As interior design firm owners, we’re used to solving creative challenges—turning tricky layouts into our clients’ dream spaces, selecting the perfect finishes, and curating spaces that balance function with beauty. But there’s one challenge that’s often overlooked: protecting our businesses from cybersecurity threats.

It might not be as glamorous as sourcing a killer chandelier or selecting the perfect hardware for a kitchen, but trust us—it’s just as important. Cybersecurity is like the foundation of a well-built home: you don’t always see it, but if it’s not rock solid, everything you’ve built could come crashing down.

Let’s talk about why staying ahead of cyber threats is crucial and, more importantly, how to make it easy and approachable—so you can focus on designing fabulous spaces and sustainably growing your business while also keeping your business safe.

Why Cybersecurity Matters

1. Small Businesses Are Prime Targets

Think hackers only go after big companies? Think again. Nearly half of cyberattacks target small businesses because they’re seen as easier prey. If you’re managing contracts, invoices, client data, or even your social media passwords without proper safeguards, your design firm could be at risk.

2. Your Reputation Is Everything

We don’t just design homes; we build trust and relationships with our clients. Now imagine what happens if that trust is broken because their personal data was exposed in a cyberattack. A breach can damage your reputation faster than a mismatched fabric swatch.

3. It’s Costly to Recover

Recovering from a cyberattack isn’t just stressful; it’s expensive. Between lost business, legal fees, and the cost of rebuilding your systems, it could set you back thousands of dollars—or more.

How to Protect Your Design Business – Without the Tech Jargon

We get it. Most of us didn’t start a business with the goal of learning all about firewalls and encryption. The good news? You don’t need to become an IT expert. These simple steps will keep your business secure without overwhelming your schedule—or your brain.

1. Make Smart Passwords Mandatory

Your dog’s name isn’t a good password, no matter how cute they are. Use a password manager (we love tools like LastPass or 1Password) to create and store strong, unique passwords for every account.

And for the love of all things fabulous, enable multi-factor authentication (MFA). Yes, it’s a tiny extra step, but it makes a huge difference.

2. Don’t Click That Suspicious Link!

Hackers are getting more and more creative. Train your team (and yourself) to spot phishing scams. If an email looks fishy, don’t take the bait—hover over links to see where they lead, and never give out sensitive info unless you’re 100% sure it’s legit.

3. Back It Up Like You Mean It

Think of data backups as your safety net. If a cyberattack (or even an accidental delete) wipes out your files, you’ll be glad you have a secure, automated backup system in place. Cloud services like Google Workspace or Dropbox Business are lifesavers. Check out a few of our other organization and storage tips here.

4. Keep Your Software Updated

That “remind me later” button? Stop clicking it! Software updates aren’t just annoying—they patch security holes that hackers love to exploit. Make it a habit to update everything routinely, from your project management tools to your laptop’s operating system.

5. Invest in the Right Tools

Think of cybersecurity tools like your go-to design software: an upfront investment that pays off in time and peace of mind. A reliable antivirus program, a solid firewall, and secure Wi-Fi can go a long way in protecting your business.

6. Partner with the Pros

If tech isn’t your jam, hire someone who lives for it. Cybersecurity consultants can audit your systems and recommend tailored solutions, saving you from a DIY disaster.

Resources We Swear By

We know you’re busy juggling client meetings, install days, and vendor calls, so we’ve rounded up a few must-know resources to make cybersecurity simple:

1. Small Business Cybersecurity Guide by the FTC
   Think of this as Cybersecurity 101, written in plain English (thankfully).
2. CISA’s Small Business Tools
   Free tools and checklists from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.
3. National Cyber Security Alliance
   A go-to for bite-sized tips and easy-to-digest advice.
4. LastPass for Business
   Because nobody has time to remember 42 passwords.

Final Thoughts

Running a design firm means wearing a million hats—but a hacked business shouldn’t be one of them. With just a few proactive steps, you can protect your hard work, maintain client trust, and keep your business running smoothly.

Now, go forth and secure your empire! And if you’ve found any other tools or tips that make cybersecurity easier, drop them in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you.

To learn more about running your business (not letting it run you), check out our courses and coaching services through The Design Paradigm and The Paradigm Shift! For more Cherylisms & honest talk, join our exclusive Facebook group “Small Business Think Big“.