Cyber Attacks on Small Businesses | Critical Importance of Cybersecurity

In the past 12 months, 50% of small businesses have experienced a security breach through a cyberattack. A small business cyberattack is defined as the alteration of a computer’s data, coding, or logic through the use of malicious code, which can lead to other cybercrimes like identity theft, fraud, and more.

Many small business owners think they’re not at risk of being a victim of a cyberattack, but that is not the case. Not only are small businesses at risk, but small businesses can be more appealing to hackers because they don’t have proper security protections in place. No matter what size the business is, it’s important to protect both its physical and digital valuables. A clearly defined cybersecurity plan is equally as important as a clearly defined company culture—perhaps even more so.

In a small business, especially one just starting out, it can be difficult to find the time and money to ensure a proper cybersecurity plan is in place. Furthermore, it can also be difficult to ensure all employees are aware of cyberattack risks and are trained on the cybersecurity plan. Because of this, many malicious hackers will purposely target small businesses knowing they have a good chance of getting past their poor or nonexistent security program. For example, healthcare providers, which are often small businesses, are one of the most vulnerable types of organizations. In 2016, 27 million patient records were affected by cyberattacks!

Handcuffs on the monitor screen. Cyberattacks and hacker attack.

So what types of cyberattacks should small businesses protect themselves against?

Below are the three most common types of small business cyberattacks to watch out for:

  • Phishing scams
  • Web-based attacks
  • General malware

A phishing scam refers to those attacks in which hackers aim to trick users into either giving personal information or clicking on spam links. If a hacker receives this personal information, like an address, bank account, or social security number, they’ll be able to quickly take over the user’s identity and steal information from the business.

Threats that may be found while browsing the Internet are referred to as web-based attacks. Users who don’t use security programs on their computers are easy targets for these types of attacks. These attacks take place when the user is prompted to download or install some type of software, which in turn allows the hacker to steal the user’s information.

General malware attacks can be posed as an email with a seemingly harmless link or attachment. When the user clicks on the link or attachment, a virus immediately infects their computer. The virus can the lock the user out of all of his or her files and drives on the computer, or infect the entire network. 

Understanding the importance of cybersecurity is just the first step. You must invest in proper cybersecurity and educate and train your employees so they understand their responsibilities as they relate to your cybersecurity program.

 

Has your business every fallen victim to hackers, phishing scams, or ransomware? Let us know how you bounced back from cyberattacks and what new cybersecurity measures you put into place.

 

Anthony Grijalva

Team Contributor

Subscribe

Sign up for tips on crafting the perfect team.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Categories

Podcast

around the world podcast logo

Get ideas, inspiration and best practices from across the globe.

apple podcast logo spotify podcast logo

Be a Guest Blogger

Do you have any useful tips, tricks, guides, or valuable insights about company culture?

Learn more  

Sign up for tips on crafting the perfect team.

Less drama? Greater productivity and job satisfaction? Yes, you really can make an impact, and TeamBonding is here to help. Subscribe to our blog for useful tips, tricks and insights.

More great content based on your likes.

5 Ideas for Motivational Team Building Activities for Employees in 2024

For decades now, there has been an acute issue plaguing HR workers and managers around motivational team building activities for employees. An unmotivated employee or team can lead to decreased productivity and morale, higher turnover, and a lack of cohesion throughout the organization. There are many theories on how to best motivate employees. Some think that monetary incentives are the only way to truly motivate employees, while others believe motivation can be found through a better work culture or by cultivating motivational activities for employees. Before we can truly understand how to motivate work teams and employees and our favorite motivational activities for employees, we must first understand the different types of workplace motivators.

Read More  

6 Ways to Make Your Virtual Holiday Party Less Awkward

We’ve all been there. You are at the company holiday party, and something embarrassing happens that makes everyone feel uncomfortable and uneasy. While you might think that virtual events would be exempt from such circumstances, the reality is that Zoom events have had their fair share of awkward moments.

Read More  

TeamBonding’s Ultimate Guide To Gifts For Coworkers

Tis the season for spreading joy, building camaraderie, and expressing gratitude to the amazing coworkers who make every workday brighter. Worried what to gift coworkers? This corporate gift guide is curated to help you find the perfect gift ideas for coworkers that not only foster team building but also bring holiday cheer to your workplace. From thoughtful Christmas gifts for coworkers to team building treasures, let’s explore a collection of presents that will leave a lasting impression.

Read More  

How Companies Can Give Back During the Holidays in 2023

The holiday season is fast approaching, and with it comes the opportunity to help those in need and give back to the community. This is also a great opportunity for you to show your gratitude to those who have dedicated so much of their time and effort to furthering the success of your organization in the past year. And coming up with holiday charity ideas for the office is not as hard as it seems.

Read More  

Questions? Need a quote?

Complete this form to get started or call 877-472-2725.

Loading Icon

Create Your Free Account

Get exclusive access to new programs from the TeamBonding Lab, save your favorite ideas, and track your upcoming events.
Already have an account? Login

Please wait...

Sign-in

Don't yet have an account?
Create a Free Account

Forgot Your Password? Password Reset