At the heart of a recent episode of SME Clinic, a programme aired on BusinessDay Television (BDTV), seasoned professionals from a wide range of industries shared valuable experiences, actionable strategies, and practical guidance designed to help entrepreneurs build businesses that are resilient, profitable, and adaptable, regardless of prevailing economic conditions.
One of the prominent contributors featured on the episode was Oluwatomi Obinna Alagbe, an experienced software engineer at Malwarebytes, Inc., who for the past 4-5 years has been focused with the company on cyber security.
Alagbe explained that cybersecurity is a critical consideration for businesses and operates on multiple levels. According to him, it is not only about protecting customers from external threats, but also about safeguarding how customer data is collected, stored, and managed, alongside protecting sensitive internal company information. He stressed that for cybersecurity measures to be truly effective, businesses must prioritise awareness, sensitisation, and continuous education around digital security. This, he noted, is why organisations that understand the risks associated with weak cybersecurity often invest in training their employees, ensuring that everyone understands their role in maintaining a secure digital environment.
Alagbe acknowledged that during economic downturns, many businesses may struggle to afford formal cybersecurity training programmes, which are often costly. However, he emphasised that this challenge is no longer an excuse for ignoring security concerns. He pointed out that cybersecurity information, best practices, and guidelines are now widely available and easily accessible online. With the abundance of free and low-cost resources, business owners can independently research effective security practices and implement those that best suit their operations. Despite this accessibility, he still strongly advised companies to conduct a comprehensive security audit at least once a year. Such audits, he explained, help organisations confirm that cybersecurity measures are not only in place but are also being applied correctly and efficiently.
To make his point clearer, he shared relatable examples of basic yet effective security policies that businesses can enforce. These include discouraging employees from taking official documents home, restricting the use of company infrastructure for personal activities, and establishing clear internal rules around data access and usage. He noted that these seemingly simple measures can significantly reduce security risks when consistently enforced.
Speaking further, he stated that protecting customer data through cybersecurity is where industry standards begin to take shape. According to him, different sectors and business models require different cybersecurity tools and solutions, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. What matters most is that business owners identify tools and systems that align with their specific industry needs and operational structure.
Oluwatomi also encouraged entrepreneurs not to be discouraged by the current economic climate. He described this period as one of the best times to venture into business, despite it being labelled as challenging. He explained that information which previously required paid consultants and experts is now readily available at the click of a button. What is required, he said, is the ability to apply intelligence, think strategically, and execute effectively.
In his closing remarks, Alagbe observed that while the barriers to starting a business are now significantly lower, expectations around quality have risen sharply. As a result, he urged entrepreneurs to focus on delivering exceptional quality in their products and services. He also advised business owners to remain actively involved in their businesses, maintain focus, and cultivate genuine passion for what they do, regardless of how advanced AI tools become. According to him, combining quality, commitment, and smart use of technology is what ultimately leads to sustainable growth and meaningful results.
