Cyber Attacks – How Managed IT Protects your Small Business

Cyberattacks affect millions of small businesses around the world.  They are malicious attempts by hackers to access, damage or destroy your data, systems or networks. The affects can be significant, such as financial losses, reputational damage, legal liabilities and operational disruptions. Cyberattacks can also compromise your customers’ personal information and trust, which can hurt your brand loyalty and sales.

You might think that cyberattacks only target large corporations or government agencies, but that’s not true. In fact, small businesses are more vulnerable to cyberattacks than larger ones, because they often lack the resources, expertise, and awareness to protect themselves effectively. According to a report by Forbes, cyber risks are the biggest concern for companies globally in 2023. Another report by Fortinet states that hackers target SMBs because they often use free cybersecurity tools designed for consumers that are not powerful enough to protect businesses.

Some of the most common types of cyberattacks that affect small businesses are:

1. Phishing/Social Engineering

Hackers send fake emails or messages that look like they come from legitimate sources, such as your bank, your supplier, or your customer. They try to trick you into clicking on malicious links, downloading malicious files or giving them your credentials or sensitive information.

2. Malware

Hackers install malicious software on your devices or systems, such as viruses, worms, trojans or spyware to steal your data, monitor your activities, damage your files or take control of your devices.

3. Data Breaches

Hackers gain unauthorized access to your data, such as customer records, financial information or trade secrets and use the data breaches to extort money from you, sell your data to third parties or expose your data publicly.

4. Website Hacking

Hackers exploit vulnerabilities in your website or web applications, such as SQL injection or cross-site scripting to deface your website, redirect your traffic, steal your data or launch further attacks.

5. DDoS Attacks

Hackers overwhelm your website or network with a large amount of traffic or requests from multiple sources to slow down or crash your website or network, disrupt your services or demand ransom.

6. Ransomware

Hackers encrypt your data or lock your devices and demand payment in exchange for the decryption key or access to extort money from you, threaten to delete your data or expose your data publicly.

There are many more types and variations of cyberattacks that hackers can use to target you. That’s why it’s crucial for small businesses to take cybersecurity seriously and implement effective measures to prevent and respond to cyberattacks.

Let’s talk about how R&D Computer’s Managed IT Services in Norcross, GA can be your Virtual CIO.  Our certified technicians and hardware specialists will support your IT department with technology, monitoring, hardware updates and onsite services to find and contain attacks on your business.  Schedule your FREE security assessment today!