You may think that, because you operate a small business, cybercriminals won’t target you for a breach. But, almost 43% of cyber attacks are directed at small businesses, according to Symantec. That means you have to take cyber security solutions seriously.
Cyber attacks hurt everyone who gets hit, but small businesses without much cushion to fall back on might be crippled or face a terminal situation. Considering how evolved the attacks have become and how frequently they occur, taking a fresh look at your cyber security protocols is a good idea.
Why Me?
Small businesses have become a target because hackers assume small businesses have a weak perimeter, often due to old antivirus software, systems, and applications that haven’t been updated with the latest security measures.
Small businesses often don’t monitor their user accounts and system activity, which means an attack can go unnoticed for a long time. Furthermore, some small businesses educate their employees about vulnerabilities, but a majority don’t, which makes the employee the weak link.
How They Do It
Email is a go-to method for introducing something malicious into your system because as we said, most employees aren’t aware of the dangers that lurk in seemingly innocuous emails. This goes for password hygiene as well. If employees aren’t held accountable for their passwords, the hackers have easier access.
Malware is a common virus introduced to your system where it will perform unauthorized functions. This can lead to a severe bogging down of your workflow, which limits employee productivity.
Spyware, phishing, botnets, and ransomware are all common devices used by cybercriminals to work against you and give them the upper hand — so how can you fight them?
Improving Security
For starters, all employees need to create more complex usernames and passwords. Almost 70% of users do not do this, which creates a huge opening through which hackers can enter.
Always update your antivirus software when notified — don’t put it off. Now that you know you’re a target, jump on every notification and always be on the lookout for better antivirus solutions.
Lock down your administrative access. Don’t give it to low-level employees — only give it to those who need access to high-level data. Some operating systems will give you an indication of how strong or weak your usernames and passwords are for these accounts, so heed the advice it gives you.
Partnering Smarter
At Diversified Technology Group, we offer managed IT and security services to keep your data secure regardless of the circumstances. Contact us and let’s talk about the many solutions that can lock down your cyber security strategies.