Sitting down to write this and another ransomware attack hits. All businesses, no matter the size are vulnerable to an attack. And no, that’s not some click bait type of statement. Unfortunately, it’s a growing reality that can no longer be ignored.
The Growing Trend on Cyber Attacks
The type of cyber attacks continued to be varied like phishing, malware, the trending ransomware, or a combination of each. However, it is the hackers method of attack that is most alarming.
SMBs (small and midsize businesses) are generally more susceptible to a cyber crime since these smaller businesses tend to operate incredibly lean and have fewer resources than other larger scale operations. Hackers utilize these vulnerabilities as an entry point to gain access. Because these SMBs are often partnered with large-scale companies, an attack can potentially cripple both parties.
Costs of cybercrimes continue to rise are estimated to reach $2 trillion by 2019 (read more on costs in our previous post).
A proper and scalable online security strategy is a necessary (and increasingly critical) operating expense. It needs to be integrated into annual fiscal budgets, just as salary and overhead expenses already are.
Every business needs to invest in establishing a healthy online profile. These strategies need to be maintained, audited and re-worked as your business continues to grow and grows who it’s partnered with. Large scale businesses usually have an internal strategy in place. But, in turn, need to do their due diligence and research how their information is protected and where potential vulnerabilities lie.
Now that you are armed with awareness, it’s time to create a cybersecurity strategy with your development team. Check back in with us on our next post for key elements to create an effective security solution.
-The DeCort Team