Cyber security remains a challenge for many businesses regardless of size. With advancements being made so rapidly in technology, it’s difficult for businesses to keep up with cyber security, especially for small businesses that don’t have large IT departments to deal with these issues. This creates more vulnerabilities for attacks. So what can small businesses do to protect themselves from cyber security threats?

This article will take a closer look at the cyber security threats plaguing small businesses. We’ll also look at ways to protect against attacks by creating cyber security plans, investing in cybersecurity insurance, and using proxies. We’ll look at location-specific proxies, such as a German proxy, and you can click here to read more about them. Keep reading to discover how to protect your small business from cyber threats.

In this article on cyber security, we’ll be covering the following topics:

• Why do hackers target small businesses? 
• Types of cyber security threats 
• Measure to keep businesses secure 

Why Do Hackers Target Small Businesses?

Any business can be the target of cyber security attacks; however, small businesses are targeted more frequently. In fact, a recent report shows that small businesses are three times more likely to be targeted by cybercriminals. But why is this?

One would think bigger businesses with more data and money would be a better target as the payday would be bigger. But larger businesses also have better cybersecurity procedures that make them much harder to infiltrate. So why would attackers go after a difficult big fish if they can catch many smaller fish for the same amount of effort?

Here are some of the reasons why small businesses are more likely to be targets of cyber attacks:

• Customer information is stored without adequate security 
• Third-party vulnerabilities can give attackers easy entry points 
• Small businesses lack the resources and support of a large IT department 

• The increased amount of unsecured IoT devices that create vulnerabilities 
• Lack of finances to prioritize cyber security 
• Inadequate staff training 

Types Of Cyber Security Threats

Let’s look at some of the cyber security threats used against small businesses. 

Malware Attacks

Malware refers to any program or software intended to cause harm to a computer or network. Viruses, trojans, and worms are all examples of malware, although there are other types. Malware is usually spread through infected emails, clicking on links, or sharing infected files. 

Phishing

Phishing attacks often come in emails or calls to convince the victim to hand over important information such as files, login credentials, or passwords. These attackers do a lot of research about their target to sound incredibly convincing. These attacks have evolved to advance attacks that are difficult to identify as an attack.  

Ransomware

These types of attacks make their way on business networks, where they then lock out the business and employees and hold the data hostage until the business pays the requested ransom. These attacks can be extremely debilitating to a business, and in many cases, even after paying the ransom, businesses still don’t get their data back. 

Passwords

Employees using weak passwords to protect accounts and files is another way that vulnerabilities can be created for cybercriminals to exploit. Another problem is that some employees may keep their passwords written down close to their computers, such as on a sticky note on the desk.  

Insider Threats to Cyber Security

Employees are also a threat to cyber security. In most cases, the threat is not intentional and is caused by negligence or ignorance. However, there is also the chance that disgruntled or greedy employees intentionally create a cyber security risk by sharing access to systems, data, and more. 

Measures To Keep Businesses Secure

Now let’s take a look at what small businesses can do to protect themselves. 

Create A Data Cyber Security Plan

First off, businesses need to have a data security plan in place. This plan will determine which employees need access to what information and how the different information is protected. It should also outline the steps to be taken in the case of attacks and data breaches. This plan should be updated frequently as the business evolves.  

Proxies

Proxies are a good security solution that encrypts your data and hides your IP address. This makes it difficult for attackers to gather information to craft personalized attacks such as phishing emails. A German proxy is location specific and will also make it appear that your network accesses the internet from Germany, even if you’re elsewhere. A German proxy also gives access to geo-restricted content. 

Conduct Employee Training

It is critical to frequently train employees on how they can protect their cyber security. Armed with information on how to spot these attacks and prevent them is critical. You can learn more about training your employee by completing a course here. 

Implement Strong Password Policies

Ensure that a policy is in place that mandates the use of unique and strong passwords for all business accounts. You also need to focus on third-party risk management.

Backup Frequently to Help with Cyber Security

Back up your business data frequently. This will enable you to continue operations in the case of data loss, either through hardware failures or ransomware attacks. 

Install Firewalls and Antivirus

Strong and reliable firewalls and antivirus programs are critical to protecting your business’s devices and files from malware and other attacks. 

Invest In Cyber Security Insurance

Many businesses don’t have sufficient cyber security insurance. However, this is becoming more essential. You don’t want to be hit with a ransomware attack that asks for a lot of money and face potential penalties for a data breach with no insurance to help cover the damages.  

Final Thoughts on Cyber Security

Cyber security has always been a concern for businesses; however, more small businesses are starting to fall victim to these cybercriminals. As such, businesses must understand the risks and have the appropriate measures in place to combat them.