Why do small businesses need cyber security?
Most companies are still caught unawares when their PCs or systems are seized by malware. We have all seen the headlines when a large company is subjected to an attack but it’s easy to forget that small to medium businesses are just as vulnerable. In fact, they may be easier targets as they tend not to have rigorous security protocols in place.
43% of cyber-attacks target small business (Verizon 2021 Data Breach Investigations Report)
Why are small businesses vulnerable to cyber-attacks?
Small to medium firms are easy targets as most do not think about cyber security until after a breach, by which point it’s too late. Very few have considered how criminals may target them, or why, and they often do not have anything in place to mitigate the risk.
- Inadequate or non-existent computer network security.
- No dedicated IT staff to put in place security measures.
- A lack of contingency plans should a breach happen.
- Little to no staff training in place to inform employees of different attack methods and how they can be vigilant.
- Small businesses are often an entry point for criminals to then target larger suppliers, financial institutions etc.
These malicious attacks are dangerous but largely avoidable. You can eliminate most methods of attack by:
- completing regular security scans of your network
- training staff about different security threats and how they can help protect your company
- using a malware protection package
Different malware protection packages for different businesses
A good enterprise (or business) solution should offer complete end-to-end protection for large and small businesses alike. So, what do we mean when we refer to end-to-end, or endpoint protection? Devices such as laptops, tablets, mobile phones, and other wireless devices that connect to your network create a potential path for a security attack. Many employees are using their own devices for, and at work, in addition to their work computers. An end-to-end solution includes these devices in security protocols and ensures the highest possible standard of protection to keep your organisation’s data safe.
There are many enterprise-class anti-malware solutions available and although they all offer protection, there are some variations and it is these that may make one solution more relevant to your specific business than another. For example, you may: want to manage your security remotely; incorporate regular backups; add protection for staff members working at home.
1.
ESET is a scalable and customisable solution that protects businesses, ensuring business data, users and endpoints are secured with ESET’s multi-layered technology. ESET small business cyber security:
2.
Bitdefender offers a business-grade security suite of tools that provide comprehensive controls, powerful detection capabilities and anti-ransomeware protection features. Bitdefender
- Complete protection for Windows, MacOS, Android and iOS devices
- Data protection securing personal and financial data
- Webcam and microphone protection
- Banking encryption
- Social network protection
- File shredder
- Password manager
- Intuitive user-friendly user interface that’s easy to install and configure
- 24/7 support
- Multi-layered malware protection
3.
Symantec provide a completely integrated endpoint solution which is ideal for organisations with a large number of mobile user devices. (It is available from 3rd party resellers only.)
- Advanced email protection which allows you to see attempts to infiltrate your networks
- Enhanced techniques to prevent viruses, with strong firewall and intrusion protection
- Application and device control through a central management dashboard
- Add-on module for protecting laptop users working remotely
- Credential checks to protect personal data
- Multi-layered malware protection and reporting
