Why also small companies get
into the line of fire of cyber attacks!
Image R. Henrici
Small businesses seem less visible compared to their larger counterparts, but I think the idea that they could be spared from cyberattacks is a big mistake. In the digital era we live in, small businesses are by no means immune to the dangers of cybercrime. On the contrary, they could even be particularly at risk if they do not protect themselves properly.
A common (and incorrect) assumption among business leaders is that hackers only look out for the big fish.
Small businesses are often seen as easy prey as they may not have the resources to implement advanced security measures. This makes them attractive targets for cybercriminals looking for vulnerabilities to exploit.
Attacking a small to medium-sized business can also serve much larger goals. As suppliers to government agencies or larger companies, they allow attackers to subvert the security measures of large corporations by using their victims like Trojan horses.
One of the main causes of vulnerability for small businesses is the fact that they often assume they are too insignificant to be targeted by cyber attacks. This self-delusion leads them to neglect security measures or even disregard them altogether. They overlook the fact that cyber criminals often use automated tools to find and exploit vulnerabilities in companies of all sizes.
The threats range from ransomware attacks, in which sensitive data is encrypted and only released against payment of a ransom, to phishing attacks aimed at persuading employees to disclose access data. Small businesses that think they are staying under the radar could quickly find that they fall victim to identity theft, financial loss and reputational damage.
Attackers who have gained access to the networks of small companies can often move laterally in these networks unseen and subsequently identify access routes to other victims.
The impact of cyber attacks on small businesses can be devastating. The loss of sensitive data, financial damage and the associated reputational damage could be the end of many a small business. It is therefore crucial that even modest-sized companies recognize the importance of cybersecurity and take appropriate measures.
The good news is that there are cost-effective security solutions available for small businesses. From antivirus software and regular employee training to secure password policies, the range of options is broad. It is important to recognize the risks and take proactive action against them, because in the digital world, no company is too small to be touched by the shadows of cybercrime.
If you want to make sure that your organization is well positioned, you can have the invisibility of your infrastructure illuminated in real time with #JOUO.
#DoNotFightAlone
[j]karef not only supports you in protecting your IT infrastructure from cyber attacks. With JOUO, we make the invisible visible and help you to reduce your attack surface.
For questions and demo access, please contact me:
Rüdiger Henrici, [email protected]
+49 (0) 30 555797650