How can a small organization start adopting AI safely and effectively?

Begin with a workflow audit to find repetitive, rules-based tasks, then pilot no-code automation and AI assistants in one high-impact area. Establish data-handling policies and human-in-the-loop review, and expand based on measurable savings and quality gains.

What’s the difference between GEO, AEO, and SEO?

SEO optimizes for traditional search engines. AEO structures content to answer direct questions clearly. GEO ensures content is cited and retrievable by generative and AI answer engines through explicit entities, schema, and source credibility.

Do you support single sign-on (SSO) implementations?

Yes. We help you evaluate the right IdP, map user roles, configure SSO across core tools, and document change management so teams adopt it smoothly.

Who will we work with?

You’ll work directly with Harrier’s founder, Brian Birch, who leads all engagements end-to-end and coordinates any specialist contributors as needed.

Why are small businesses and nonprofits targeted so frequently by cyberattacks?

Small businesses and nonprofits are targeted because they hold valuable data but often lack dedicated security teams, mature defenses, and formal incident response plans, making them easier and faster targets.

How has AI increased cybersecurity risks for small organizations?

AI has enabled attackers to automate system scanning, generate realistic phishing messages, and tailor attacks at scale, increasing both the volume and effectiveness of cyber threats.

What is the fastest way for a small business to reduce cyber risk?

Enabling multi-factor authentication on all core systems, including email, cloud platforms, and databases, is one of the most effective immediate steps to reduce cyber risk.

Why are nonprofits more vulnerable to ransomware attacks?

Nonprofits often provide time-sensitive services and have limited tolerance for downtime, which increases pressure to restore systems quickly and makes them more likely to be targeted by ransomware operators.

What is shadow AI and why does it pose a security risk?

Shadow AI occurs when employees use public AI tools without oversight, potentially exposing sensitive business, donor, or customer data to external systems and increasing the risk of data leakage.

Why is cybersecurity for small businesses so much harder than it was in the past, and what can you do about it?

In the new paradigm of AI-enabled everything, micro-businesses (fewer than 50 employees) and nonprofit associations are now at the epicenter of risk when it comes to cyber security. Its been estimated that over 40% of all cyberattacks are specifically aimed at small organizations.

AI empowered bad guys

The rise of Generative AI has opened up doors for everyone. Unfortunately, that includes hackers and malcontents.

In late 2025, approximately 40% of phishing emails were identified as AI-generated, allowing attackers to craft context-aware, messages that bypass traditional human intuition. For a small team, the lack of rigid dual-authorization (think entering a password then getting a passcode texted to you, etc.) makes this highly effective.

Associations and microbusinesses are "soft targets"

Nonprofit associations have emerged as particularly vulnerable, experiencing a 57% year-over-year surge in attacks by November 2025. Adversaries view these groups as "soft targets" because they manage a "treasure trove" of information and are typically managed by small teams and fewer resources for tech.

Furthermore, organizations providing critical, time-sensitive services, such as food distribution or legal aid, have a low tolerance for downtime, which dramatically increases the likelihood of a ransom payout.

The gaps

The greatest risk to these organizations is not the technology itself, but a persistent "security poverty line" driven by psychological biases. Currently, 60% of small business owners believe they are "too small" to be a target, an assumption that leads directly to underinvestment. The statistics tell a different story: 56% of ransomware hits target businesses with fewer than 50 employees, and 73% of sole proprietors invest absolutely nothing in cybersecurity.

Cyberrisk psych image

Structurally, 52% of SMBs rely on a "DIY IT" model using untrained internal staff. This fragmented defense is easily overwhelmed by modern automated scanning tools that attempt to find unpatched systems 36,000 times per second. The stakes are existential.

Getting started

First, don’t panic. If you are overseeing tech or systems for a small organization, there are steps you can take to begin to lower your risk! It doesn’t have to be overwhelming or extremely cost-prohibitive; in fact, you have an advantage because you can move faster than large organizations with longer timelines to make decisions.

Survival in 2026 requires moving beyond basic hygiene.

Here are some simple steps you can take to manage your risk immediately:

Instruct your staff to not overshare about your tech stack in public digital spaces, keep it fairly general.
Implement multi-factor authentication [link] in core systems ASAP if you haven't already. Definitely begin implementing password storage, update and security protocols. This definitely includes your Google or Microsoft work accounts and other key systems like HubSpot or central databases.
Talk about cyber risk and phishing scams monthly with your team, including case studies of what happened and how.
Create a proactive plan of response and keep it updated, dust off that old business continuity plan and truly make it a living guide for fast and intelligent response to potential breaches.
Start discussions at the board level about potential threats, including member/stakeholder data breaches, potential ransom threats, and budgets for security long term.

Looking for even more security?

Phishing-resistant Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) via FIDO2 hardware keys is the gold standard in the corporate world. Because the threat landscape now exceeds the capacity of internal staff, transitioning to a Managed Service Provider (MSP) for proactive, behavior-based detection (EDR) is a robust way for small organizations to achieve professional-grade resilience.

Finally, as teams adopt AI tools for efficiency, they must guard against "Shadow AI." With 1 in 35 GenAI prompts carrying a high risk of sensitive data leakage, a single employee inputting donor details into a public AI model can inadvertently provide threat actors with the keys to the kingdom.

Harrier takeaway

Start with what you control, begin the dialog with staff and board, and create a phased plan to improve security and stay aware.

Sources

2026 Cybersecurity Alert (Harrier)
2025 OpenText Cybersecurity Threat Report
Microsoft Digital Defense Report 2025
CyberProof 2025 Mid-Year Cyber Threat Landscape Report
CISA Guidance for Civil Society
IBM X-Force 2025 Threat Intelligence Index
Guardz 2025 SMB Cybersecurity Report
2025 Cybersecurity Almanac
Total Assure 2025 Small Business Stats
Check Point Global Cyber Attacks Study
IBC Small Business Cyber Risk Report (Insurance Bureau of Canada)
The Micro-Business Cyber Crisis (Q4 2025 Strategic Analysis)
Nonprofit Cybersecurity Research and Mitigation (2025)
The Rapid Response Roadmap for Digital Defense

ai, small business, Brian Birch, risk

Why is cybersecurity for small businesses so much harder than it was in the past, and what can you do about it?

AI empowered bad guys

Associations and microbusinesses are "soft targets"

The gaps

Getting started

Looking for even more security?

Harrier takeaway

Sources

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Brian Birch

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Mission: Unleashing the full potential of small organizations & businesses.