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In a world where business is increasingly conducted online, small business owners must prioritize cybersecurity. With limited resources and expertise, they often become prime targets for cybercriminals. AI is helping the bad guys cast a wide net, and they are increasingly targeting smaller businesses because they know proper defenses are rarely in place.
Understanding the risks and preparing accordingly can mean the difference between thriving and becoming another statistic. Understanding what risks are out there is a good first step, so we have outlined 10 items that produce risk for a business, and added a way to mitigate that risk.
Cybersecurity Risk 1: Phishing Attacks Phishing attacks cleverly mimic legitimate requests for sensitive information. To combat this, invest in regular training sessions that include the latest phishing techniques and how to report suspected attacks.
Cybersecurity Risk 2: Poor Password Practices Strong passwords are a formidable barrier against unauthorized access. Encourage employees to use complex passwords, change them regularly, and never reuse them across multiple sites.
Cybersecurity Risk 3: Unprotected Wi-Fi Networks Your business's Wi-Fi can be a gateway for cyber attacks. Use WPA3 encryption, regularly update router firmware, and consider a separate network for guests.
Cybersecurity Risk 4: Lack of Regular Software Updates Cyber threats evolve rapidly, and outdated software is vulnerable. Implement a policy for regular updates and consider managed IT services to handle this process.
Cybersecurity Risk 5: Insider Threats Insider threats can be as damaging as external attacks. Conduct background checks, implement least privilege access, and monitor for unusual activity.
Cybersecurity Risk 6: Ransomware Ransomware can halt business operations. To protect yourself, regularly back up data, educate employees on the dangers of suspicious links, and invest in ransomware-specific security solutions.
Cybersecurity Risk 7: Malware Infections From keyloggers to spyware, malware comes in many forms. Invest in comprehensive anti-malware software, and establish a routine for scanning and removal.
Cybersecurity Risk 8: Inadequate Data Backups Data loss can be devastating. Implement automated backups, regularly test restoration processes, and store backups in multiple locations, including off-site.
Cybersecurity Risk 9: Supply Chain Attacks These attacks target less secure contractors within your supply chain and use them as an entry point into your network. Regularly update and patch all systems interconnected with supply chain processes and implement strict data access controls.
Cybersecurity Risk 10: Human Error Human error is a significant risk factor. Security awareness training should cover how to identify threats, the importance of reporting incidents, and safe online practices. Encourage a culture where security is everyone's responsibility.
Conclusion: Cybersecurity is complex and often too technical for those without specialized training. A Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) can provide the expertise and continuous protection your small business needs, freeing you to focus on what you do best—growing your business.
What Should You Do? Don't wait for a breach to occur. You can proactively defend your business with a variety of tactics. Here are the first three steps to take: 1) Understand your risk - the sad reality is that you could unknowingly have information or assets already exposed to the public.
2) Preventative Protection - Invest in vital security protections including email security, data backup, user access management, endpoint, device management, secure VPN and firewalls to guard against disruptions in your daily operations, lost revenue, ransomware situations and more.
3) Train yourself and your employees -you all are your first line of defense and educating everyone is a proven strategy to reduce your risk.
How Can We Help?
BlueZone Cyber Solutions is proud to partner with small businesses like yours in the following ways to provide peace of mind in a scary world.
Free Security Assessment: Our industry leading complimentary cyber risk assessment is your first step in understanding your cyber risk exposure. in the click of a mouse, you'll be surprised how much feedback we can provide with a simple scan of your website domain to help you find existing vulnerabilities, compromised credentials, dark web findings, network issues and more.
Managed Cybersecurity Services: We provide cutting-edge, fully managed small business cybersecurity packages to minimize risk and protect business continuity. We simplify cybersecurity by removing the technical jargon and hundreds of options, our signature 'easy button' purchase process and professional installation gets you up to speed quickly without the stress.
Cyber Awareness Training: Essential for educating employees on cybersecurity best practices to make them elite cyber crime detectors, including interactive learning courses, quizzes, phishing simulations, and sharing real-life cyber threat stories. 85% of data breaches involve human error!
SPECIAL OFFER:
Kickstart Your Cybersecurity Journey: Claim Your Complimentary 10-Day Access to On-Demand Cyber Awareness Training and Cyber Risk Assessment Now
About the Author
Steve Dellamore, co-founder of BlueZone Cyber Solutions, has worked in cybersecurity for close to 15 years, and has a strong passion for protecting our digital way of life. He believes there is significant risk out there for businesses and can't stand the thought of the bad guys winning and making life for the good guys hard. That passion drives the mission of BlueZone to provide top-tier, accessible cybersecurity solutions for businesses of all sizes, at an affordable cost. When he's not helping to protect businesses, he loves spending time with his Wife and three young sons, golfing and rock climbing.