Small businesses are more vulnerable than ever in this digital age. With all of our information stored on computers and in the cloud, we put our businesses and customers’ information at risk of being stolen or erased entirely.

Upgrading your cyber security is something to be taken seriously. One accidental download could lead to a malicious attack that could cost your business in the end. According to Verizon, in 2019, 43% of cyber attacks targeted small businesses.

In order to protect your business’s information, you should be aware of the most common cyber security threats out there.

Ransomware

Ransomware is a malicious software created by hackers to either lock you out from accessing your computers or business information or steal information and threaten to publish. Typically, hackers target your most valuable information such as customer information and business documents.

The hackers will then usually ask for money or some other type of ransom in order to unlock the files. Small businesses are targeted with these attacks because hackers know most business owners will pay the ransom.

This makes it import to ensure all of your business’s information is backed up.

Phishing

A phishing attack typically occurs when you or an employee clicks a malicious link or download that is sent to via email from someone posing as an acquaintance or other trusted party.

To prevent these attacks, educate your employees about phishing attacks and to read emails carefully. Be wary of mysterious and suspicious emails, especially those with downloads, and scrutinize links that may be masked to look like trusted websites but really belong to domains made to look similar to trusted domains.

Malware

Malware is also malicious software hackers install in order to access and steal personal or private information or damage your device so that it will require repair, but unlike ransomware, hackers don’t ask for a ransom.

Malware also typically comes from clicking suspicious links, downloads, or even connecting to a device that has the malware on it. This is most common when employees use personal devices at work.

Protect Your Small Business from Cyber Security Threats

Now that you have an idea of the most common cyber security threats small businesses face, it’s time to think about how you can protect your business and its proprietary information. Besides the many security software programs you can download for protection, it’s also important to educate and train your employees in order to stay safe while online.

If your business in Metro Detroit is looking for an IT security consultant, contact us today to learn more about our services.