Technology has greatly transformed business operations and leveled the playing field for large and small enterprises. 

However, the benefits of technology are not without a price. It has made it difficult to secure and protect essential business data, systems, and networks. Cases of cyberattacks are all over and keep increasing by the day.  

Criminals in cyberspace don’t discriminate – they target both large and well-established brands as well as small businesses. However, small businesses are distinctively disadvantaged because they lack the resources needed to defend themselves against different forms of cyber threats. 

So, the best chance small business owners have at reducing the risk of breaches is knowing some cybersecurity basics and putting them into practice. 

Common Cybersecurity Threats 

Malware attacks

In these types of attacks, cybercriminals use intrusive software to steal, damage, or destroy computers or computer systems. Common examples include spyware, trojan, worm, virus, and adware. Malware attacks usually originate from fraudulent downloads, spam emails, or connecting to other infected devices. 

Ransomware 

Ransomware threats are growing at an unprecedented rate. In a ransomware attack, a cybercriminal will encrypt your data and hold it hostage until you pay a certain amount. It’s one of the most lucrative forms of attacks hence its prevalence. 

Insider Threat 

An insider threat is a cybersecurity threat involving the actions of employees, former employees, contractors, or anyone with access to a business’s digital assets. Insider threats can either be deliberate or accidental. Either way, they can compromise or expose your trade secrets, financial data, customer information, money, and intellectual property.  

Phishing 

A phishing attack occurs when a hacker sends a fraudulent email or direct message to your employees with a malicious link, resulting in potential data leaks, system freezes, or virus installations. 

How can Small Businesses Protect Themselves?

Small businesses suffer more from cyber-attacks because, unlike their larger counterparts, they lack the resources needed to defend themselves or recover from a breach. However, as a small business owner, there’s no reason to panic for cybersecurity isn’t a lost cause. The following tips can play a huge role in protecting your business and ensuring its long-term viability. 

1. Update Your Software

Ensure your apps, browsers, and operating system are always up-to-date. Every piece of software is updated regularly to strengthen its security or add patches to close loopholes that hackers can exploit. So, set updates to occur automatically. 

2. Secure and Backup Your Files 

No cybersecurity is strong enough to protect you from all forms of existing and emerging risks and threats. So, it pays to make a habit of ensuring your files are secured and backed up for easy restoration in case the unexpected happens. 

3. Passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication 

Make it mandatory for your employees to always have strong passwords and change them at least once every three months. Besides strong passwords, activate a multi-factor authentication to regulate access to your data, network, or system. 

4. Train Your Employees 

 Your staff is your biggest threat to your cybersecurity. equipping your employees with the necessary knowledge and skills in security-related affairs can substantially reduce risks related to employee negligence. They can become more conscious of how they handle business data, use devices, share information, and the likes. 

5. Have a Cybersecurity Plan 

A security plan serves as a roadmap that will guide your actions in the day-to-day running of the business and in the event of a cybersecurity incident. The plan should be elaborate enough to detail how you can identify, prevent, respond, recover, or mitigate cyber threats. 

How Thinline Can Help 

Cybercriminals particularly target small businesses because they know they lack what it takes to build a strong defense. The damage hackers leave behind can be quite significant, from financial losses, reputational damage, to even complete closure of business. 

It doesn’t have to get there. Understanding and implementing the fundamentals of cybersecurity can put you way ahead of intruders and the tips above are a good place to start. Even better, if you want that deserved peace of mind and time to focus on growing your business, at quite an affordable rate, Thinline Tech can Handle all your cybersecurity needs. 

To know more, check our service page or call +14104539300