The Importance of Cyber-Security for Small Businesses
Keeping information safe is a growing concern for businesses of all sizes. Companies are collecting and processing huge amounts of information, and this makes them an attractive target for cybercriminals.
A cybersecurity strategy identifies and fixes vulnerabilities. It includes processes, procedures, tools, and technologies to protect electronic data.
Cyberattacks occur when bad actors use malicious code to gain unauthorized access to a computer system. They often use viruses and malware to steal or damage data. These programs can also destroy or interrupt services.
Cybercrime is a multibillion dollar industry. Criminals target health care systems, smart road infrastructure, educational institutions, and government institutions. Their motives are often political or ethical. They can also be driven by financial intentions.
New technology creates new attack opportunities. For example, new devices can bring malware into an organization. Also, employees who work outside the office can leave their devices in public places. This puts them at risk of eavesdropping, stealing device details, and obtaining company secrets.
Cyber security is an important practice, and every organization should take the time to maintain backups and ensure data integrity during cyberattacks. However, updating practices can be challenging for smaller organizations without in-house resources.
A growing number of bad actors are more sophisticated, organized, and able to steal or damage data without detection. They can also breach environments in more covert ways. For example, they may use social media to gather intel and access credit card details without the organization knowing it.