Small businesses often mistakenly believe that they are not an interesting enough target for cyber attackers. They therefore underestimate security measures, which cybercriminals do not hesitate to take advantage of. The consequences can be devastating – from leaks of sensitive customer data to financial losses.
A cyber attack can ruin your efforts
If you have a small business, you’re probably no stranger to working 12 hours a day. It may even seem like you’re doing it all the time, whether you’re dealing with taxes, communicating with clients, or promoting your business on social media.
You’ve probably installed a firewall on your laptop, but one day you’ll still find out that someone has hacked into your bank account or misused your company data. You may lose money or the trust of your clients, and you’ll certainly lose valuable time trying to get your business back up and running.
This is a reality for many small businesses and small entrepreneurs who face increasing risks from digital threats. For example, according to a survey last year by the UK’s Department of Science, Innovation and Technology, up to 31% of businesses with fewer than 10 employees have experienced a cyber-attack or security breach. Meanwhile, there are more than £5 million of such businesses in the UK.
Who and why is an easy target for hackers?
Smaller companies often don’t believe they are an interesting target because of their size. Moreover, entrepreneurs believe that they cannot afford a comprehensive and modern security solution. In addition, they may be using outdated and unsupported software or not have the knowledge or time to educate themselves on cybersecurity.
The attackers know all this very well. The truth is that many of them often take the easiest route possible, targeting victims who have neglected safety precautions. In this case, they are essentially playing it safe, not having to waste time breaking through the sophisticated defence mechanisms of large corporations.
What are they facing?
One of the most feared bogeymen is data leakage, and not just for smaller companies. It can be the loss of sensitive customer information or banking and payment details. Such damage most often occurs as a result of phishing or account hacking.
The misuse of poorly secured personal devices to compromise corporate systems is also a problem. Physical theft of these devices is also a threat, after which attackers can gain access to sensitive data by neglecting precautions. In the US, for example, more than two million laptops have been reported stolen, with associated data losses amounting to more than $7 billion.
How to protect yourself?
Such a long list of threats can be uncomfortable when you consider how much needs to be done to protect the business: back up data, protect servers, have a good password policy in place, ideally combined with two-factor authentication, install a security solution to protect endpoint devices as well as anti-theft solutions, and undergo cyber security training to be able to identify the signs of the most common types of fraud.
However, it is quite understandable that small businesses and entrepreneurs do not find the time to deal with cyber-attacks on top of their normal duties and responsibilities. Trying to tackle all of these threats individually by setting up a VPN, password manager, firewall, mobile security solution, data encryption and banking protection is unsustainable.
Stay one step ahead
Many companies once invested in standalone products to address individual digital pitfalls. But times have changed, and a simple antivirus or firewall is not enough to ward off a wide range of threats. You need comprehensive security for all the devices you use in your business, including computers, mobile phones and tablets. Modern protection should also include advanced threat detection tools, data encryption or a password manager.
The good news is that you don’t have to buy individual security products separately to complicate your digital protection setup. Just get one affordable solution that covers all your needs. With this in mind, the Slovak company ESET has introduced ESET Small Business Security, a solution that is specifically tailored to the needs of entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Packed with practical features, ESET Small Business Security is a comprehensive security solution with minimal burden on the system. It is easily managed through the ESET HOME platform and protects five to ten devices with different operating systems.
In addition to the legendary antivirus kernel, it provides payment and browsing protection as well as file server security. Unlimited VPN service and tools such as Password Manager and Anti-Theft are also an advantage.
Do business in safety
Millions of small businesses and entrepreneurs around the world fall victim to cybercrime every year. Despite the many cases, too many organisations still rely on simply getting away with a cyber attack. Unfortunately, they only start to address the issue when it’s too late and their computers are down, they’ve lost finances or their reputation.
But there is a way to mitigate these cyber risks without spending too much time and money. ESET Small Business Security’ s comprehensive yet simple solution takes care of your protection while you can focus fully on your business.
