Hacks Show Cracks in Site Security

Organized Crime Targets Small Businesses

Cybersecurity experts urge SMBs to beef up their online defenses.

In a recent study by the Ponemon Institute, it was found that 60% of small businesses have been the target of a cyberattack in the past year. The most common types of attacks were phishing, malware, and ransomware. These attacks can have a devastating impact on small businesses, costing them time, money, and reputation.

One of the most common ways that hackers gain access to small business networks is through phishing emails. These emails look like they come from a legitimate source, such as a bank or a government agency. However, they contain malicious links or attachments that can infect your computer with malware.

Malware is a type of software that can damage your computer or steal your data. Ransomware is a particularly nasty type of malware that encrypts your files and demands a ransom payment to decrypt them.

What Can Small Businesses Do to Protect Themselves?

There are a number of things that small businesses can do to protect themselves from cyberattacks.

• Use strong passwords and change them regularly.
• Be careful about clicking on links in emails, even if they appear to come from a legitimate source.
• Install and update antivirus software on all of your computers.
• Back up your data regularly.
• Train your employees on cybersecurity best practices.

By following these tips, small businesses can help to protect themselves from the growing threat of cyberattacks.

Additional Resources

• Ponemon Institute study on cyberattacks against small businesses
• FBI warning about phishing attacks targeting small businesses
• CISA cybersecurity best practices for small businesses