Cybersecurity on a Shoestring: Free Stuff That Actually Works
Small businesses don’t need a six‑figure security budget, a SOC full of hoodie‑wearing analysts, or a PhD in “Advanced Threat Matrix Quantum Zero‑Trust Blockchain.” You just need a handful of free (or cheap) things that actually move the needle — and won’t make your accountant cry.
Here are the 7 categories of free security goodness that genuinely help small businesses stay out of the breach headlines.
1. Vulnerability Scanners (a.k.a. “Find the Holes Before the Bad Guys Do”)
You don’t need to buy a $5,000 vulnerability scanner to discover that your server is still running Java from the Jurassic period. These free scanners do the job surprisingly well:
OpenVAS / Greenbone Vulnerability Manager — Free
https://www.kali.org/blog/openvas-vulnerability-scanning/
A full‑featured scanner built into Kali Linux. Great for internal scans, authenticated checks, and catching the “oops, we forgot to patch that” moments.
OWASP ZAP — Free
A powerful web app scanner perfect for WordPress sites, client portals, and anything your developer swore was “secure because we used HTTPS.”
Qualys FreeScan — Free
https://www.qualys.com/forms/freescan/
A limited but reliable external vulnerability scan from a major enterprise vendor. Think of it as a free sample — but useful.
Why this matters:
Attackers love low‑hanging fruit. These tools help you find it first.
2. Free Windows Security Hardening Tools (Microsoft Stuff You Already Own but Probably Aren’t Using)
Microsoft quietly gives you some fantastic security tools… and then hides them like Easter eggs.
Microsoft LAPS — Free
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/identity/laps/laps-overview
Automatically rotates local admin passwords and stores them safely in AD. No more “LocalAdmin123!” living forever.
Group Managed Service Accounts (gMSA) — Free
Eliminates shared service account passwords — one of the biggest lateral‑movement gifts you can give an attacker.
Why this matters:
These tools close common attack paths without buying anything new. You just have to turn them on.
3. Multi‑Factor Authentication on a Budget
MFA is still the single highest‑impact control you can deploy. And no, SMS codes are not “good enough.”
AuthLite — Affordable
Adds modern MFA to on‑prem Active Directory without forcing you into Azure AD or a full identity overhaul.
Duo Security (Free Tier) — Free for up to 10 users
Simple, reliable MFA for VPNs, cloud apps, and on‑prem systems. If your team is small, this is a no‑brainer.
Why this matters:
Stolen passwords are still the #1 way attackers get in. MFA stops most of that nonsense.
4. CISA’s No‑Cost Cybersecurity Services (Yes, the Government Gives Out Free Security Stuff)
CISA offers enterprise‑grade services for exactly $0.00. No catch. No upsell. No “limited trial.”
CISA No‑Cost Cybersecurity Services — Free
https://www.cisa.gov/resources-tools/resources/no-cost-cybersecurity-services-and-tools
Includes:
External attack surface scanning
Vulnerability notifications
Cybersecurity Performance Goals (CPG) assessment
Protective DNS (for eligible orgs)
Why this matters:
You get continuous monitoring and expert guidance without hiring a consultant.
5. Free Cybersecurity Training & Awareness (That Doesn’t Suck)
Security awareness training doesn’t have to be boring, expensive, or involve stock photos of people pointing at whiteboards.
NCSC UK – Top Tips for Staff (SCORM‑Compliant) — Free
https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/information/top-tips-for-staff
Includes downloadable SCORM modules you can drop into your LMS.
SANS OUCH! Newsletter — Free
https://www.sans.org/newsletters/ouch
Monthly, plain‑language security awareness content you can share with staff.
SANS Cyber Aces — Free
https://www.sans.org/cyberaces
Foundational cybersecurity training for beginners — surprisingly good for zero dollars.
Why this matters:
Your people are your biggest attack surface. Training them shouldn’t require a second mortgage.
6. Free Security Frameworks & Checklists (Your Roadmap to “We Actually Have a Security Program”)
These aren’t tools, but they’re essential for building a security program without hiring a vCISO.
NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) — Free
https://www.nist.gov/cyberframework
A practical roadmap for identifying risks, prioritizing controls, and improving maturity.
CIS Controls — Free
https://www.cisecurity.org/controls
A prioritized list of security actions tailored for small and medium‑sized businesses.
CIS Benchmarks — Free
https://www.cisecurity.org/cis-benchmarks
CIS provides hardening benchmarks for everything — Windows, Linux, Microsoft 365, Apache, Docker, you name it. If it runs software, CIS probably has a benchmark for it.
Why this matters:
These frameworks give you structure, clarity, and a plan — without paying for a consultant.
7. Bonus Tools Worth Your Time
These didn’t fit neatly into the categories above, but they’re too good not to mention.
Have I Been Pwned — Free for Domain Owners
https://haveibeenpwned.com/DomainSearch
Get alerts when employee emails show up in breaches.
Bitwarden (Free Tier) — Free
A secure password manager with a generous free plan.
Microsoft Security Baselines — Free
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-security-baselines
Pre‑built GPOs for hardening Windows systems.
Final Thoughts (a.k.a. “Yes, You Can Actually Afford Security”)
Small businesses don’t need enterprise budgets to build real security. You just need the right mix of free tools, smart defaults, and a little consistency.
If you’re wondering where to start — or want expert eyes on your setup before something breaks — that’s exactly what we do at Actionable Security.
We offer clear, practical cybersecurity assessments and advisory services tailored for small businesses. No fear‑mongering. No jargon. Just real insights that help you fix what matters.
Ready to level up your security without leveling your budget?
Let’s talk.
#CybersecurityOnABudget #FreeStuffThatActuallyWorks #SmallBizSecurity
