What Are the Top 4 Cyber Security Threats Facing Small Businesses?

Many small business owners still think that the size of their business and the relative obscurity in a world of millions of companies will protect them from cyber attacks. Unfortunately, today’s online world is quite vulnerable to cyber attacks, and most of the attackers use automatization, which enables them to target multiple businesses at once.

So, if your work process includes storing data online, using online services, or simply having a business website, you are a potential target for cyber attacks. If you haven’t already, take time to invest more effort in your cyber security and minimize the chances of being the victim of a cyber criminal.

Here are the 3 most common types of cyber security threats that are usually faced by small businesses.

1. Malware
   Malware is a type of cyber attack that introduces a virus on a computer or a network, sometimes in the form of a trojan. It’s defined by code that cyber attackers get on the infected computer, and that causes damage, impairing data, giving access to data or networks.

   Most malware comes from downloads, allowing infected machines in the network or from opening suspicious links.

2. Phishing Attacks
   Phishing attacks are directed towards humans instead of using technological weaknesses to gain access to a machine or a network. Most often, they come disguised as emails from trusted sources and usually demand a link click, filling in a form with sensitive data, introducing a password, etc.

   The best way to protect your small business from phishing attacks is to get a high level of security from a technological point of view, but also to educate each of your employees about potential phishing threats and help them recognize such subtle, devious attacks.

3. Ransomware

   Another extremely common type of cyber attack for small businesses is ransomware, when the cyber attackers block access to data by encrypting it or stealing it, then demand a ransom to be paid to regain access to the data. This is often targeted towards companies storing sensitive data (such as financial or healthcare businesses), making it hard not to pay a ransom to recover crucial data from the attackers.

   Unfortunately, many business owners who have paid such ransoms were further attacked because they disclosed payment details.

Corporate Security Vulnerabilities

Employees are often one of the biggest vulnerabilities companies have. And, with 2020 forcing most companies into remote working without a strong IT infrastructure, the challenge to prevent cyberattacks became even bigger.

Secure Your Data with Pro Solutions

A professional team of cyber security specialists is able to monitor your infrastructure, create an efficient plan for protecting your data, train your employees about cyber security best practices and eliminate potential threats.

By working with a company like West County Computers you put your security budget in good hands, as you will have an expert, dedicated team to constantly monitor your security system.

If you are curious to know how well protected your business currently is, book a free, no-strings-attached IT risk assessment and you will get a report showing you the weak points in your virtual security, plus potential risks that you are facing.

If you have any other questions or requests, get in touch with us by filling out the online contact form on our website, or simply call us at 707-360-8652.

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