Cyberattacks are on the rise and are the fastest growing threat to your small business. Many small business owners have the misconception that large organizations are at a higher risk for cyber theft, when in reality nearly half of all cyberattacks target small businesses.
As an SMB owner, it’s in your best interest to make cybersecurity a top priority. Here are some of the most common types of cyberattacks threatening small businesses today:
1. Denial of Service (DoS)
DoS attacks occur when malicious criminals use multiple computers to send a large amount of information and data at once with the goal of overloading your system so that it shuts down. To avoid this cyber traffic jam, proactively monitor analytics for spikes in traffic and keep your security software up-to-date.
2. Employee Theft
Employees have a lot of sensitive data in their hands. When terminating an employee, immediately revoke his or her access to data and change the code to your door. This will help to minimize a crippling security breach from a disgruntled former employee.
3. Malware
Malware is a malicious software that can come in multiple forms, from worms and viruses to Trojan horses. Email is a common way for malware to infiltrate your business, so make it a best practice for employees not to click on links in emails from people they don’t know.
4. Passwords
Never choose a password that is easy to guess. As a best practice, passwords should be at least eight characters in length, case sensitive and include a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. Periodically change your password to throw hackers off of your trail.
5. Wi-Fi
Surprisingly, many SMB owners neglect to secure their Wi-Fi networks. An unsecured Wi-Fi network is a prime target for criminals. Also, keep in mind that your Wi-FI network can extend as much as 300 yards beyond the walls of your building.
As you can see, there are many areas that your small business could be vulnerable to a cyberattack. Avoid the devastating experience of cyber theft by making cybersecurity a priority for your small business. If you’re unsure about how to go about protecting your company’s data, contact The Swenson Group to learn more.
