When Sharing an Uber Feels Risky

When Sharing an Uber Feels Risky

There’s something uniquely awkward about sharing an Uber with a stranger. Maybe they’ve bathed in cologne. Maybe they’re glued to a loud phone call. Or maybe you’re sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with someone from a background or culture where tensions run deep — Ukrainian and Russian, Israeli and Iranian, you name it.

Either way, you’re in close quarters, with no control, until the ride ends.

The Cybersecurity Parallel

Business leaders often put themselves in the same situation — but digitally. They “share a ride” with technology partners, vendors, or even free tools without considering:

• What if this partner exposes us to risk?

• What if their security standards clash with ours?

• What if their mistakes drag us into reputational or financial danger?

Just like being stuck in the backseat, once you’re in, you can’t easily get out.

Choosing Your Co-Riders Carefully

In cybersecurity and IT resilience, the company you keep matters:

• SMBs often share networks or cloud platforms with third parties.

• Healthcare providers may depend on outsourced billing systems with access to patient data.

• Law firms handle sensitive client data but sometimes rely on vendors with weak controls.

• Schools share student information with multiple technology providers.

If those “ride-sharing” partners have poor cybersecurity, you’re exposed — even if your own systems are locked down.

How to Avoid a Bad Ride

An MSP can help you vet, monitor, and manage these relationships. That means:

• Building vendor risk assessments into your IT strategy.

• Enforcing standards like MFA and data encryption across all partners.

• Creating exit strategies so you’re not stuck when a vendor isn’t up to standard.

Awkward Uber rides end when the car stops.

Cybersecurity risks don’t.

Choose your digital co-riders wisely — and make sure your MSP is driving.

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70% of all cyber attacks target small businesses, I can help protect yours.

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