Cyber-attacks affect companies of all sizes. You might think that because you’re a small business, or a start-up, you aren’t an attractive target for hackers, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. High profile data breaches hit the news, but there are thousands of smaller breaches that don’t. 

The fact is, small businesses are at greater risk of cyber attacks for a number of reasons, but the consequences can be even more catastrophic as many of these businesses don’t have the resources to withstand the financial impact. 

Why Are Small Businesses Most at Risk?

When you’re a small business or a start-up, you often don’t have the resources to invest in turnkey cybersecurity. This, coupled with employees who may not have been trained to recognize potential threats, makes you the ideal target for cyberattacks. 

Many businesses will be working on out-of-date software and will not have the necessary policies in place regarding things like two-factor authentication and password security. 

What Cyber Threats Are Small Businesses Most at Risk From?

Phishing

Phishing is used to collect your private data such as passwords or financial information. This is often collected through emails. These emails are increasingly sophisticated and official-looking compared to many you may have seen in the past. 

Malware

Once it has reached your IT system, Malware can introduce viruses into your system or place spyware or ransomware to collect sensitive data. Companies with no backup and disaster recovery services are more likely to pay to get their information back. 

What a Good Cybersecurity Policy Can Do for Your Business

By now the importance of good cyber security should be clear. Consult with a specialist IT company to get your business protected now. They will be able to design and implement a robust security policy that includes: 

Audit & Risk Assessment

A full 360 of your existing systems and data. This will pinpoint any weaknesses in your cyber security. 

Network & Software Implementation

Once a cybersecurity plan has been drafted, your IT partner can install and configure all of the systems you need in place to keep your systems safe. 

Backups & Security

Having a backup and disaster recovery service offsite is a good idea for any business. In case of cyber attack or damage to the office, all data is securely held in another location. 

Proactively Manage Your Systems

There’s no quick fix band aid for your security. It is an ongoing process. Working with a specialist provider will allow them to proactively monitor your system, identify any issues, and patch any holes before they even become a threat. 

Train Employees 

The best cybersecurity system in the world will fail if people aren’t trained in following the policies that underpin it. Educating employees how to spot suspicious activity, use two-factor-authentication, and follow good password management is the cornerstone of keeping your business safe. This training should be ongoing, not something that is covered briefly in an induction and then never spoken about again. 

In Summary

Every business is a potential target, no matter their size. Being small can often make you seem like an easier target, which is why it’s vital to prioritize your cybersecurity.