to-end-encryption (E2EE) meaning only the sender and receiver can access the data, not even proton themselves can.

What is End-to-End Encryption (E2EE)

E2EE ensures that data is encrypted on your device and only decrypted on the recipients device. This means: no-one can access or see your decrypted data, even if a hacker gets into proton servers you data is still secure.

However, most cloud services only encrypt in transit and at rest, not end-to-end. This means the provider can technically access your files, or worse they can be exposed during a breach.

Secure File Storage - Local First, Then Sync

To maximize E2EE, I avoid working directly in the cloud. Instead:

I create and edit files locally using trusted software:
- Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access
I store files locally on my device.
I use the Proton Drive Desktop Client to sync files to the cloud

This ensures that:

Files are encrypted before they ever leave my device.
Even if Proton's servers were compromised, the files would remain unreadable to attackers.
Only I hold the decryption keys.

The One Weak Link: Your Device

The only real vulnerability in this setup is your own device. If your computer is compromised, attackers could access decrypted files before they're encrypted and synced.

The Solution: Air-Gaped Systems for Sensitive Data

For highly sensitive or high-risk data, I use an air-gaped system, a computer that:

Has no internet connection.
Is physically isolated from other devices.
Runs local software only.
Stores data in offline databases.

This method is 99.9% secure because it eliminates remote attack vectors. The trade-off? Limited access and convenience. But for critical data, it's worth it.

Security vs. Convenience

This setup isn't friction-less. It requires discipline, planning and a willingness to sacrifice convenience for protection. But until my organization develops a more seamless solution, this hybrid approach is the most secure option available.

What's Next

As I build out my non-profit organization, one of our core objectives is to create tools that make default-secure systems accessible to everyone. Without compromising usability. Until then, this setup is my blueprint for ethical, resilient and practical cyber security.