IT Security Small Business Cyberattacks: Can You Stop Them?

Summary: Small businesses must prioritize their budgets, and they often don’t make computer cyber security a top-line item. That’s unfortunate because insufficient cyber defenses can expose businesses to online threats, some of which can lead to large financial losses or bankruptcy. Learn how the right cyber defense solutions can protect a small or midsize business (SMB) from devastating cyberattacks.

Hackers work full-time to develop new ways to attack small businesses, and no organization is too small to target. Cybercriminals often view small businesses as low-hanging fruit because of their limited resources and weak cyber defenses. Many SMB owners get caught up in the day-to-day operation of their businesses and neglect the computer and network cyber security required to protect their hard-earned business data. As a result, IT security small business strategies must evolve to protect:

• Critical Data – Every business possesses various types of data critical to operations. Items like inventory, client databases, proprietary designs and information, as well as employee and client private data are essential to daily and long-term productivity.
• Systems – Compromised systems can bring operations to a halt for weeks or months.
• Customer Trust – Businesses work hard to build a strong professional reputation. Customers and business associates must trust a company’s cyber security is comprehensive enough to protect their interests. A severe cyberattack can undermine years of trust-building or compromise connected networks.

Understanding how attackers operate is the first step toward building stronger defenses.

Learning the most common cyberattack methods aimed at small businesses provides insights on how to guard against them.

Q: Why are small businesses attractive targets for cybercriminals?

A: Small businesses often have limited resources and weak cyber defenses, making them easy targets for hackers seeking access to valuable company and client data.

What Makes Phishing Emails So Dangerous for Small Businesses?

Phishing is one of the most common cyberattack methods. Phishing emails are tricky because they:

• Appear legitimate
• Mimic familiar companies or internal communication
• Trick employees into clicking on malicious links or sharing sensitive information
• Phishing Hacker Goals:
  • Harvesting login credentials
  • Capturing banking information
  • Deploying malware via attachments
• Phishing Defense Tips:
  • Train employees to recognize suspicious emails
  • Use email filtering systems

Q: How does phishing threaten small businesses?

A: Phishing emails mimic legitimate messages to trick employees into revealing sensitive information or clicking malicious links, leading to credential theft or malware infections. Untrained employees are far more likely to hand over login and password credentials.

How Can Ransomware Bring Down a Business?

Ransomware attacks have become one of the biggest threats to small businesses. Averaging $115,000 per attack, they are dangerous because they encrypt a company’s data then demand payment to unlock it. Newer ransomware attacks include contacting clients directly and threatening to expose their data unless a ransom is paid by them, too. That’s why defending against ransomware attacks is vital for data protection. The impact of ransomware can be devastating and lead to a company closing its doors permanently.

• Ransomware Prevention and Recovery
  • Endpoint detection systems – Every device connected to the network is a potentially vulnerable endpoint. All endpoints must be locked down to help secure the network and other connected devices
  • Ransomware detection tools – Machine learning helps monitoring tools detect unusual activity, such as large downloads taking place during odd hours
  • Secure backups – Producing clean and secure backups daily (stored offsite) can help a business get back up and running after a malware attack. After the network is cleared of dangerous malware and secured, a clean copy can be reloaded and productivity can resume

Q: Why is updating software essential for cybersecurity?

A: Hackers are aware of software vulnerabilities. Outdated software has exploitable vulnerabilities that allow attackers to install malware or gain unauthorized access. Automatic updates and patch management can help prevent this.

Do Weak Passwords Put a Company at Risk?

Yes. Weak or reused passwords provide easy access to cybercriminals and are often leaked through other data breaches. Hackers buy large data sets of passwords on the dark web, often for less than a dollar each. Strong, unique passwords are the first line of defense in cyber protection.

Password Attack Techniques Include:

• Automated password-guessing tools that scan through millions of possible combinations of characters, or try thousands of passwords at once using software
• Use of known password combinations from past data leaks

Password Security Measures:

• Use multi-factor authentication (MFA)
• Create and enforce strong password policies
• Supply employees with a password manager and make its use mandatory

What Happens If Companies Don’t Update Their Software?

Unpatched and outdated software leaves vulnerabilities open for exploitation and allows attackers to install malware or gain access.

Outdated Software Solutions:

• Set up automatic updates
• Regularly audit software for updates
• Use managed services for automated patch management

Can You Outsmart a Social Engineering Attack?

Social engineering attacks rely on human manipulation and include tactics such as fear, urgency, or pretending to be someone in authority at your company to trick users into divulging sensitive data such as passwords to email or financial accounts, fund transfer authorizations or file access.

Methods of Social Engineering:

• Phone calls
• Emails
• Text messages
• In-person interactions

Defenses Against Social Engineering Attacks:

• Employee security awareness training
• Support reporting of errors or suspicions
• Avoid shaming or blaming
• Establish verification protocols
• Have a written data security policy in place

Could an Insider Threat Be Hiding in Your Company?

Insider threats can come from disgruntled employees or careless staff members. They may be accidental or intentional in nature and can include employees copying or downloading information before they exit the company for a new job.

Insider Threat Risks include:

• Data leaks – sharing private company data with competitors or hackers
• Unauthorized access to private or sensitive information

Defense Against Insider Threats:

• Role-based access control. For example, graphic artists do not require access to accounting data to perform their jobs
• Monitor system activity for access attempts, printing or data downloads
• Use professional cyber security monitoring tools

Is Your WiFi Opening the Door to Hackers?

Cyber security and network security are key to cyber defense. Common issues for small companies are unsecured or improperly secured networks and insecure guest networks. Network and web security is always crucial. Unsecured networks allow hackers to intercept sensitive data and gain access to internal systems.

Another concern is employees logging in to the network from unsecure or public WiFi. Provide employees with a virtual private network (VPN) so they can work remotely without compromising the network.

Best practices include:

• Encrypting WiFi with WPA3
• Separating guest and business networks
• Using VPNs when networks are unsecured

How Does Malware Infiltrate Small Business Systems?

Many types of malware can infect a network. They include viruses, spyware, adware, trojans and worms. They may launch through email attachments, malicious websites and software downloads. By using robust antivirus software (not the free type that comes with a computer) and real-time threat monitoring and detection by IT experts, SMBs can reduce the chances of a malware attack and reduce the amount of damage if one does occur.

Are Cloud Misconfigurations Leaving Your Data Exposed?

Misconfigured cloud systems can expose private customer data to the public and provide easier access to hackers. Here are a few ways to avoid cloud misconfigurations:

• Conduct regular security audits and assessments
• Use cloud configuration tools
• Enforce strong cloud security practices

Can Third-Party Vendors Compromise Your Cybersecurity?

Yes. Network security must include your third-party partners. Contractors with access to company systems or data (such as accountants, suppliers and others) can open the door to a cyberattack, intentionally or accidentally. SMBs must ensure that their business associates have proof of comprehensive cyber defenses. All entities with access to the network must be compliant.

What Are the Best Ways to Strengthen Small Business IT Security?

An important proactive cyber security step every small business should take includes hiring the best computer security companies who can provide:

• Security Audits:
  • Regularly assess vulnerabilities
  • Hire professional cyber security experts (not just IT providers) to conduct tests using updated tools and best practices for your industry sector.
• Employee Training:
  • Educate staff on phishing and social engineering. Adhering to cyber security best practices across your small business can help eliminate or mitigate cyber threats. Over 90% of cyber attacks start with an employee clicking on a malicious link.
  • Help employees understand what cybercriminals are looking for
• Backup and Recovery:
  • Back up data offsite or in the cloud
  • Test recovery plans and data in storage
• Firewall and Antivirus Solutions:
  • Invest in integrated network and endpoint security
  • Access Management:
  • Restrict access using least-privilege principles
  • Monitor login activity and alerts
• Incident Response Plan:
  • Prepare a step-by-step breach plan
  • Include legal and communication responsibilities

How Do Companies Choose the Best Computer Cybersecurity Partner for Their SMB?

The best computer security companies provide services tailored to a business’s needs and budget, including managed services for companies without IT staff and 24/7/365 monitoring.

Q: How can small businesses strengthen overall IT security?

A: By conducting regular security audits, training employees, managing access, investing in antivirus/firewall solutions, backing up data and having an incident response plan. Computer security companies can provide all those services, and managed services are more affordable than an in-house security officer.

What’s the Final Word on IT Security Small Business Protection?

Cyber threats are not going away – they are on the rise. However, businesses can bolster their IT security and small business protection by partnering with a professional computer cyber security provider. These experts stay informed about the latest attack methods and implement strong internal security controls. Cyber security is an ongoing commitment rather than a one-time effort. However, with solid strategies, small businesses can operate securely and confidently in today’s connected world.

Take proactive steps now to avoid the devastation and disruption of a cyberattack. Affordable managed services are now within reach of the smallest companies. These outsourced services are typically charged “per seat.” Basic cybersecurity costs a small fraction of the cost of a single cyberattack, making it an excellent way to reduce risk and protect valuable company and client data.