The #1 Mistake Guaranteed to Lose You Customers(And How To Fix It)
I see it all the time.
Entrepreneurs pouring everything into growing their brand, making sales, and keeping things running—without realizing they’re leaving the back door wide open.
They don’t think about security until something goes wrong—an account gets hacked, customer data gets leaked, or payments start disappearing. And by then? It’s too late.
I’ve worked with people who’ve learned this lesson the hard way. But you don’t have to.
Because today, I’m going to show you exactly how to lock down your customer data before it becomes a problem.
The Mistake: Treating Customer Data Like an Afterthought
Let’s be honest. When you first started collecting emails, taking payments, or setting up accounts, you probably didn’t think much about security.
Maybe you stored customer details in a Google Sheet because it was quick and easy.
Maybe you used the same weak password for all your business tools because it was convenient.
Maybe you never thought twice about who else had access to your data.
It happens.
But here’s the reality: Every piece of customer data you handle is your responsibility.
And if that data gets hacked, stolen, or leaked, it’s not just your customers who suffer—you do too.
New for Paid Subscribers: Cyber Threat Alerts + Exclusive Privacy Tools
If you’re serious about protecting your business, you can try to tackling it on your own—or you can join a community that’s already one step ahead.
Paid subscribers get:
A copy of my book No BS Guide to Securing Your Network
Exclusive security guides & tools designed to protect you and your business.
Real-Time cyber threat alerts so you know exactly how to handle it.
First access to my Digital Detox Clinic, where I walk you through securing your online presence step by step.
If you’re ready to take control of your business security, upgrade your subscription here.
What Happens When Customer Data is Exposed?
I’ve seen this firsthand.
A friend of mine, who’s an online coach, had her business email hacked.
The attacker used it to send phishing emails to her client list, pretending to be her and requesting urgent payments for "last-minute coaching sessions."
Several of her paying clients were scammed out of hundreds of dollars.
By the time she regained control of her email, the damage was already done.
Some clients left.
Some demanded refunds for money they’d never actually sent to her.
Others no longer trusted working with her.
The worst part? This could have been prevented with one simple security setting.
And that’s why I’m breaking this down—so you can avoid making the same mistake.
How to Fix It (Without Overcomplicating Things)
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t be. Tightening up your security doesn’t have to be hard.
Here’s where to start:
1. Stop Storing Customer Data in Unsecured Places
Never store passwords, payment details, or customer info in Google Docs, Notion, or spreadsheets. These are easy to breach.
If you must store customer details, use a password-protected, encrypted database or a CRM designed with security in mind.
2. Lock Down Your Login Credentials
Use a password manager instead of reusing passwords across accounts.
Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) for any tool that handles customer payments or sensitive data.
Regularly audit who has access to your accounts—especially if you’ve worked with freelancers or VAs.
3. Secure Your Business Email
If hackers gain access to your email, they can reset passwords to your payment platforms, customer accounts, and store dashboards.
Use a business-only email separate from personal accounts.
Set up email filtering to catch phishing attempts before they reach your inbox.
📌Pro Tip:
I put together a free resource to help you implement these steps fast—Download my Data Protection Checklist here.
Want a Complete Business Privacy Strategy?
Tightening up security is step one—but to fully protect your business, you need a complete strategy that covers:
✅ How to prevent payment fraud and chargeback scams
✅ How to remove your business email from data broker lists (so scammers can’t find it)
✅ The exact privacy settings to change in your browser, apps, and tools to stop data leaks
That’s why I put together my Small Business Privacy Toolkit—a full system for locking down your online business and keeping customer data secure.
📥 GET THE TOOLKIT HERE
Final Thoughts: Your Business is Your Livelihood—Protect It
You’ve worked hard to build something meaningful.
You don’t have to be a cybersecurity expert.
You just need to take the right steps now to make sure your business, your customers, and your income are protected.
Start with the free Business Data Protection Checklist, and if you’re ready to go deeper, grab the Small Business Privacy Toolkit or join me as a paid subscriber.
📩 Which of these security mistakes have you made? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear how you’re protecting your business.
And if this post helped you, restack it so other business owners can stay secure too.