AQ'S Corner

As a solopreneur navigating the digital world, I’ve learned something that too many small business owners overlook until it’s too late: cybersecurity isn’t just for Fortune 500 companies. It’s for all of us, especially those of us building dreams from our laptops, running e-commerce shops, writing blogs, offering services, or developing digital products. Every keystroke, every client interaction, every login matters. And so does the plan behind it all.

I’ve watched the headlines roll in: “Ransomware Hits Major Hospital Network”… “Multinational Company Pays Millions After Cyberattack.” Those weren’t just cautionary tales to me. They were blueprints for what could happen if I didn’t take control of my digital safety from day one.

Let’s get something straight: Ransomware is not just a big business problem. It’s a malicious form of software that locks up your files and systems until you pay a ransom (usually in cryptocurrency). You lose access to your own data, your clients’ information, your website, your entire business. Hackers don’t discriminate. In fact, they often look for smaller operations without strong defenses because it’s easier money. I refused to be the low-hanging fruit.

Instead of crossing my fingers and hoping nothing would go wrong, I took action. I used the NIST 800-61 framework as a launchpad and built a tailored Incident Response Plan (IRP) that fits the reality of running a business on my own. I looked at every single asset connected to my work; my laptop, my website, my email, even my phone, and asked myself, “What would I do if this were compromised?” No tool was too small. No platform was off-limits. I didn’t just want a plan on paper, I wanted a real strategy to protect my business lifelines and respond with clarity when the unexpected hits. Because hoping isn’t a strategy.

I mapped it all out. I asked myself tough questions: What happens if my site is hacked? Who do I contact? What systems do I shut down? What backups do I have? This wasn’t just paperwork. It was peace of mind.

After building my Incident Response Plan (IRP), I realized recovery shouldn’t be a solo mission so I added Cyber Insurance to my toolkit. If something like a data breach, ransomware attack, or business email compromise hits, I won’t be left figuring it out alone. I’ll have support from other experts who can help get things back on track quickly, from restoring systems to handling the details I might overlook in the moment. It’s like having digital roadside assistance. We insure our homes, our cars, even our phones, why not the systems that keep our business running?

Here’s a major lesson: you are responsible for your own cybersecurity, even if you’re paying for services. I reviewed every tool in my tech stack. My web hosting service had basic protections, but wouldn’t help me recover from a cyberattack unless I had backups. My VPN service encrypted my traffic, but couldn’t stop me from falling for a phishing email or accidentally exposing my login credentials. That was my wake-up call: I couldn’t rely solely on tools. I needed a layered defense and the knowledge to back it up.

I didn’t stop there. I enrolled in the Certified Cyber Readiness Institute (CCRI) course to deepen my knowledge. I became CyberReady Certified, and I proudly serve on their Small Business Advisory Council today, advocating for others like me to protect what they’ve worked so hard to build. Cybersecurity isn’t just a tech issue; it’s a resilience issue. It’s about having a plan, understanding the terrain, and being ready to respond.

Here’s what I want every solopreneur, freelancer, and small business owner to know: your size does not excuse your responsibility. You don’t have to be a cybersecurity expert, but you do need to be cybersecurity aware. Think like a CEO, prepare like a corporation, and protect yourself like your future depends on it because it does. You don’t need a million-dollar budget. You need a mindset of preparedness, a willingness to learn, and the courage to act before something goes wrong. And that’s exactly what I did.

Want help getting started? Head to AQsCorner.com, where I share tools, tips, and resources to help you become cyber-ready, whether you’re building your empire from the ground up or just getting your first domain name.