Six Reasons Why Small Businesses Get Hacked

It’s a scary thought, but it happens: small businesses get hacked. And while these attacks can be costly in the short-term, they can also leave lasting damage on your company’s reputation and future success.

The following six reasons will help you understand why small businesses are at risk of getting hacked and what you need to do to reduce that risk.

1. Your Business Uses Old Technology.

Small businesses are the most vulnerable to cyber-attacks. This is because they lack many of the resources that large companies have, such as a dedicated IT department and budgets for high-tech security solutions. Not only do small business often not invest in these kinds of measures, but their employees might also be less vigilant about cybersecurity risks than those working at larger firms with more established practices.

• Safeguard your confidential information
• Proactively manage and monitor data for potential risks 
• Increase productivity and save money on IT expenses
• Ensure the safety of your data, keep it safe, and recover in case of a disaster with our backup storage system
• Work safely around malware 

2. The Wrong People Have Access To Your Data.

As a business owner, you need to make sure that only authorized personnel can access sensitive or confidential information. This will ensure that they know how important it is and keep them accountable for their actions when handling such content. You also want to think about who could do harm with this knowledge- if an employee leaves abruptly after being terminated, what might happen? It’s always good practice to encrypt any company laptop before handing over its possession, which notifies employees of confidentiality agreements so there are no surprises later on down the line.

• Safeguard your confidential information
• Encrypt company laptops to protect sensitive data
• Keep confidential information secret from unauthorized employees 
• Monitor and control what’s done on your laptop 
• Enable access without a password for authorized personnel only

3. You Don’t Keep Regular Backups Of Important Files.

In the event of a disaster, you don’t want to be left scrambling for files that are never backed up. Whether it’s malware or data loss from an employee error or equipment malfunction, make sure to back up any and all company information on a regular basis in case of just this type of crisis. We recommend storing backups offsite because even if your business is destroyed by fire or natural disaster, you will still have access to these vital documents!

• Backups should be stored securely off-site
• Ensure there are no gaps between backup cycles
• Consider using some form of redundancy such as cloud storage when possible  to avoid downtime in the event of a major problem with one system

4. You’re Not Keeping Up With Patches For Operating Systems And Applications.

Hackers are always looking for new ways to get in. They want what you have, and they’ll do whatever it takes to get their hands on your data. You may need an IT professional who can help you prevent hackers from getting into your business’s systems and stealing customer information or intellectual property.

If a hacker gets your computer, he could steal anything from credit card numbers to private emails that would cost years of embarrassment if released publicly. Whether the attack comes from over the internet as malware or by making physical contact with infected USB drives which is known as “social engineering,” cyber crime has no borders, knows no limits and never sleeps because such criminals may be living across the world – where legal protections might not exist at all

This is a problem you’ll face if you use computers on your business network. Keep up with patches for operating systems and applications to protect against malware, viruses, and other digital threats that can cripple your ability to do business!

• Protect your business from data disasters and devastating hacks
• Instantly fix any problems with the touch of a button
• Keep up to date on the latest security measures to ensure a safe network
• No need for costly and outdated physical firewalls or virus detectors anymore!

5. Weak Passwords Are Allowing Hackers In Easily.

Weak passwords are a gigantic security problem. You might think that your password is really tough, but if you’re using words from the dictionary or something like “password” or “123456”, it’s actually not! And even when you do have an imaginative and complex password, hackers can guess them just by trying different combinations of letters in their alphabet-soup until they find the right one.

• Keep your business safe by ensuring all employees set strong passwords
• Create unique yet memorable strings of characters to ensure they don’t get hacked with ease
• Use phrases as well as numbers to make things more difficult for those who would want to cause harm on your behalf

6. Sharing Information With Others.

The problem with sharing information is that it can be hacked or intercepted in the process. By keeping your business’ data secure, you’re lessening the chance of anything happening to it and protecting yourself from possible liability as well. Be sure not to share too much – just enough so a customer knows they can trust you!

• Keep your data private and safe
• Be sure to only share what you need to
• Protect yourself from liability in the process

It’s time to start changing your habits! Is your business still using outdated technology? Do the wrong people have access to all of your data? Are you not backing up important files on a regular basis or keeping up with patches for operating systems and applications? In addition, weak passwords allow hackers in easily and making it easy for them to steal sensitive information from you. If this sounds like you (or if it even just sounds similar), contact us about how we can help! 

Do You Need a Professional Cybersecurity Team You Can Trust?

Cantrell’s Information Technologies has been providing cybersecurity to business owners throughout the San Francisco Bay Area for over 20 years. We provide multiple layers of security for HIPAA, FINRA, and PCI compliance as well as training against IT threats when it comes to computer viruses. We also provide local classroom and small group training, web-based training and simulated phishing attacks to help end-users better understand and defend against cyber threats. Many of our customers initially work with us to help them improve the way they store, access, and protect their critical business data from cybercriminals. We also help them move or expand their offices. We support the needs of our East Bay customers including businesses located in Concord, Martinez, Walnut Creek, Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, and Pleasant Hill. Contact us today for your free consultation!