SpartanTec, Inc. Wilmington: Understanding the Basics of Cybersecurity For Small Businesses

Threats to cybersecurity are growing problems for governments, big corporations, and small businesses. Studies showed that 22% of small businesses have become the targets of cybersecurity attacks. About 11% of these happened last year.

It’s important to protect your business from these online threats. However, some business owners don’t have a clue where to start. Here’s a simple guide that can help you navigate the world of online threats.

What’s at risk?

Cyberattacks will put your IT equipment, data, and money at risk. If a cybercriminal or a hacker gets access to your network, they could cause a lot of damage with whatever they find like:

Client lists
Credit card details
Banking information
Pricing structure
Expansion plans
Product designs
Manufacturing processes

These computer security attacks will not only put your company at risk but also use their access to your network as a way to access the networks of other firms that you’re affiliated with.

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What is the effect of a cybersecurity attack?

A cyberattack can significantly affect your business. As a matter of fact, 60% of small businesses that become victims of a cyberattack close down their operations within six months following the breach. Even if that’s the worst result of the attack, there are other consequences that companies may face including:

Financial losses after banking information have been stolen.
Financial losses due to disruptions in business operations.
High costs to get rid of the threats from your network.
Damage to your brand and reputation after customers learn about the data breach.

What can you do to protect your business from cyberthreats?

Small businesses may feel helpless against cybersecurity threats. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect your company.

Train your employees

Your employees could put your businesses at risk of a cyberattack. Studies show that 43% of data loss comes from internal employees who either carelessly or maliciously provide criminals access to the networks. You should invest in computer security training for your staff. They should know what they have to do if they get receive a suspicious email, for example.

Conduct Risk Assessment

Assess possible risks that may compromise the security of your network, information, and systems. Check and analyse possible threats because it can help you come up with a plan that will help plug any openings in the security.

During a risk assessment, you should know where and how your information is stored and who can access it. Find out who might want to access the information and how they might try to get it. Identify the risk levels of potential events and how data breaches can possibly affect the company.

Use An Anti-Virus Software

You should install an anti-virus software that can protect all of your devices from phishing scams, ransomware, spyware, and viruses. Be sure that the software offers protection against cyberthreats and technology that can help you clean up the computers as required and reset them to a state when they were not infected.

Update The Software Regularly

The software you use to keep your company running must be updated regularly. This will prevent cybercriminals from getting through your network through openings or gaps in your software. If you’re unsure of what you need to do, you can hire a cybersecurity company to help you out.

Back up your Files Regularly

You should have a backup program that will automatically copy your files to a data storage. SpartanTec Inc. offers reliable backup and disaster recovery services. In case there’s an attack, you could restore all of the files from your backups. Pick a program that will provide you the ability to automate or schedule the backup process so you do not need to remember to do it. You can store copies of your backup online and offline.