The global economy is dominated by small businesses. According to a survey of U.S. small business sponsored by Symantec, the National Cyber Security Alliance and Symantec, sixty-seven per cent (67%) have made their daily operations more dependent on the Internet in the past year. Sixty-six percent (66%) also depend on the internet. Read more now on usergorilla
The Internet offers businesses a wide range of opportunities. Today, more small businesses use the Internet and networks as business tools to reach new customers and better serve their customers.
Strategic Research Corporation found that 70% of small businesses that suffered a major data loss within one year went out of business. In a similar survey, Insight UK found that 37 percent of respondents admit to backing up their files once per month. Unbelievably, some people never back up. Many of these online businesses do not even have anti-virus software or anti-spyware installed on their computers.
Cybersecurity threats can seriously impact business operations and negatively affect customer satisfaction. Cyber criminals and scammers have caused huge losses to businesses. The business is at risk, as well as the safety of customers. Identity theft and other Internet crimes have affected many people. Internet security is a serious issue because danger lurks all over the Internet, and everyone online is vulnerable.
The cyber criminals’ attack methods and tools have improved and they are constantly coming up with new ways of attacking businesses. They use more advanced and dynamic methods to steal information. High-tech criminals can steal highly confidential information but novice users can also be attacked by them due to their access to tools. They don’t care about the size of your business, but rather the ease with which they can get past your defenses to steal your information. This is of great benefit to them.
Cybercriminals love small businesses
Cybercriminals have already taken control of more than 100,000,000 computers around the world and are now focusing their efforts on small businesses and individuals. Large companies are easy targets due to their vast assets. Small businesses, however, are more susceptible to cyber attacks. While large companies have security and contingency plans in place, cyber criminals are more likely to target small businesses.
If you look closely, it is clear that small businesses are not equipped with the necessary cyber security policies or training to protect themselves from cyber criminals. Many lack the resources to hire security professionals or buy effective security software. Many rely on freeware or cheap Internet security software, making them easy targets. The lack of investment in security creates a low-risk environment for criminals.
Anti-virus software and spyware, along with firewalls, are insufficient protection against today’s web threats. Not enough protection is provided by other factors, such as data loss from hardware failures, disaster recovery and proper backup procedures.
Other times, management sees information security as an expense that can be cut during tough financial times. This could lead to significant losses over the long-term. Brad Dinerman, the founder of National Information Security Group states, “When economic conditions are dire, it’s easy to make security a check-list item that is pushed back.” Security should always be the first priority in these situations. Your organization is more likely to be harmed and the consequences can be even worse.