What Does “Network Security” Really Cost?
When most families and small business owners think about network security, they picture the price tag on software or hardware. Maybe it’s a monthly subscription fee, or the one-time cost of a new router. But the real cost of network security isn’t just what you spend upfront—it’s also what you stand to lose if you don’t invest wisely.
In today’s always-connected world, the risks aren’t limited to stolen data or a hacked device. They touch your children’s safety, your family’s finances, your business reputation, and even your peace of mind.
The Hidden Price of Doing Nothing
The most expensive choice is often the one that feels “free.” Ignoring network security or trying to “get by” without it comes with costs that don’t show up until it’s too late:
- Data Breaches – A single compromise can wipe out customer trust and drain thousands of dollars in recovery.
- Identity Theft – Children are especially vulnerable. Stolen identities may go unnoticed for years, only to surface when they apply for a job or credit.
- Lost Productivity – When your home or business network is down, hours—or even days—are wasted resetting accounts and restoring systems.
- Emotional Stress – Parents trying to lock down YouTube, TikTok, or Roblox accounts at 2 a.m. know that frustration has a price too.
Doing nothing isn’t really free—it’s gambling with your family’s safety and your business’s stability.
The Direct Costs of Network Security
So, what does network security actually cost when you do it right? Here are the most common categories:
One-Time Setup
- Home Network Setup: A professional configuration for routers, devices, and parental controls usually runs $150–$400.
- Small Business Setup: For offices or entrepreneurs, costs can range from $500–$2,500+, depending on size and complexity.
Ongoing Subscriptions
- Antivirus & Firewall Software: $50–$150 per device, per year.
- Parental Control Apps: $5–$20 per month, per household.
- Managed Services: Ongoing support subscriptions typically range from $20–$100 per month, a fraction of what a single breach could cost.
DIY vs. Professional
- DIY can look cheaper on paper, but it often means hours of trial-and-error, incomplete setups, and no safety net when something breaks.
- Professional Support streamlines the process, locks things down properly, and gives you someone to call when new risks pop up.
Why Security Pays for Itself
A few hundred dollars invested now can prevent tens of thousands in losses later. But the return isn’t just financial:
- For Families: Peace of mind knowing your kids aren’t wandering into unsafe corners of the internet.
- For Homeschoolers: Confidence that lesson plans, shared devices, and online resources are safe and reliable.
- For Small Businesses: Protection of your reputation, avoidance of downtime, and the trust of your customers.
The value of security isn’t in the cost you see today—it’s in the crises you never have to face tomorrow.
Manning Network Services: Your Guardian for Online Safety
At Manning Network Services, we believe protecting your family or business online shouldn’t feel overwhelming. That’s why we make network security simple and accessible:
- Home Setup Packages – Affordable one-time configurations that lock down your devices.
- Homeschool & Family Bundles – Tailored solutions that balance safety and productivity.
- Small Business Packages – Professional protections scaled for entrepreneurs and home offices.
- Support Subscriptions – Ongoing help at a discounted rate, so you’re never left alone when new challenges arise.
We don’t just install—we educate and empower. Because the real cost of network security isn’t about the price of a service—it’s about protecting what matters most.
Take Action Today
If you’re asking yourself whether you can afford network security, try asking this instead:
Can you afford the risk of being without it?
Secure your family, protect your business, and enjoy peace of mind today.
👉 Contact Manning Network Services to learn more.
