Cybersecurity is one of the most often overlooked areas in small business IT services. Cyberattacks continue to be a growing threat, with the sophistication of hacking, phishing, ransomware, and malware attacks continuing to grow year by year. As the owner of a small business, it’s important to stay aware of the latest trends and threats to your company’s IT security. A local IT services company can help you identify areas of weakness and establish a robust IT security plan. Here’s a look at the most common cybersecurity threats for small businesses.
Phishing
Phishing remains one of the most common methods of cyberattack. It is a social engineering effort designed to trick someone into following a suspicious link, downloading a dangerous computer program or application, or divulging sensitive or personal information that can be used to infiltrate accounts or data. A phishing ploy utilizes ‘bait’ to lure unsuspecting users into providing email addresses, passwords, account numbers, social security numbers, login information, and other sensitive information that can be used to gain access to private accounts or secured data. You can reduce your risk of falling victim to a phishing attack by training employees to be more aware of the risk and to ask for assistance if they notice a suspicious email, text message, or other communications.
Malware
Malware is a type of malicious software that is designed to damage or infiltrate a computer, network, or server. Malware gets onto your computer or system when you or an employee downloads something dangerous, follows a suspicious link, falls victim to a phishing attempt, or uses infected software or applications. You can reduce your risk of malware by training employees in IT security, requiring administrative approval for downloads, and increasing awareness of phishing attempts and suspicious links.
Ransomware
Ransomware is a type of malware that renders servers, computers, databases, applications, and programs unusable. The hacker then asks for money in return for restoring functionality to your systems. One of your employees can infect your system with malware by clicking on a malicious email link, downloading an infected file or program, or opening files or drives from unknown sources. You can lower your risk of ransomware by limiting access to employee downloads and providing stringent and recurring training regarding the dangers of ransomware and malware.
Spyware
Spyware is another type of malware that is used to gain information. The information is then sent to another person. Some types of spyware are legal and used to track user behavior, target advertisements, and ensure employees are staying on task. Other types of spyware are malicious and can be used to steal login information, sensitive data, and private files. Make sure your employees understand what spyware and malware is. Have your IT security company or IT consultant set up computer systems and servers to protect you against malware attacks and limit users’ ability to download suspicious files and programs.
Poor Security Practices
Employees may ignore safety procedures and cybersecurity protocols to try to make it easier or faster to work or gain access to systems and software. Unfortunately, that leaves them and your business at risk of phishing and malware. If your employees use the same password for multiple sites or never change their password, it will be easier for a hacker to gain access to multiple secured systems. Employees who install devices, drivers, programs, software, or drives without following IT security protocols also put your company at risk. You can limit your risk of cyberattacks by requiring employees to change passwords regularly, use unique passwords across systems, use an encrypted password manager, and set up multi-factor authentication whenever possible. Employees should also be required to seek assistance from IT or an administrator to download programs and software as well as set up drives and other devices.
Enhance Your Company’s Cybersecurity in Tucson, AZ Today
If you’re not sure where to begin to enhance your company’s cybersecurity in Tucson, AZ, our team at Silverado Technologies can help. We offer IT security and IT consulting services to businesses throughout Arizona, across all industries. If you are ready to grow your cybersecurity knowledge and network with industry experts and other professionals, register for our upcoming Cyber Safe Symposium taking place at Arizona Sands Club on 10/19. Don’t miss your chance to reserve your spot at this free event!
Our knowledgeable team specializes in an aggressive, comprehensive approach to cybersecurity that includes cloud services and disaster preparation and recovery. Our IT security solutions include password management, security awareness training, and multifactor authentication. We also implement ongoing risk assessments, compliance audits, and disaster recovery strategies. We offer expert IT support and tech support services as well. To schedule a consultation, call us today at (520) 903-1580 or contact us online.