Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are increasingly becoming the target of cybercriminals. According to recent studies, around 43% of all cyberattacks are aimed at SMBs. While large corporations have dedicated IT teams and cybersecurity budgets to protect their networks, SMBs often lack the same resources. This makes them an easy target for cybercriminals.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the 5 most common cybersecurity threats faced by SMBs and how to protect against them.
- Phishing attacks
Phishing attacks are one of the most common cybersecurity threats faced by SMBs. These attacks are usually carried out through email, where the attacker pretends to be a legitimate entity to obtain sensitive information, such as login credentials or financial information. To protect against phishing attacks, SMBs should educate their employees about how to spot and avoid these scams. Additionally, having a spam filter can help catch suspicious emails before they reach an employee’s inbox.
- Ransomware
Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts a company’s files and demands a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key. SMBs are often targeted by ransomware attacks due to their lack of cybersecurity resources. To protect against ransomware, SMBs should regularly backup their data and ensure that they have a strong and up-to-date antivirus software installed.
- Insider threats
Insider threats refer to any cybersecurity threats that come from within a company, such as a disgruntled employee stealing sensitive information. To protect against insider threats, SMBs should have a strong access control system in place. This includes limiting access to sensitive data to only those who need it and having a monitoring system in place to detect any suspicious behavior.
- Malware
Malware is a type of software designed to damage or disrupt computer systems. This can include viruses, worms, and Trojan horses. To protect against malware, SMBs should have a strong and up-to-date antivirus software installed on all devices.
- DDoS attacks
In conclusion, SMBs are increasingly becoming the target of cybercriminals. To protect against these threats, SMBs should have a strong cybersecurity plan in place. This includes educating employees about cybersecurity best practices, regularly backing up data, and having a strong antivirus software installed. By taking these steps, SMBs can better protect themselves against cyber threats.
DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks are carried out by overwhelming a company’s network with traffic, causing it to crash. These attacks are often carried out by botnets, which are networks of compromised devices. To protect against DDoS attacks, SMBs should have a DDoS protection service in place.
Contact us today to learn more about Info System Consultants managed security services and how we can help protect your business from cyber threats.