Cyber Threats to Businesses Are Skyrocketing. Is Your SMB Secure?

Summary: This 3-minute article explores the unprecedented level of cyberattacks on small to midsized businesses and the types of attacks hackers are using most. Contact DIGIGUARD CYBER SECURITY at 833-33-CYBER (833-332-9237) or visit www.DIGIGUARDsecurity.com to schedule a cyber risk analysis and discuss the best cyber threat protection possible for your SMB.

Small to midsized business owners often believe that hackers wouldn’t be interested in their business because of its size. However, small businesses might be connected to enormous amounts of data or do business with much larger companies with vast databases. Also, SMBs in a high compliance position are legally responsible for keeping their clients’ private data secure. Ironically, cybercriminals see smaller businesses as the “low-hanging fruit.” Unfortunately, because SMBs don’t always take cyber security seriously enough, hackers have found many nefarious ways to breach their data.

Cyber Risks

Business IT Security is not a simple matter. The expansive remote-access workforce and the ongoing popularity of smart devices have made businesses more vulnerable than ever to cyberattacks. Here are the most prevalent types:

• Phishing Attacks – Phishing is the most widespread cyber threat to small to midsized businesses. Of late, 85-90% of attacks on smaller companies are phishing attacks. That percentage continues to grow year after year. In the most common phishing attack, the hacker creates the illusion they are a trusted source or contact. The disguised credentials are intended to get the user to download a malicious file, impulsively click on a link or prompt the user to share account information or sensitive private data. Phishing attacks become more advanced every year and are more likely than ever to trick users into opening the door to a data breach. The most frustrating and hard to control aspect of a phishing attack is that it targets the naivete and impulsivity of the user, not weaknesses in cyber defenses.
• Malware – Malicious software or Malware is also a major threat to the cyber security of SMBs. Hackers create malicious code that can help them gain access to networks and destroy or steal data. Malware is usually planted through website downloads, connections to other infected devices and spam emails. As always, cybercriminals count on the impulsivity of users’ clicking before checking the authenticity of emails, websites, etc. As a result, small to midsized businesses can be brought to a grinding halt because malware can infect, corrupt and cripple devices necessary to operate them.
• Ransomware Attacks – Ransomware has now become one of the most prevalent cyberattacks. Hackers encrypt a company’s data with ransomware, holding it “hostage” until a ransom is paid. Generally, a ransom is demanded by a specific deadline or the ransom is doubled. If the ransom is paid, the hacker promises to decrypt and free up the company’s data. However, there is no guarantee that cyberthief will honor their word and payment emboldens hackers to launch future ransomware attacks.
• Insider Threats – Insider threats come from the actions of employees or individuals with a close connection to the company. Insider threats can be initiated by greedy or disgruntled employees, untrained users or simple user carelessness. These threats may be intentional or accidental. Either way, they can be deadly to an SMB.
  • Use of Weak Passwords – Employee users are often the weakest link in protecting against cyberattacks. Companies may take cyber security seriously but do not always educate their employees about cyber security best practices. Easy-to-guess passwords, especially those used on many different accounts, create a vulnerability on which hackers can capitalize. It is estimated that almost 20% of business users use the same easy passwords on multiple platforms.

SMBs would be wise to invest in the expertise of a cyber security firm because securing private business data is vitally important and a multi-layered task far beyond the knowledge of the average user.

Get a DIGIGUARD Cyber Risk Analysis

As your business grows, expands its network and adds more devices such as smart controls, wireless access and remote access, your network vulnerability grows, too. DIGIGUARD specializes in proactive cyber security and network security and has a wide array of solutions for small and midsized businesses to defend against cyberattacks and other network data breaches. They are cyber security experts who can ensure your confidential business and financial data has the best protection possible. Furthermore, they can establish cyber security best practices and train your employees so they do not inadvertently open your company to a cyberattack. DIGIGUARD’s services in cyber security are up to the minute and cost-effective and will enable SMB owners to concentrate on operating their businesses without fear of a data breach.

Cyber Threat Protection

In addition to helping you defend against or recover from cybercrimes, DIGIGUARD can provide solutions that offer early detection of potential cyber threats before they happen. Furthermore, DIGIGUARD can assess your cyber vulnerability and work with you to ensure you have the best network and data protection solutions for your business.

Contact DIGIGUARD CYBER SECURITY at 833-33-CYBER (833-332-9237) www.DIGIGUARDsecurity.com to discuss the prevention of cyberattacks and other cyber defense protocols to protect your hard-earned business data and stay current as new and more powerful protections are developed.