Cybersecurity & Risk

What Cybersecurity Protections Does a 25–100 Employee Company Actually Need?

Most businesses misunderstand cybersecurity because they’re told it scales with company size.
In reality, cybersecurity requirements are driven by risk and responsibility, not headcount.

Every business needs a baseline level of protection. Companies that handle client-sensitive data require a higher tier. Organizations with external compliance or contractual obligations need the highest tier.

Across these tiers, cybersecurity typically costs $20–$80 per user per month, depending on tooling, monitoring, and documentation requirements.

This guide explains what protections are essential, when additional layers are justified, and how to choose the right level without overspending.

The Essential Security Controls Everyone Needs

Regardless of industry or size, every business needs the same foundational protections to prevent common attacks and limit damage.

These are non-negotiable.

Essential controls include:

• Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR)
• Email security and phishing protection
• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
• Patch management (operating systems and applications)
• Secure backups with monitoring
• Basic security monitoring and alerting

Without these controls:

• Cyber insurance coverage is often denied
• Ransomware risk increases dramatically
• Recovery from incidents becomes uncertain

These protections form the foundation for all other security decisions.

Cybersecurity Is About Risk, Not Company Size

Instead of thinking in terms of “small company vs large company,” cybersecurity is best understood in three risk-based tiers.

Each tier builds on the one below it.

Tier 1: Essential Security (Baseline Protection)

This tier focuses on preventing common attacks and ensuring recoverability.

Who this applies to:
Every business with users, email, and internet access.

Typical protections:

• Endpoint detection and response (EDR)
• Multifactor authentication (MFA)
• Patch management
• Secure, monitored backups
• Basic monitoring and alerts

Typical cost range:
$20–$35 per user per month

If a business lacks these controls, it is exposed to preventable incidents regardless of size or industry.

Tier 2: Client-Sensitive Data Security

Companies that handle client-confidential or sensitive data take on greater responsibility — even without formal compliance requirements.

This tier prioritizes early detection, accountability, and incident readiness. Common examples of sensitive data:

• Financial records
• Legal documents
• Medical or personal information
• Confidential client or partner data

Additional protections typically include:

• Advanced email security
• Security awareness training
• DNS filtering
• Stronger access and privilege controls
• Application whitelisting

Who this applies to:
Professional services firms, healthcare-adjacent businesses, finance-adjacent firms, and any organization entrusted with sensitive client data.

Typical cost range:
$35–$55 per user per month

Most cyber insurance issues occur when companies in this tier try to operate with Tier 1 controls.

Tier 3: Compliance-Driven Security

Some organizations are required to meet external security standards, whether due to regulation, contracts, or insurance mandates.

This tier is about evidence, documentation, and repeatability — not just protection.

Common drivers:

• Regulatory requirements
• Client or partner security requirements
• Cyber insurance underwriting rules
• Contractual security obligations

Additional protections typically include:

• Formal security policies and documentation
• Incident response testing
• Compliance-aligned monitoring and reporting
• Regular risk assessments
• Strong audit trails and evidence collection

Who this applies to:
Organizations with regulatory, contractual, or insurance-driven security obligations.

Typical cost range:
$55–$80 per user per month

At this level, cybersecurity becomes part of doing business, not an optional IT decision.

Real Client Example

A professional services firm handling confidential client data experienced repeated phishing attempts and failed a cyber insurance review.

After moving from Tier 1 to Tier 2 security at $52 per user per month:

• Phishing incidents dropped to zero
• Cyber insurance renewed with no exclusions
• Security incidents became detectable and manageable

The firm didn’t need compliance-level controls — just the right tier for their risk.

How to Choose the Right Tier

The right level of cybersecurity depends on:

• The type of data you handle
• Your contractual and legal obligations
• Cyber insurance requirements
• Your tolerance for risk and downtime

Choosing the correct tier prevents both under-securing and over-spending.

Not Sure Which Tier Applies to You?

Most businesses can be clearly placed into one of these tiers once their data exposure and obligations are understood.

That determination usually takes a 15–20 minute conversation, not a sales process — and it ensures your security spend matches reality.

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