Small businesses and cybersecurity services don’t really seem like they go hand in hand. Many small business owners believe they’re not a target and don’t think about cyberthreats until something goes wrong. Their cybersecurity is at a level 1. Unfortunately, this often proves to be the most expensive approach in the long run and may even cause the loss of the business itself.
Here’s how cybersecurity services can fit your small business needs and keep you on track for a win.
What (Cyber) Threats Are You Facing?
It’s not unusual for small businesses to think of themselves as “small fish” and the bad guys certainly aren’t going to come after them. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth.
A report from 2021 discovered: “[O]n average, an employee of a small business with less than 100 employees will experience 350% more social engineering attacks than an employee of a larger enterprise.” Cybercrimes in 2020 cost organizations (including small businesses) $2.7 billion, and 88% of smaller companies’ owners believed they were vulnerable.
Small businesses are regularly being hit with sophisticated scams and phishing attempts, and, without a game plan, these threats could easily prove successful for the criminal. Human error, keyloggers, rogue employees, and remote work without secure resources can all result in a crippling attack on your company.
Going Without Cybersecurity Services Can Drain Your Health Bar
Going without cybersecurity services for your small businesses is a little like playing with fire. It’s not just customer information that’s at risk. Hackers can shut down your business, making it impossible to operate until a fix is found.
The average cost for a data breach for small businesses is $108,000. This can be due to the required fix to get your network back online, but the cost can skyrocket if your reputation is damaged, customers leave, or you’re hit with fines. And, if you’re lacking the proper cybersecurity procedures, you will not be able to obtain liability insurance and any claims will be denied. It’s not surprising that many small companies don’t recover.
Opting for cybersecurity services ahead of time, however, is like having a few extra lives and health potions in your back pocket for a fraction of the cost. You can take advantage of affordable solutions like the cloud, Microsoft Teams, help desks, network security, and more, while also cutting down on the worry, stress, and uncertainty your company faces.
How to Level up Your Cybersecurity
What resources could help you level up your cybersecurity services?
42 Rapid, Easy & Powerful Cybersecurity Measures You Can Start Implementing Right Now. Get the Checklist
If you don’t have it, download the checklist above for a great start. These are a few things you’ll want to consider first:
Identity Management
Individuals are used to using usernames and passwords for their accounts, yet this approach can prove to be inefficient when it comes to security. Would you notice if someone broke in?
Identity management instead focuses on better user access management and can ensure only authorized users are accessing your vital information. Especially in the world of remote and hybrid work, it’s essential that you’re verifying who is coming in and out of your network.
Training
Small business employees are regularly the target of social engineering attacks. Training your employees in the latest security principles and measures can not only protect them, it can protect your business. They’ll know how to spot a phishing attempt, what attacks look like, and what to do if there’s a suspected breach.
Mobile Device Management (MDM)
In a remote or hybrid work world, mobile device management solutions are more important than ever. Your employees are facing new threats due to new working environments. Having the right strategies in place now can stop a breach in its tracks.
Endpoint Security
Endpoint security is another resource you could need to close the gap and level up your cybersecurity, especially if you have hybrid or remote employees. These solutions will close open doors to hackers, work to actively prevent attacks, and give you the necessary insight on any threats to your small business.
Cybersecurity Consultant
If you’re not quite sure what methods or strategies are best for your company, it’s time to consult with a cybersecurity expert. They can suggest solutions to close the gaps, complete risk assessments, and point you in the right direction for solutions.
Cybersecurity Strategies for Your Small Business
It’s true in gaming – a strategy that works for a friend may not be the best for you. It’s true in the world of small business too. That’s why Nortec focuses on building plans from the ground up for each of our clients to ensure that needs, wants, and budgets are being met while also closing the cyber gaps. When it comes time to level up your small business’ cybersecurity, you need a cybersecurity provider that understands the unique threats of what you’re up against.