6 Small Business Cyber Security Threats You Might Be Overlooking

Small businesses are increasingly aware of the dangers of cyber security threats, but this concern doesn’t always translate into action.

Whether you’re a company with thousands of employees or just one person, cyber security threats can come in many forms, and they’re not always obvious when they first appear. 

In fact, many small businesses actually make themselves more vulnerable to these threats through their actions, such as by allowing unauthorized personnel access to company computers and data, or failing to maintain current software patches and firewalls. 

Here are some common mistakes that small businesses often make in regards to cyber security that can leave them vulnerable to these threats in the future.  Keep reading to find out more!

Know More About: Angel One Referral Target

Common cybersecurity threat

If you want to run your business smoothly then you have to take care of the below points about the cyber security threat.

1) Malware

Malware is a type of malicious software that can infect your computer and give hackers access to your sensitive data. Even if you have a strong cyber security system in place, malware can still find its way onto your network. 

Once it's there, it can wreak havoc on your systems and data. To protect your business from malware, you need to keep your software up to date, use anti-malware tools, and educate your employees about cyber security threats.

2) Ransomware

Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts your files and holds them hostage until you pay a ransom. It's a growing threat for small businesses, who are often targeted because they can't afford to pay the ransom and don't have robust backups in place. 

Here are important things you can do to protect yourself:

1. Keep your software up to date. Ransomware exploits vulnerabilities in outdated software, so it's important to keep all your software including your operating system, browsers, and plugins up to date.

2. Don't open email attachments from unknown senders. One of the most common ways ransomware gets on your computer is through email attachments. If an attachment arrives from someone you don't know, delete it without opening it. 

Even if it looks like an innocent document or image file, there could be code hidden inside. And even if you think the attachment is from someone you know and trust, check with them first before opening anything they've sent.

3. Have regular backups of your data stored offline. If your business has more than 10 employees or stores sensitive data like credit card numbers or social security numbers, make sure to back up your data at least every 24 hours in case something happens to your primary server. 

Make sure any backup device isn't connected to the internet and isn't stored near other devices that might contain personal information such as computers or printers (or just consider using something like Carbonite).

3) Hacking

Cybercrime: A Prominent Cyber Security Threat for Small Businesses. While large companies have the resources to invest in prevention and detection, small businesses are often left vulnerable. 

This is because hackers know that small businesses typically have less robust security systems, making them easy targets. To protect your business, it’s important to invest in a strong cyber security solution and to educate your employees on best practices.

Anti-virus software: All computer networks will be exposed to viruses, malware, and other malicious code at some point. The average small business can't afford the time or money to constantly update their software patches as new vulnerabilities arise. 

As such, many turn off these updates altogether in order to save time. Unfortunately, this leaves their network open to attacks from cyber criminals who are able to take advantage of these vulnerabilities quickly before they're patched.

4) Phishing

Phishing is a type of cyber attack that uses fraudulent emails or websites to trick users into revealing sensitive information, such as login credentials or credit card numbers. 

Attackers can use this information to gain access to your systems and data. Phishing attacks are becoming more sophisticated, so it's important to be aware of the latest trends and how to protect yourself. 

Make sure you don't click on links in unsolicited emails from unknown senders, avoid giving out personal information in public online forums, and make sure all browsers are up-to-date with the latest security patches.

5) Spamming

It's not just a nuisance; spamming can actually be dangerous for your business. Not only can it clog up your email inbox, but it can also contain malware or phishing scams that can compromise your data. 

Be sure to have a good spam filter in place to protect your business. You should also delete any messages you suspect might be spam as soon as possible.

6) Lack of website security

Your website is often the first point of contact between you and your customers. If it's not secure, you're putting both your business and your customers at risk. Make sure your website is using HTTPS and has a valid SSL certificate. 

There are different types of SSL Certificates available in the market. Like Cheap Multi Domain SSL Certificate, Wildcard SSL Certificate, Single Domain SSL and more. You can choose any as per your site requirement and budget.

Also, consider using a security plugin like Wordfence to further secure your site. A good rule of thumb is that if you haven't updated your plugins in awhile, do so now. Plugins are one of the most common ways for hackers to gain access to sites and data.

Conclusion

As a small business owner, you can't afford to overlook any potential cyber security threats. By being aware of the most common ones and taking steps to protect your business, you can help keep your data and information safe.

In conclusion, above six small business cyber security threats you might be overlooking. While some of them may seem obvious, they're often the most common attacks that small businesses face. Protecting your business against these threats should be a top priority to ensure the safety of your data and customers.