Springfield’s BBB Regional Director Weighs in On Cybersecurity Threats

If you run a small business or help manage a local government office, you already feel it—technology is everywhere. It keeps your team connected, your operations moving, and (most days) everything running smoothly.

But there’s a catch.

The same tools that make your job easier can also open the door to cyber threats, and those doors are often wider than most people realize.

In a recent interview, Springfield BBB Regional Director Pamela Hernandez didn’t just offer general advice, she highlighted a growing pattern: many organizations assume they’re too small to be targeted, and that assumption is exactly what creates risk.

Cybersecurity, as she puts it, isn’t just an “IT issue” anymore. It’s a basic part of running an organization today.

The Problem Most Organizations Don’t See Coming

At work, you probably have some level of IT support. Systems get updated. Networks are monitored. Someone is keeping an eye on things. But outside of that structure, gaps start to appear.

Hernandez pointed out something many leaders overlook: outside of a formal IT environment, you are essentially your own IT department, and most people aren’t maintaining their systems the way they should. Many organizations—especially small businesses and local governments—treat cybersecurity like something they’ll “get to later.”

The reality is more urgent:

Cyberattacks happen every 39 seconds
Millions of records are exposed each year through simple vulnerabilities
Smaller organizations are often targeted because security is inconsistent

It’s not about being unlucky. It’s about being unprepared.

“It’s Just One Device”… Until It’s Not

Most people think about computers when they think about security.

But that’s only part of the picture.

What about the smart TV in the breakroom?
The security cameras?
The thermostat?
The tablet used for sign-ins?

Each one connects to your network. Each one can become an entry point. Individually, they don’t seem like a risk. Together, they create multiple ways in.

It’s the digital version of locking your front door… while leaving every window wide open.

Why Most Organizations Get Stuck

Here’s the honest truth: most leaders already know this matters.

They’ve read the headlines.
They’ve heard the warnings.
Some have even had a close call.

But when it comes to taking action, it feels overwhelming.

Where do you start?
What actually matters?
How do you keep up with it all?

Hernandez compared cybersecurity to maintaining a car. You don’t need to rebuild the engine, you just need to handle routine maintenance consistently.

Cybersecurity works the same way.

Simple Habits That Build a Strong Defense

Most risks don’t come from advanced attacks. They come from overlooked basics.

A few simple habits go a long way:

Change default passwords on routers and devices
Keep systems and apps updated automatically
Use a password manager instead of reusing passwords
Regularly review who has access to your systems

These steps aren’t complicated, but they do require consistency.

And that’s where most organizations struggle.

How DaZZee Helps Close the Gap

Knowing what to do isn’t usually the problem.

Having the time and the system to do it consistently is.

That’s where DaZZee comes in.

With Fortify IT, DaZZee acts like a dedicated security team working behind the scenes to keep your organization protected. Instead of reacting to problems, you’re actively preventing them.

That includes:

24/7 monitoring from a live Security Operations Center
Advanced protection that goes beyond basic antivirus
Dark web monitoring to catch exposed information early
Ongoing security training to help your team avoid common mistakes

Because most cyber incidents don’t start with a complex attack, they start with a simple click.

It’s Not Just Security, It’s Peace of Mind

Cybersecurity isn’t just about stopping threats.

It’s about removing the constant worry of “what if.”

By combining Fortify IT with Managed IT services, DaZZee helps organizations stay ahead of problems with proactive support, monitoring, and maintenance. Instead of putting out fires, you prevent them from starting in the first place.

The Takeaway

The message from Springfield’s BBB leadership is straightforward:

Cybersecurity is no longer optional. It’s part of doing business.

The good news? You don’t have to figure it out alone. The BBB even offers a Cybersecurity HQ with tools and guidance for both businesses and individuals looking to improve their security posture.

Ready to See Where You Stand?

If you’re not sure whether your organization has gaps—or you just want a second set of eyes, it’s worth a conversation. DaZZee works with small businesses and local governments every day to make cybersecurity simple, practical, and manageable.

Schedule a consultation and get a clear picture of where you stand, and what to do next.