There’s no denying businesses of all shapes and sizes are continually in the crosshairs of cybercriminals. It doesn’t take long to uncover news stories regarding multi-billion dollar international corporations on the receiving end of data breaches, which in turn costs them tens, if not hundreds of millions of dollars in upfront losses. These numbers don’t even take into account the amount of money lost when a percentage of customers never shop with the business again (or at least an extended period of time), nor the amount of money the corporation pays out in legal fees. In all, many of these companies eventually shell out well over a billion dollars in funds with the various costs associated with a data breach.
As a small business, you may not think much about cyber security. Perhaps you assume your computer already has some kind of antivirus built-in, or you wave your hand at the thought because “Macs don’t get viruses.” That is the wrong approach to take. If you’ve never Googled how cybersecurity impacts small businesses, you will likely be shocked at how damaging even the smallest successful cybercriminal infiltration into your business can be. Instead of asking why small businesses need cybersecurity, you need to ask how you can upgrade your current cybersecurity defenses.
Small Businesses Are A Major Target
You might assume cybercriminals are more likely to go after large corporations. After all, those businesses are the ones in the news when they are hit, not to mention cracking their defensive code can bring a windfall of data and monetary gains for cybercriminals. With those kinds of benefits, why in the world would an individual specifically target a small business?
Because it’s easier.
Small businesses don’t have the same kind of assets, but oftentimes small businesses also don’t have the same kind of defensive systems in place. It can often be easier to strike a few dozen small businesses instead of going after a multi-billion dollar organization. Even when successful, the multi-billion dollar organization has the kind of financial assets to hire legal teams and cyber investigators to go after criminals. In the case of a small business, the company might not even realize they were hit until months down the road (or not longer).
The fact of the matter is small businesses are three times more likely to be attacked by hackers. And most of these hackers aren’t doing anything particularly special or skillful to make their way onto a small business network. Many of the same snooping and phishing attempts used on individuals are used on small businesses.
Upgrade Your Security System
Small businesses are truly the sweet spot for cybercriminals. Many small businesses have the same kind of basic defensive systems in place as any person at home with their computer, and yet it is possible to siphon off the financial information of not only the business but thousands of customers. As a small business owner, you need to make sure and defend yourself against these kinds of attacks.
Investing in a full-service IT cybersecurity team is the best way to do this.
Before you assume this is an expense you will not be able to afford and that you’ll be better off just rolling the dice against cyber criminals, there is a viable option that is both affordable and gives you the same kind of round-the-clock protection as a full-time, in-person IT department. With a managed IT service provider, you will receive all the same benefits, and yet, because the managed account is located off-site and other small businesses just like your own are partnering with the company, you’re able to reduce the cost of your security services drastically.
Here at Charlotte IT Solutions, we provide this exact kind of service. However, unlike other managed cybersecurity providers, we do not provide you with a one-size-fits-all defensive system. The best cybersecurity systems fit a user like a glove, reducing the possibility of a phishing scam swimming through the gaps. You won’t have any gaps because your security network will be made just for you. If you’re interested in learning more about how we can address your small business cybersecurity needs, make sure to give us a call.
It’s Time To Upgrade Your Cybersecurity Defenses
It doesn’t matter what industry you are in, the size of your business, or how long you have been in business; you will eventually be the target of a cybercriminal. Chances are you have already been the target without even knowing it. Many cyber attacks are especially basic, and it isn’t difficult to avoid phishing emails. And yet, any cyber criminal worth their salt can easily attack a small business that has not installed enhanced cybersecurity defenses.
As a small business, it doesn’t cost much to overhaul your entire cybersecurity system and upgrade the defenses that protect your business, your finances, as well as your customer’s personal data. A successful data breach can cost you tens, if not hundreds of thousands of dollars. Something your business may never be able to recover from. Instead of testing fate, you are better off partnering with a cybersecurity provider such as Charlotte IT Solutions.
Here at Charlotte IT Solutions, we will tailor form a cybersecurity defense system designed specifically for your business. So whether you are an individual that runs your business out of the home office, you run a physical brick-and-mortar location, or you have dozens of employees spread throughout the world, we will craft the ultimate managed cybersecurity system to ensure you, and your customers, can sleep soundly at night without worrying about cyber attacks. To learn more about our services and how we can enhance your cybersecurity, you need to give our team at Charlotte IT Solutions a call at your earliest convenience.