Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs) are often unsure of where they stand when it comes to cybersecurity. While larger companies treat cybersecurity with white gloves SMBs often think that they are not a target and fall prey to popular myths surrounding it. These misconceptions and a lack of resources have caused business owners try to get by with minimal levels of data security — often to their own detriment. The statistics don’t lie. A recent study, conducted by the National Cyber Security Alliance, found that 77% of small business owners believed that they were safe from cyber threats. Interestingly, the same survey also highlighted statistics that directly contradicted their confident outlook:

• Almost 50% of SMBs in the US have experienced a cyber attack
• More than 70% of all cyber-attacks were aimed at SMBs
• 60% of SMBs went out of business within 6 months after experiencing a cyber-attack
• $2,235,000 is the average cost of malware attacks for every SMB

Data breaches are no longer a case of ‘if’ as much as ‘when’ in today’s digital environment. With the growing frequency of malware attacks and data leaks, there’s one question that you simply cannot leave unanswered — can you afford to stay in the dark about cybersecurity? To fully understand the importance of having efficient cybersecurity, let’s start by dispelling some of the most common myths!

In fact, the smaller your business, the greater the need to be have efficient cybersecurity.

Myth 1 — My company is not big enough to be hacked

Hackers don’t discriminate. While most small businesses are not at the center of large-scale targeted data attacks, statistics prove that they’re hardly immune to its effects. They frequently fall victim to the ‘spray and pray’ technique — a tactic where automated software indiscriminately attacks multiple organizations at once to exploit security lapses. Once they discover vulnerabilities, hackers can easily access all forms of data from intellectual property such as secret formulas, patented technology, client data and digital assets.

Myth 2 — My data is safe on my cell phone or tablet

Today, cell phones are used to manage advanced processes like cloud computing. With so many people using this platform this created a new channel for cyber-attacks. As a result, over 70% of attacks on business operations are carried out through phones. In fact, Verizon Wireless’ 2019 Mobile Security Index found that one in three organizations suffered data breaches through mobile devices.

Myth 3 — Firewalls and anti-virus software are all I need

Restricting cybersecurity to firewalls and anti-virus software is like taking a knife to a gunfight. Attackers today have at their disposal an arsenal of sophisticated technology, including undetectable malware and AI-powered ransomware. To compete with these advanced tools, companies need more than traditional safety measures — especially with the growing threat of internal and third-party leaks.

Myth 4 — Only IT staff should be concerned with Cybersecurity

Manipulating Internal staff with phishing emails is an easy way for a hacker to gain access to company data. Hackers know that the IT staff won’t fall for their tricks, so they target staff members in admin support, sales, customer service, marketing and even management. They can send innocent, business-like emails with embedded links or attachments. When employees click these links, they provide a gateway to company systems. All employees need to be trained to detect phishing emails and how they can prevent a ransomware attack.

Invest in Cyber Defense before it’s too late

Regardless of the size of your organization, it is paramount that you’re clear about what cybersecurity means in today’s business context. In fact, the smaller your business, the greater the need to be have efficient cybersecurity. SMBs need to partner with an experienced cybersecurity company that understands their needs and limitations.

At Accorian, we specialize in serving small and medium businesses. We simplify the cybersecurity process and provide customized solutions to fit your needs. We also provide workshops and roadmaps so that you have the knowledge to prevent a breach.

Partner with us today to create an IT security framework that protects your data regardless of how you access it, who interacts with it, or what you do with it! We will be your one stop shop for all your technology defense. Contact us today.