166- Let's Talk About Cyber Security in your Small Business

Most interior designers and small business owners believe cybersecurity is something they will deal with later or that their business is simply too small to be of interest to hackers.

That assumption is no longer true.

In this episode of The Business of Beautiful Spaces, Laura sits down with Jason deCourcy, founder of Xoomler, to uncover the real reason small businesses, solo entrepreneurs, and one-person design firms are now the primary target for cybercriminals.

Hackers have changed their strategy. Instead of going after large corporations with robust security teams, they’re intentionally targeting small businesses that lack dedicated IT resources and ongoing security monitoring. Even more alarming, many attacks are not immediate. Hackers often gain access quietly, stay hidden, learn how your business operates, identify your clients, and wait for the right moment to exploit vulnerabilities.

Jason breaks down what’s really happening behind the scenes and explains why interior designers are especially vulnerable due to the sensitive client information, financial data, and communication systems they manage every day.

This conversation is not about fear. It’s about awareness, prevention, and protecting the business you’ve worked so hard to build.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why small businesses and solo entrepreneurs are the perfect target for cybercrime
• How hackers infiltrate businesses quietly and stay hidden
• What types of data cybercriminals are really after and why your clients’ information matters
• Why basic antivirus software is no longer enough
• The real cost of downtime for a small business
• Practical steps you can take to protect your business and your clients
• How proactive

In just one focused hour, we’ll dive into whatever you need most—pricing strategies, client management, attracting high-end clients or building repeat business. You’ll get clarity, strategy, and expert advice based on my 27+ years of running a thriving, seven-figure design firm.

This is your chance to get real answers to the questions you’ve been dying to ask—from someone who’s actually been there.

Book your session as you need it—no strings attached.

Step-by-step guides, AI Chat GPT Made Simple and Claude Made Simple, start at the very beginning and then walk you through building your own role-based AI assistants, complete with prompts, checklists, and plug-and-play workflows you can implement immediately. 
Get both guides (and more designer resources) here: https://thebusinessofbeautifulspaces.com/designer-resources

Be sure to follow along on Instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces + @thorntondesign to stay up to date on what we're talking about next week. If you love our podcast, please, please, please leave us a review. If you have any questions or topic ideas OR you wish to be a guest email us thebusinessofbeautifulspaces@gmail.com or find us on instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces

Laura Thornton is the  principle designer of Thornton Design Inc, located in Kleinburg, ON.  Since founding the company in 1999, Laura has been committed to creating a new kind of interior design experience for her clients. Thornton Design is an experienced team of creative talents, focused on curating beautiful residential and commercial spaces in the Toronto, Ontario area and beyond. Now sharing all the years of experience with other interior designers to create a world of collaboration and less competition. 

The Business of Beautiful Spaces  I @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces
Thornton Design                                      I @thorntondesign