There’s one thing that every small business owner needs to be aware of small businesses are prime targets for cyber criminals. That’s right, and it’s not just banking fraud trends that you only need to look out for, but basically any potential scam and any potential red flag.
But yes, if you’re a business, you’re a target. It’s not just the big corporations that need to worry about cyber attacks; even your cozy corner coffee shop or boutique retail store is on the radar of nefarious hackers. Technically, normal people who don’t even own businesses are targets, too! But how can you not be such a big target? What can you do to not get noticed by these criminals? Well, here’s what you need to know.
Why Small Businesses are Prime Targets for Cyber Criminals?
Why Small Businesses are a Large Target
You might think, “Why would cyber criminals target my small business? We’re not a big deal.” Well, that’s exactly the point. Small businesses often assume they’re under the radar, which makes them complacent. Cybercriminals see small businesses as low-hanging fruit for several reasons.
So, for starters, small businesses typically have less sophisticated security measures compared to large corporations. They might not have dedicated IT departments or the budget to invest in robust cybersecurity infrastructure. Hackers know this and exploit these vulnerabilities. Actually, most people just assume that the average small business probably doesn’t pay too much attention to cyber security- with the exception of the bare bones, of course. But that’s not all.
Secondly, small businesses hold valuable data, just like big businesses. Yes, you have what they want, and they’ll stop at nothing to get it! So, whether it’s customer payment information, personal data, or proprietary business information, hackers can monetize this data in various ways. Sometimes, it’s not just about stealing information but also about holding data for ransom to extort money.
Last, but certainly not least, thanks the rise of automated attack tools has made it easier for cyber criminals to launch broad, indiscriminate attacks. They can send out thousands of phishing emails or scan for vulnerable systems with minimal effort, hitting many small businesses in one go. So, while you might think your business is too small to be noticed, hackers see you as an easy target. It’s absolutely terrifying, right?
Steps to Make Your Small Business Less of a Target
So, what can you do to stop being such a big target for cybercriminals? Well, like what was just mentioned above, oftentimes, it’s minimal effort on their part to find your business. So, it’s nothing personal against you, your customers, or your business (it’s usually not); it’s just low effort on their part in hopes of getting maximum return. So, what steps can you take?
Educate Your Team
All right, so for starters, your team needs to be cyber-aware. It might sound really obvious, but regular training on how to recognize phishing emails, the importance of strong passwords, and safe online behavior is crucial. Think of it as giving your team the cyber equivalent of a flu shot. When everyone in your business is aware of the potential threats and knows how to avoid them, you’re no longer an easy target.
Explore DLP Solutions
How exactly could this not make you such a big target? Well, it’s really going to help explore the different types of DLP solutions that are out there because they are all about minimizing and mitigating risk. For example, when it comes to Network DLP, this protects data in transit and keeps an eye on your network traffic. So, that alone is going to immediately kill any chances of a cybercriminal targeting your business.
Invest in Basic Cybersecurity Tools
If you look into ways to protect your small business, you might come across a lot of ads and even lists of things to do. But for the most part, you don’t need to break the bank, but investing in some basic cybersecurity tools can go a long way. So, you might want to start with the basics, such as antivirus software, firewalls, and spam filters- as these are all a good start. Plus, these tools act as your first line of defense against common threats. So, just by having these basic protections in place, you’re making your business less appealing to hackers who are looking for easy prey.
Implement Multi-Factor Authentication
Now, this one just can’t be stressed enough! You absolutely need to do this! So, it’s really important to understand that multi-factor Authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring not just a password but also a second form of identification. While sure, it’s super simple, believe it or not, this simple step can make your business significantly more secure and less attractive to cyber criminals.
Regularly Update Software
Yes, by all means, those update notifications are annoying. No one likes doing them, but keeping your software up-to-date is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect against cyber threats. Updates often include patches for security vulnerabilities that hackers are eager to exploit. So, it’s really simple, all you need to do is regularly update your software, and you’re making your business a moving target—much harder to hit.
Backup Your Data
Have you ever heard of a ransomware attack? Now, this is absolutely horrible, and it’s something no one should ever deal with! Your data is literally held ransom until you pay up through crypto, and sometimes you’ll still not even get your data back (out of meanless on the criminal’s part).
That’s why you need to back up your data. In case you’re a victim, you won’t lose everything. You need to store backups offline or in the cloud, where they can’t be easily accessed by cybercriminals. This not only helps in recovery but also reduces the leverage hackers have over you.
Create a Cybersecurity Policy
Overall, just having a formal cybersecurity policy might sound daunting, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Yes, even if it’s just you, you’ll still need to do this.
So, a clear, concise policy outlining how data should be handled, who has access to what, and what to do in case of a breach can provide structure and security for your business operations. This policy serves as a roadmap for your employees, making it clear what is expected of them and reducing the likelihood of accidental breaches.
