(Newswire.net — June 11, 2021) — Like big corporations, small companies are also susceptible to cyber-attacks and security threats. This is because they have less advanced IT infrastructure and they don’t have the resources and the expertise to protect their data like a large international organization does. That’s why small business owners should be aware of the different cybersecurity threats that may harm their business.
There are many things a small business can do to avoid these data security threats. They can use a secure mail or system when transferring files. They can install an antivirus and firewall on their computer systems or they can get a PCI DSS certification for their card payments transactions. Before you can have a data security strategy to protect your small business, you need to be aware of the different threats that may come your way. Here are some of those:
1. Phishing
Phishing is a form of computer fraud. An attacker tricks a human user into disclosing sensitive data to them so they can deploy malicious software or an illegal keylogger on the victim’s system.
One of the primary purposes of phishing emails is to get a user to click on a link or participate in an activity that will automatically grant access to some information. This information is usually critical to your business security. There are many ways in which this can happen, including email attachments, games, and phishing websites.
There is also the possibility of a user entering their identification number (PIN) for online banking, which can be very harmful if they are captured by unscrupulous individuals who can use this information to gain access to a host of financial accounts.
2. Malware
Malware is any software deliberately created to give an attacker explicit control over your system. There is a wide array of malware types available, such as adware, worms, Trojan horses, malware bots, and ransomware. These malicious programs work by sending unauthorized advertisements, pop-ups, and in some cases, actual malware files that can destroy the functionality of the infected computer system.
Malware can also spread through a USB (Universal Serial Bus) drive. When an attacker successfully enters your system through malware, they can control your system, and your computer won’t respond to your commands anymore.
Many attackers use this to gain access to confidential business information. Cybercriminals may also want to try to attack your network and employee credentials so they have an easier time gaining access to the confidential information on your network.
3. Ransomware
Ransomware is a type of malware, and it has been around on the Internet for several years. However, recent versions have been more aggressive in their behavior. Essentially, it is a software that creates obstacles for computer users to access the files they need. Unlike malware, Ransomware can only be spread through phishing emails that contain malicious attachments or through an infected website.
In addition to encryption, ransomware may also use other types of threats to compromise your operating system. When an attacker successfully plants ransomware in your system, they gain complete control of your confidential files and restricts your access to them. As you’re prevented from accessing your confidential data, attackers have the power to blackmail you and ask for money so they can return access to these files.
4. Employee Negligence
According to some statistics, about 25% of data breaches in businesses were carried out by inside threats. This means data breaches happened because of employee negligence or some employees deliberately sharing valuable information when they’re not supposed to. Some employees aren’t aware of the different security threats. Hence, they inadvertently open malicious attachments in emails or click dangerous advertising links.
That’s why small businesses need to conduct cybersecurity training for their employees and ensure additional security is in place when it comes to their data. As a business owner, you should ensure that employees only have limited access to certain confidential information. Aside from that, it would be best if you imposed rules about password creation and sharing. It’s beneficial to have two-factor authentication when logging in to your system so you can also check who’s accessing the files in real-time.
Final Thoughts
There are many ways for a company or a small business to protect itself against cyber threats. First, they need to be aware of the different dangers they may face and create a security strategy to ensure they won’t be affected by these threats. You should also be mindful of recent cybersecurity news so you’ll be updated if there are new types of attacks perpetrated by cybercriminals.
To avoid becoming a victim of phishing, malware, ransomware, or other data breaches, you need to invest in data security tools like an antivirus software or firewall. You may also want to update your software and hardware so that your security measures are as strong as possible. Lastly, you need to help your employees become more aware of these threats and of how they can protect business and personal data.