Cyber Criminals Target Small Businesses

As promised, we are dedicated to spending the entire month of October highlighting Cybersecurity Awareness, in hopes of joining forces in improving our Nation’s cyber security. 

We thought of no better way to kick off our National Cybersecurity Awareness Month blog series than by drawing attention to the growing risk of cyber attacks on small businesses. With the majority of our customers being small and medium sized businesses, this information is important for us to share. It applies to you. 

Most reports show that small businesses don’t fully understand they are at risk of cyber attacks. In fact, most small businesses feel that because of their size, they do not have enough information for criminals to even bother with them. This is completely false.

Cyber Criminals not only find the information small business have valuable and useful for their crimes, but they also see these small businesses as a weak spot. Because cyber criminals view them as weak spots, small businesses are increasingly becoming a focus and a larger target for cyber attacks. According to the Department of Homeland Security, “44 percent of small businesses reported being the victim of a cyber attack, with an average cost of approximately $9,000 per attack.”

These criminals are finding it easier to manipulate their way into accessing small businesses’ customer records and their networks, due to the lack of resources in place. Smaller businesses typically have less resources dedicated to cybersecurity and protecting their network. 

At The IT Company, we want to take this opportunity to bring attention to the fact that small businesses are at risk. We also want to inform small businesses of resources that can help protect their company. Simple things, such as requiring employees to use strong passwords and to change them often, can go a long way. 

The first step in becoming cyber secure is learning more. Click here for access to lists of tips and resources to securing your small business. All companies, big or small, are at risk of cyber attacks. Do not make the mistake of assuming you are not at risk because you are small.