Top Cyber Security Threats to Businesses & How to Tackle Them

Several people think that most of the time only big corporations with billions of dollars in revenue are targeted by cybercriminals, however, the reality is that cyber security threats to small businesses are increasing day by day. This makes it extremely important for small business owners to protect their businesses from cyber attacks but some people are not sure where to begin.

In this article, we will take you through steps on how to protect your business, explain the different types of cyber attacks on businesses and we will also provide you with a business cyber security checklist to help you along the way.

What are the Different Kinds of Cyber Attacks that Small Businesses are Attacked with?

Before we jump into exactly how to protect your business, first let’s take a look at different types of cyberattacks on businesses that criminals generally use.

Botnet

A botnet is like a network of devices that have been infected with malicious software, for example, a computer virus. Criminals take control of botnet groups and without the owners, knowledge try to increase the cumulative effect of the attack and is often used for Distributed Denial of Services (DDoS) Attacks.

Malware

Lately, cyber attacks on businesses involve systems with malware. Malware can also be of several types like ransomware, spyware, worms, and viruses. Once the system is infected, malware can be used to do the following:-

• Block access to different parts of the network.
• Install additional viruses and malware.
• Extract information without the owner’s knowledge and transmit it to criminals and hackers.
• Disrupt important parts of the system rendering the system unusable.

SQL Injection

A SQL (Structured Query Language) injection occurs when attackers/hackers infect a server that uses SQL and manipulates it to reveal secret information. If a website is not secure, then its search bar can also be used to carry out an SQL Injection.

Phishing Attacks

Phishing is basically sending fraudulent information that appears to come from a reputable source with the goal to trick the victim into revealing information like credit card numbers or to make them install malicious software in their systems.

Please note that our list of possible cyber attacks on businesses list is not exhaustive and there are many other types of cyber attacks as well like DNS Tunnelling, Zero-Day Exploit, and DDoS attacks.

Now that you know about the different types of cyberattacks, let’s understand how you can protect your business and also go through the small business cyber security checklist.

Different Methods to protect your business from cyber attacks

Information technology and high-speed broadband are powerful factors that help small businesses increase efficiency and productivity and also help them reach new markets. We have mentioned below a small business cyber security checklist that will help you protect your business from cyber attacks.

Train Employees in Basic Security Protocols

Establishing basic security policies like appropriate internet guidelines, strong passwords, and how to handle sensitive data is the first step towards protecting the business. Companies should also clearly mention penalties that would be applicable if the guidelines are not followed.

Firewalls

A firewall is a program that prevents unknown users from accessing data stored on a private network. To make the most firewalls you have to ensure that it is updated and is enabled on the system.

Antiviruses

Antiviruses are applications that scan the system for malicious software and viruses and ensure that the system is protected at all times, especially when online. Currently, the market is flooded with different kinds of antivirus software that provide all-around protection not only for your computer and network but also for mobile devices.

Make Backups

Making backups of sensitive data and information can be a lifesaver in the case of cyberattacks. A lot of ransomware targets and locks data of companies then asks for money in order to release the data. With the emergence of cloud computing, you have the option of storing backups in the cloud; however, storing data offsite is also a sensible option.

A Secure Wi-fi Connection

One of the most important tips in this small business cyber security checklist is the importance of using a secure wi-fi/internet connection. If the wifi or internet connection of your business is not secure, then it will be extremely easy for cybercriminals to gain access to your system. Regularly checking people on the network and providing access to trustworthy people along with a strong password will make your wi-fi connection more secure.

Authentication and Passwords

Ensure that everyone connected to the network uses a username and password to log in and change the password every 2-3 months to get an extra layer of security. Two-factor authentication is also a great way to weed out unwanted elements.

Even though cyber security threats to businesses are rising day by day, if you will implement all the guidelines mentioned in this post then you will always be one step ahead of cybercriminals.