Running a small business is as thrilling as it is rewarding. But you know that you face unique challenges and threats to your business – in terms of losing your competitive edge or facing difficult legal challenges – that larger firms can ride out with ease. And this pattern is the same when we look at cybersecurity: there are certain issues that are more impactful for SMBs than they are for larger firms. So, this guide is all about looking at those differences and explaining why your SMB ought to look for bespoke, business-appropriate cybersecurity partnerships to boost your digital protection.
Types of Attack
The first thing to underscore about the modern cybercriminal world is that small fry aren’t necessarily the targets of some of their attacks. The largest hacks are always targeted at firms with millions or billions in assets – the types of places that ransomware criminals will be able to extort money with ease. So there are some attacks SMBs are unlikely to face themselves. That said, there are threats SMBs are more likely to be caught up in – like phishing attacks that seek to access your network, steal password data, and ultimately empty your business account. Therefore, you need to be aware of these different forms of attacks and which firms they tend to target.
Types of Infrastructure
Small businesses are more likely to lean heavily on third parties to provide their digital infrastructure. That, of course, makes sense – you don’t have the time, money, or skills to build your own programs, cloud-based apps, or digital plug-ins. But this reliance on other software providers can lead to vulnerabilities if those providers are hacked or fail for one reason or another. As such, due diligence tests are incredibly important for SMBs, including when it comes to selecting cybersecurity packages.
Types of Cybersecurity
Some forms of cybersecurity protect your whole business with a general cloak of security, while others are built to make a certain key aspect of your business incredibly secure. As a small business, you need to think carefully about whether a general-purpose cybersecurity package is right for you – they are often designed for larger firms. Instead, look to secure small business network security, which covers one of the key vulnerabilities SMBs face: the network of devices connected to their key data and digital infrastructure.
Types of Strategy
Some SMBs are more exposed than others to cybercriminal strategies. If you’re a firm that’s known to handle a great deal in liquid assets with a high business value placed on instant data access, you may well be the target of a ransomware attacker. If you’re a growing firm with fast-scaling infrastructure, you may be seen as a target for weaknesses related to that scaling, with breaches slipping through gaps in your security. Being aware that there are several tools in the average hacker’s kit and that they use different strategies for different businesses is important for SMBs to bear in mind.
Make your business cybersecurity as secure as possible by considering the above tips for small businesses.