Businesses of all sizes are attractive targets for cybercriminals across the globe. Most often, though, these are small businesses that lack the understanding of just how often these cyber attacks occur.
Usually, small businesses don’t have the cybersecurity precautions that large corporations possess. This makes them more than 43% of all cyberattacks on businesses. This could end up costing you precious time and money. From breaches in information to lost productivity and lousy company reputations, cybersecurity issues are nothing to ignore.
At GOA-TECH, we have the resources and knowledge to ensure your business is prepared for cyberattacks of all sizes. Read more below to learn about what cyberattacks could occur and how to prevent them.
Statistics
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), cyberattacks cost the United States economy billions of dollars every year.
More statistics point towards the lack of dedicated cybersecurity practices within businesses. More than 47% of firms with less than 50 employees do not focus on their cybersecurity safety.
Perhaps the most glaring statistic of cyberattacks across the United States is the percentage of victims who are forced to close their doors for good. An IBM Report in 2021 shows that 60% of companies involved in cybersecurity attacks are shut down. In that same report, IBM claims that the average cost of a ransomware breach is $4.62 million!
Statistics don’t lie and should show you just how seriously you should take your cybersecurity functionality.
How Businesses Could be Attacked
There are tons of reasons a business could fall victim to cybercriminals, from manipulation to outdated systems. At GOA-TECH, we’ve found that these four reasons seem to be the most apparent.
Points of Entry
- The most common entry points are mobile networks, local wireless networks, and cloud environments. Cybercriminals will spot the weakest targets in your systems, exploit them, and then wait for the perfect time to attack. As a business owner, you must ensure that all these common entry points are covered and secured.
Phishing
- While the most ancient form of cyberattacks, phishing is still the number one way businesses fall to cyber criminals. Infected email attachments and bad SMS links will allow these attackers to access your business’s personal information.
Lack of Tech Security
- Modern technology requires modern security solutions. Malicious attackers can take advantage of businesses that have faulty IT departments. From outdated antivirus software and vulnerable operating systems to unsecured networks and faulty firewalls, you may be ruining your business all by yourself.
Lack of Care
- Owners that believe that cyberattacks won’t happen to them often are the ones that fall victim to these malicious attacks. A genuine lack of care and understanding is one of the easiest ways for criminals to generate a well-thought-out attack on a business.
Increase in Remote Work
- Since the COVID-19 pandemic, remote work has become the next big thing. More people than ever work at home, in cafes, restaurants, and more. This has created a new problem for business owners around the world. So how do you keep a system secure when most employees work in places other than your office? The answer is not simple, and that’s why cybercriminals are attacking remote workers above all else.
Preventative Measures
With cybercrime growing exponentially and becoming more advanced every year, it is more crucial than ever that businesses understand how these types of attacks can impact their operations.
According to our experts at GOA-TECH, here are the top ways to prevent your company from falling victim to a cyberattack.
Spotting SPAM
- One of the easiest ways to stop attacks on your business’s information is to be weary of SPAM. Whether it’s phone calls, emails, or text messages, you should always be overly careful of what you’re clicking on. One simple click of a link could lead to millions of dollars in company damage.
Improving Browsing Practices
- This should go for you and all of your employees. Webpages you visit contain malware that infects devices of all kinds. This malware can then scrub and begin to steal indemnifying information about your company. Improving the sites you visit, the sites your employees visit, and pushing overall safe habits when browsing online.
Suspicious Downloads
- Similar to spotting SPAM messages, being extra precarious with downloads is something to keep an eye out for. Cybercriminals will often try to catch you sleeping with a “FREE” download of a webinar or PDF. This can ruin your device and, more so, put your business in a vulnerable state.
Authentication Tools
- Captcha plugins, two-factor authentication, and data encryption technology can help you eliminate bots from visiting your website or accessing your data. Doing so will give you the advantage of protecting your sensitive information.
Antivirus Software
- Most businesses have antivirus software installed on all company computers, laptops, and devices. But have you updated and kept up with the most recent products? Like everyday criminals, cyberattackers are constantly looking for ways to get an advantage. So always ensure you keep your antivirus software up to date!
Secure Payments & Networks
- The most important preventative measure a business can take is by creating secured networks and payment methods. Having a safe and secure network that you do all of your business ventures under, is the easiest way to prevent these cyberattacks.
Use GOA-TECH for All IT Needs
From simple solutions like creating a powerful connection for you to deep cybersecurity tactics, our IT specialists at GOA-TECH can prepare your business for what’s to come so that you can focus on the most important thing–growing your business!
