Cyber Security for Small Businesses: Why It's More Important Than Ever

With remote-work capabilities, cloud-based storage, and nearly every part of business involving the internet somehow, cyber threats are more prevalent than ever. 

You hear the statistics, and see it on the news, but how does it affect your small to mid-sized business?

In this article, we’ll discuss cybersecurity for small businesses, the risks, the software available, and why small businesses are even at risk.

Cybersecurity Risks for Small Business: What Makes Them a Target

While many small business owners believe their size shields them from cyber threats, the reality is quite the opposite. SMEs are prime targets for these attacks due to a combination of factors that make them easier to exploit. Here’s why: 

1. Limited cybersecurity resources
2. Weaker security systems
3. Lack of employee training
4. Valuable data readily available
5. Third-party vulnerabilities

1. Limited Cybersecurity Resource

Most of the time, small businesses don’t have the security resources that large corporations have – which often means their IT infrastructure is easily accessible and more vulnerable to attacks. 

How do the cybercriminals even find my small business?

If your business has any online presence at all, from a website to a small Facebook page, your data is stored online and can be accessed. Additionally, third-party software is also to blame – more on this later. 

2.  Weaker Security Systems

Compared to larger enterprises, small businesses typically rely on basic or outdated systems that lack the latest security features. These older systems may not receive regular updates or patches, leaving them vulnerable to known exploits. 

Without a strong cybersecurity plan for small businesses, even minor weaknesses can be exploited, leading to data breaches, ransomware attacks, and more.

3. Lack of Employee Cybersecurity Training

Many cyberattacks, such as phishing or malware, target unsuspecting employees. Small businesses often overlook the importance of cybersecurity training for small business staff, which leaves employees unaware of the latest threats or how to avoid them. 

Without proper training, human error becomes a significant cybersecurity risk, as one wrong click can lead to devastating consequences.

4. Valuable Data Readily Available

Though smaller in scale, small businesses still handle valuable data such as customer information, financial records, and intellectual property. This data is considered highly valuable to cybercriminals and easily accessible if you don’t have strong encryption and security protocols in place.

5. Third-Party Vulnerabilities

Small businesses often rely on third-party vendors and software to run their operations. However, these third-party providers may not always prioritize cybersecurity, leaving a backdoor open for attackers. 

If one of these vendors is compromised, it can easily lead to a breach in the small business's own network, further compounding their cybersecurity risks for small businesses.

What Cyber Security Software is Available for Small Businesses?

Unfortunately, cybersecurity software isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. To create a comprehensive cybersecurity stack, you have to piece it together based on your business needs and what threats you may encounter.

Different tools and software cover different aspects of cybersecurity, so it’s important to evaluate which combination works best for your company. Additionally, some software isn’t always safe to use. Here are a few cybersecurity software solutions for small businesses that we recommend: 

Antivirus Software for Small Businesses

This is the most common type of cybersecurity software used to monitor all traffic going in and out of your business. Antivirus software is your frontline of defense, running 24/7 – so you want to have the best of the best (while also at the right price). 

Our top choice of antivirus software for small businesses is Vipre. If you’re looking for budget-friendly antivirus, without losing quality – Vipre is the way to go. 

Ease-of-Use Software 

This type of software is designed to make your life easier while keeping you safe. 

• Duo – used for multi-factor authentication
• LastPass – a password management software to safely store and generate passwords
  
  

A Dedicated IT Professional

As a managed IT service provider, we frequently encounter businesses entrusting their IT management to someone who "knows a little about computers." While this might seem like a cost-effective solution, the potential consequences can be disastrous for your business.

An inexperienced "tech" can make a simple mistake—like clicking the wrong button—and it could result in the loss of all your client data, putting your entire operation at risk.

Safeguard Your Small Business from Rising Cyber Threats

With the widespread use of cloud-based storage, remote work, and daily online operations, cybercriminals have a growing number of entry points to exploit. Despite common misconceptions, small businesses are prime targets for cyberattacks due to limited resources, outdated security systems, and a lack of employee cybersecurity training. The risks are real, and the consequences – data breaches, financial losses, and damage to your reputation can be devastating.

However, by understanding the unique challenges small businesses face and proactively investing in the right cybersecurity solutions for small businesses, you can protect your business from these threats.

Talk to Omnis Technologies today, from one small business to another.