The biggest issue with cybercrime is related to data breaches as a result of small businesses targeted in attacks. It was a surprising turn as historically, larger businesses have always been the main target. Attention now focuses more on small and medium-size businesses. Owners and employees must be up-to-date on current trends to stay one step ahead in their approach.
Reacting to Small to Medium Business Data Breaches in 2021
Remote work is one of the driving opportunities for data breaches among small to medium-size businesses. You’re combining remote connections with the influx of digital transactions. Clearly, this is the perfect digital storm to provide the possibility of data leaks.
Unfortunately, data breaches aren’t as publicized when you run a SMB. While it looks like the larger businesses may be getting a handle on data leaks, smaller ones suffer. Small companies hold significant amounts of personally identifiable information (PII). It should be noted since the breaches aren’t exactly public knowledge, consumers don’t even know that they happen.
As a result of these data breaches, every SMB must take steps to improve privacy and security. It is crucial to keep customer data safe. Most small and medium-size businesses don’t exactly have a dedicated IT security department. As a result, they do not prepare well for cyber threats. Many also don’t know what to do or how to handle the after-effects.
Reacting to Small to Medium Business Data Breaches in 2021
Remote work is one of the driving opportunities for data breaches among small to medium-size businesses. You’re combining remote connections with the influx of digital transactions. Clearly, this is the perfect digital storm to provide the possibility of data leaks.
Unfortunately, data breaches aren’t as publicized when you run a SMB. While it looks like the larger businesses may be getting a handle on data leaks, smaller ones suffer. Small companies hold significant amounts of personally identifiable information (PII). It should be noted since the breaches aren’t exactly public knowledge, consumers don’t even know that they happen.
As a result of these data breaches, every SMB must take steps to improve privacy and security. It is crucial to keep customer data safe. Most small and medium-size businesses don’t exactly have a dedicated IT security department. As a result, they do not prepare well for cyber threats. Many also don’t know what to do or how to handle the after-effects.
Educate on Best Practices
Employees don’t mean to do it and are often the weak link in attacks. More often than not, they don’t even know they’ve become a victim. Best practices should include high-complexity passwords. Requiring secure networks (VPNs), educating on phishing schemes, and not giving out PII on social media are also key.
Educate on Best Practices
Employees don’t mean to do it and are often the weak link in attacks. More often than not, they don’t even know they’ve become a victim. Best practices should include high-complexity passwords. Requiring secure networks (VPNs), educating on phishing schemes, and not giving out PII on social media are also key.
Defense Applications and Firewalls
Make sure your SMB has an updated defense application on mobile devices. Firewalls and other security measures should also be in place. Malicious attackers look for vulnerabilities wherever they can. As a result, having an app on mobile devices is important when you connect to company systems via personal devices. Firewalls keep your data safe on your internal network, too.
Defense Applications and Firewalls
Make sure your SMB has an updated defense application on mobile devices. Firewalls and other security measures should also be in place. Malicious attackers look for vulnerabilities wherever they can. As a result, having an app on mobile devices is important when you connect to company systems via personal devices. Firewalls keep your data safe on your internal network, too.
Two-Factor Authentication
Requiring two-factor authentication provides extra security and is a good idea for any business. If your data leaks in a cybercrime attack, two-factor authentication can stop them. The criminal will still not be able to access employee info if there’s a second authentication piece. This keeps hackers from fully gaining entry to otherwise sensitive information.
Check Insurance Coverage
Also, always check your insurance to make sure you’re covered in the event of a cyber attack. Having a knowledgeable insurance provider is key in ensuring a good reaction to an attack. The best plans also have services such as forensic investigation in addition to covering the damages.
Two-Factor Authentication
Requiring two-factor authentication provides extra security and is a good idea for any business. If your data leaks in a cybercrime attack, two-factor authentication can stop them. The criminal will still not be able to access employee info if there’s a second authentication piece. This keeps hackers from fully gaining entry to otherwise sensitive information.
Check Insurance Coverage
Also, always check your insurance to make sure you’re covered in the event of a cyber attack. Having a knowledgeable insurance provider is key in ensuring a good reaction to an attack. The best plans also have services such as forensic investigation in addition to covering the damages.
The Bottom Line
SMBs cannot afford to wait for hackers to attack and grab sensitive data. You need to make sure that your business and employees are prepared and can prevent or react to a data breach in the best possible way.
If getting prepared feels like a daunting task, you can always ask IT Done For You to take care of making sure everything is set for you, your business, and your employees. Contact us to learn more about what we can do for you to help prevent cyber attacks.
The Bottom Line
SMBs cannot afford to wait for hackers to attack and grab sensitive data. You need to make sure that your business and employees are prepared and can prevent or react to a data breach in the best possible way.
If getting prepared feels like a daunting task, you can always ask IT Done For You to take care of making sure everything is set for you, your business, and your employees. Contact us to learn more about what we can do for you to help prevent cyber attacks.
Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!
Related Posts
Let’s have a 15-minute video call
We are now taking on new clients.