While few people would deny the tremendous benefits the web, tech, and computers have brought to our everyday lives in both a business and personal sense, the fact remains that every time we log onto the web, we expose ourselves to a myriad of dangers.
There’s nothing particularly new about hackers trying to infiltrate personal data, but in recent years, the tricks and tactics employed by cybercriminals have become ever more inventive and cunning. Indeed, modern online criminals are now even coming to use advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems to devise new methods of attack.
The devastating cost to SME businesses
The cost of a personal data breach can be devastating, but from a business perspective, falling victim to an attack can result in a company grinding to a halt – or, worse yet, being forced to close. Indeed, it’s estimated that 60% of all Small to Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) go bust within six months of suffering a security breach.
This figure is made all the more alarming by the fact that research shows the majority of SMEs consider their firms too insignificant or unprofitable to be an attractive target for a hacker – when the complete opposite is true. Indeed, this lax approach to data security is one of the primary reasons SMEs have become such a tempting prospect for cybercriminals looking to exploit weaknesses easily.
Steps you can take today to protect your smaller firm from attack
Sadly, there is a widely held belief among many SME firms that online protection is beyond their budget and that it’s acceptable to take risks with their data. While it is certainly true that just a few years ago, having adequate network security was prohibitively expensive for many smaller companies, with the massive advances in tech and protection made in recent years, being safe online needn’t cost the earth.
Below are just a few steps you could take to help protect your firm
Outsource your digital services to a cloud provider.
The advantages of working with a cloud provision company are far too numerous to list here, but a cloud company will both save you money and vastly increase your online protection.
Make regular backups
No matter how secure you believe your network to be, it’s just good sense to ensure you make regular backups so you’ll have recovery copies to fall back on if the worst happens. If you work with a cloud provider, they will likely do this for you, but if not, you should use cloud backup services to secure your data.
Keep all software regularly updated.
One of the most common routes into a network for hackers is through outdated software. You should ensure everything from your Operating System (OS) to your apps is regularly updated (note that this applies to all devices that connect to your network).
Ensure you install antivirus and firewall protection.
It should be a no-brainer, but you must ensure you have antivirus and firewall protection on your network – plus use similar protection on all connected devices.
FAQs
What are the advantages of outsourcing digital services to a cloud provider?
Outsourcing digital services to a cloud provider offers numerous advantages, streamlining operations and enhancing overall efficiency. Here’s a concise breakdown:
- Scalability: Easily scale resources up or down based on business needs, ensuring optimal performance.
- Cost Efficiency: Eliminate the need for significant upfront investments in hardware and maintenance, paying only for the resources utilized.
- Global Accessibility: Access data and applications from anywhere with an internet connection, facilitating remote work and global collaboration.
- Security Measures: Benefit from advanced security protocols implemented by cloud providers, safeguarding data against threats.
- Automatic Updates: Cloud services often include automatic updates, ensuring access to the latest features and security patches.
- Disaster Recovery: Cloud providers offer robust backup and recovery solutions, minimizing data loss in case of unforeseen events.
- Collaboration and Flexibility: Foster seamless collaboration among teams through shared cloud-based platforms, enhancing flexibility and innovation.
How can SMEs protect themselves against cyber attacks without spending too much money?
In the digital age, safeguarding your SME against cyber threats is crucial, and it doesn’t have to break the bank. Here’s an actionable guide to fortify your defenses without hefty expenses:
- Employee Training: Educate your staff on recognizing phishing attempts and practicing safe online behavior.
- Update Software Regularly: Ensure all software, including antivirus programs, is up-to-date to patch vulnerabilities.
- Strong Password Policies: Enforce robust password practices, encouraging a mix of characters and regular updates.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Implement MFA to add an extra layer of security, even if passwords are compromised.
- Backup Important Data: Regularly back up critical data to an external source to mitigate the impact of ransomware attacks.
- Network Security: Secure your Wi-Fi network, use firewalls, and limit access to sensitive information.
- Incident Response Plan: Develop and practice an incident response plan to efficiently address and mitigate potential breaches.
- Cloud Security: If using cloud services, understand the security measures in place and configure settings accordingly.
By integrating these cost-effective measures, SMEs can significantly enhance their cybersecurity posture, fostering a resilient defense against potential threats.
What are the common routes into a network for hackers?
Hackers employ various tactics to infiltrate networks, exploiting vulnerabilities and weaknesses. Here’s a concise overview of common entry points:
- Phishing Attacks: Deceptive emails trick users into divulging sensitive information or clicking malicious links.
- Malware: Infected software, often disguised as legitimate, can infiltrate systems and grant unauthorized access.
- Weak Passwords: Guessing or cracking weak passwords remains a prevalent method for unauthorized entry.
- Unpatched Software: Exploiting outdated software with known vulnerabilities is a common tactic.
- Social Engineering: Manipulating individuals into revealing confidential information through psychological tactics.
- Brute Force Attacks: Relentless attempts to guess passwords through trial and error.
- Physical Access: Direct access to hardware or network infrastructure can pose a significant threat.
Being aware of these entry points is crucial for implementing robust cybersecurity measures and safeguarding networks against potential breaches. Regular security assessments and user education are key components of a proactive defense strategy.
