The recent disruption at a major grocery chain ahead of Thanksgiving was more than just an inconvenience—it was a wake-up call for businesses everywhere. A cyberattack left shelves empty and customers scrambling, forcing the company to race toward recovery. This crisis highlighted a critical lesson for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs): safeguarding your operations directly impacts your ability to thrive, especially during high-pressure times like the holiday season.
For Thanksgiving shoppers, the disruption was frustrating. For SMBs, it’s a powerful reminder that no business is immune to digital threats—and that cybersecurity matters for more than just tech companies. It’s about safeguarding what keeps your business running and what makes your customers trust you.
The Reality of Modern Risks
In today’s world, almost every business relies on technology to some extent. Whether it’s ordering inventory, scheduling appointments, or managing customer accounts, these systems are the backbone of daily operations. When cyberattacks disrupt systems, like the grocery chain’s automated stock replenishment, the effects ripple outward with devastating consequences. Delays, confusion, and unhappy customers are only the surface-level consequences.
For smaller businesses, the stakes are often even higher. You may not have the resources of a large corporation to bounce back quickly, and disruptions can feel personal—both to you and your loyal customers. But the good news is that even small steps toward improving security can make a huge difference.
Lessons in Preparedness
If there’s one thing to take away from this incident, it’s that preparation matters. Businesses, especially SMBs, can learn from this disruption by focusing on areas where simple actions can provide big protections:
- Stay Flexible
Just as shoppers adapted by visiting smaller markets or adjusting their holiday menus, businesses need contingency plans. Whether that’s keeping backups for key business data or ensuring key staff are trained to step in during a tech failure, flexibility can keep things moving during a crisis. - Double-Check Your Basics
Many cybersecurity threats take advantage of overlooked basics. Use strong, unique passwords, keep software up to date, and make sure your team knows how to spot phishing emails or scams. These small habits can be surprisingly effective. - Build Relationships
Just as community members supported one another during this grocery shortage, businesses benefit from strong partnerships. Talk to your vendors about their own security measures. When your partners are protected, so are you. - Think Long-Term
When systems fail, it’s tempting to focus only on getting things back to normal. But true resilience comes from looking at what went wrong and asking how to prevent it from happening again. A little time spent reviewing your vulnerabilities now can save you a lot of stress later.
A Reminder of What Matters Most
While the disruption was frustrating for shoppers, it also brought out a sense of creativity and community. Families turned to local farmers’ markets, tried new recipes, and found ways to make the holiday special despite the challenges. This resilience is something businesses can take to heart. When things go wrong—and they sometimes will—how you respond can make all the difference.
For SMBs, this isn’t just about technology. It’s about protecting what you’ve built: the trust of your customers, the livelihoods of your employees, and the mission that drives your business. Cybersecurity may not seem like a warm and fuzzy topic, but in many ways, it’s about caring for those connections and keeping them strong.
Moving Forward with Purpose
As you think about your own business, take a moment to consider how well-prepared you are for the unexpected. The world is full of challenges—some you can predict, others you can’t. But with the right mindset and a little preparation, you can weather almost anything.
This Thanksgiving season, let the challenges faced by one company serve as a reminder for all of us. Whether you’re protecting a family recipe or a family-run business, the goal is the same: to safeguard what matters and to move forward stronger. For businesses big and small, that’s something to be thankful for.
