Cyber security is no longer an option for small business owners – it‘s a necessity. Cyber threats are rising, and small businesses must stay ahead of the curve to protect their data and networks from malicious actors.
This show will uncover the most dangerous cyber threats to small businesses and what steps you can take to stay secure.
Ransomware Attacks Ransomware attacks are one of the most dangerous cyber threats to small businesses. Ransomware is malicious software (malware) that‘s typically delivered via malicious links or email attachments. Once installed on a network, the ransomware will encrypt all of the data and demand a ransom from the victim before releasing the data. To stay safe from ransomware, all small businesses should educate their employees about the dangers of clicking on malicious links or opening unexpected email attachments.
Additionally, businesses should back up their data frequently and ensure that all software is up–to–date.
Phishing Scams Phishing is a type of attack designed to steal sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords, and credit card numbers. In phishing attacks, cybercriminals will send out emails pretending to be from a legitimate source, such as a bank or government agency, asking the recipient to click on a malicious link or provide confidential information. To stay safe from phishing attacks, small businesses should educate their employees about the dangers of clicking on suspicious links and ensure that all emails sent out to customers are legitimate.
Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) Advanced persistent threats (APTs) are malicious cyber attacks designed to steal data or sabotage systems. APTs are often targeted and can be challenging to detect and remove. To stay safe from APTs, small businesses should use strong passwords, regularly update their software, and perform regular security audits.
Insider Threats Insider threats occur when employees or contractors deliberately or inadvertently exploit the data or resources of a company. To prevent insider threats, small business owners should ensure that all employees and contractors know the company‘s security policies and procedures.
Additionally, businesses should have clear data access and security policies and implement security measures, such as two–factor authentication.
Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Attacks Distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks are designed to overwhelm a network with traffic, causing it to become unavailable to legitimate users. To stay safe from DDoS attacks, small businesses should ensure adequate network security measures, such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems. Additionally, companies should have the plan to respond to a DDoS attack, such as enlisting the help of a DDoS protection service.
IoT Botnets are networks of Internet–connected devices, such as surveillance cameras and smart thermostats, that are used to send spam or launch denial-of-service attacks. To stay safe from IoT botnets, small business owners should ensure that all Internet–connected devices are up–to–date and properly configured with strong passwords.
Additionally, businesses should take steps to monitor and secure their networks, such as using a virtual private network (VPN) or implementing network access control (NAC) systems. In conclusion, small businesses need to stay ahead of the curve regarding cyber security.
By understanding the most dangerous cyber threats, companies can take the necessary steps to protect themselves from malicious actors. Additionally, businesses should ensure that their employees have educated on cybersecurity best practices, such as avoiding clicking on suspicious links or opening unexpected email attachments. By staying ahead of the curve, small businesses can protect themselves from cyber threats and ensure the safety of their data and networks.
