Every 14 seconds, a ransomware attack happens somewhere in the world. Cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated with their attacks as technology advances. More businesses are using the internet for their operations. This creates more opportunities for cybercriminals to strike. The threat of a cyber attack is genuine for companies. Smaller companies have become prime targets for hackers.
Cyber Awareness Month kicks off every year in October. It’s a time for small businesses to learn about what they can do to make themselves less of a target. This year’s campaign is called “See Yourself in Cyber.” It’s designed to remind people that cybersecurity focuses on people.
Small Biz, Bigger Targets
Small businesses face a greater threat than larger companies when it comes to cyberattacks. Over half of all cyberattacks are aimed at small to medium-sized businesses. Criminals are banking on small businesses not having a robust IT security department. They are also hoping that smaller companies don’t have the funding to provide cybersecurity training for employees.
Smaller companies are also impacted by cyber crimes in a different way than a large conglomerates may be affected. A cyber incident like a ransomware attack could cause a small business to shut down. One study found that 50% of small businesses don’t have a cybersecurity plan. Unfortunately, without a plan in place, it may be too late to recover your digital assets once they have been compromised.
Safely Navigating the Net
Small businesses can still protect themselves against hackers. The key is acting now before your business is threatened.
- Employee Training – Malware and phishing are two of the most common cyber threats to small businesses. Training your workers to spot email phishing could help prevent your business from falling victim to cybercrime. You also want to make sure every employee uses strong passwords for software, applications, and other online accounts. This step also helps to protect customer information and data.
- Software Security – Make sure your company computers have the most recent versions of security software, web browsers, and operating systems. These provide another line of defense that could prevent cybercriminals from gaining access to your company’s sensitive information.
- Backup Data – Backing up company data should be a recurring step to prevent a cyber incident within your business. This step can ensure that if you ever lose control of your online system, you will have all the essential information you need to potentially continue business operations in a different forum. Items you may consider backing up would include documents, spreadsheets, databases, HR files, finance information, accounts receivable/payable documents, etc.
The Federal Communications Commission has a complete list of steps every small business owner should consider when they begin the process of safeguarding their information from hackers.
Alltrust: Our Promise to Protect
Acrisure, our corporate partner offers cyber security services designed to protect businesses from harm. Studies show that 30,000 websites are hacked every day. That’s why Acrisure offers its cyber services to companies. Acrisure offers its 360 Cyber Risk Mitigation Solution. It uses SaaS-based technology along with AI techniques to give you end-to-end protection against cyber attacks.
- Security Awareness Training
- Multi-factor Authentication
- Email Security
- Endpoint Detection and Response
- Vulnerability Management
- Secure Data Backup & Disaster Recovery
With these services, your company can help prevent any disruption of loss of revenue from a cyber incident. It’s our goal at Alltrust Insurance to give our clients the best resources to protect them. That’s why we are happy to be able to present Acrisure’s services to our diverse clientele. You can find more information about our services and information from Acrisure’s cyber security services by clicking here.
