A common misconception is that hackers are only looking to steal from large businesses with a lot to lose. According to the US National Cyber Security Alliance, not only are small businesses growing as the favored targets for ransomware attacks, they are also the most impacted, with 60 percent shutting down within six months of a breach. Small-to-midsize businesses (SMB) need to realize that their simple firewall or anti-virus software may not be enough to keep their business in the clear.

Possibly the reason behind the increase in small business attacks could be directly related to the false sense of security that small business owners have. When interviewed, most small business owners answered that they believed their cybersecurity was above average but that needed improvement. But yet, small and mid-sized businesses are hit by 62 percent of all cyber-attacks, about 4,000 per day, according to IBM.

If you are operating under the illusion that your business won’t be targeted then you have some work to do. Start by making sure you have a back up method in place in case you are struck by ransomeware. The average cost demanded by cybercriminals is in the thousands, so instead of having to pay to recover your data, make sure it is properly backed up. Make sure all the tools that you are using to prevent virus & to prevent hackers from gaining entry are working. Be attentive to the patching and scanning of your systems so that a breach doesn’t become an insider error.

It is well known in cybersecurity that defenders (small business owners) have the tougher job. All the cybercriminal has to do is find one tiny crack in your defense and they can get in. It is also highly unlikely for a small business to have a full time IT officer, which is resulting in a trend towards outsourcing your IT. It’s important to invest in your security just as much as it is to invest in your product or services. They all coincide.

Assuming that an attacker has nothing to gain from your small business can literally lead to the demise of your company. Don’t be uninformed or unprepared when it comes to your cybersecurity, it needs to be taken seriously. Let our IT consultants at Andrews & Associates know if you need an assessment or help upping your security game, thats what we are her for.