Everyday Devices Are Creating New Cyber Risks for Seattle Small Businesses

Seattle's small businesses rely on connected technology for nearly every part of their daily operations. Restaurants process digital payments, retailers monitor security cameras, and professional firms use online tools to manage customer information.

Those connections help businesses serve customers, but they also create opportunities for cybercriminals. A compromised browser, router, or point-of-sale system can expose information and disrupt business operations.

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Washington law establishes responsibilities for protecting personal information and responding to qualifying data breaches. Seattle businesses may also face added requirements from customers, insurers, contracts, and industry regulations.

Comcast Business's newly released 2026 Cybersecurity Threat Report makes it clear that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility and a risk for small businesses in Seattle.

The report analyzed 79.3 billion cybersecurity events over the past year, which is roughly 2,514 per second. In Small Business Month 2026 (May) alone, Comcast Business blocked threats targeting small businesses at an average rate of more than 230 per second.

Everyday Business Technology Can Become an Entry Point

Cybercriminals are moving away from breaking into accounts, devices, and networks and instead using legitimate logins or taking over everyday devices not immediately thought of as a cyber risk.

Building devices like security cameras outside a storefront, routers in the back office, TVs providing entertainment for customers, and point-of-sale (POS) systems are often unprotected and are becoming low-lift tools for hackers to exploit in attacks.

These risks can affect many businesses across Seattle, including neighborhood restaurants, shops, medical offices, and professional service firms. Any connected device can become an opening when it lacks adequate protection.

Phishing emails and drive-by compromise attacks are some of the most common routes for attackers to gain entry, with 25.4 billion and 21.9 billion attempts over the past year, respectively.

The report also found 5.8 million attempts to gain control of employee browsers, underscoring that the cyberattack surface has grown to include everyday tools and devices.

Practical Protection Does Not Require a Large IT Department

Fortunately, small businesses can protect themselves with simple steps, even without the budget or IT team of a large enterprise. Practical steps, including securing every device, implementing stronger password mandates, and training employees to spot attacks like phishing, can keep small businesses from becoming victims.

Also, choosing a network provider with built-in threat protection and consistent monitoring helps business owners stay on top of security. It's more important than ever for small businesses in Seattle to use this Cybersecurity Awareness Month as a reminder that cybersecurity is a shared, year-round responsibility.

Through protective measures and a trusted connectivity partner, small business owners can stay focused on running their business.

For more information, read the 2026 Comcast Business Cybersecurity Threat Report

Disclaimer: Andy Colley is a senior director and copywriter for Comcast NBCUniversal in the Pacific Northwest.