Why Small Businesses Shouldn’t Ignore Cybersecurity
The risks associated with ignoring cybersecurity standards are not limited to large corporations. Small businesses are equally, if not more, vulnerable and often face severe consequences. The misconception that small businesses are ‘too small to be targeted’ is a dangerous one, leading many to neglect cybersecurity measures.
1. Elevated Target Profile
In fact, small businesses often present an attractive target for cybercriminals. A report from Verizon showed that 43% of cyber-attacks target small businesses. Cybercriminals consider them easy prey due to their typically weaker cybersecurity infrastructure and lack of dedicated IT personnel to identify and manage threats.
2. Limited Resources for Recovery
Unlike large corporations, small businesses usually operate on limited resources and may not have the financial cushion to recover from a cyberattack’s ramifications. This includes costs for identifying the breach, system restoration, potential regulatory fines, legal fees, and customer compensation. According to the U.S. National Cyber Security Alliance, 60% of small companies go out of business within six months of a cyber attack.
3. Customer Trust and Business Reputation
Small businesses often rely heavily on local communities and word-of-mouth recommendations, making their reputations particularly valuable. A breach can erode customer trust and damage a business’s reputation, which can be devastating for a small business. It’s often harder for small businesses to regain customer trust and rebuild their reputation compared to larger, more established firms.
4. Regulatory Compliance
Regardless of size, businesses that deal with sensitive data like credit card information, health records, or personally identifiable information (PII) must comply with regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, or PCI DSS. Ignoring cybersecurity standards could lead to non-compliance, resulting in severe penalties that could cripple a small business.
Recommended Actions
Given these potential threats, it is essential for small businesses to understand that robust cybersecurity is not a luxury but a necessity. Fortunately, numerous cost-effective cybersecurity solutions cater to small businesses, offering them the opportunity to secure their data without requiring a substantial investment. Initiatives like cybersecurity training for employees, two-factor authentication, regular data backup, and firewall implementation can offer substantial protection at a manageable cost.
Conclusion
In conclusion, whether you’re running a multinational corporation or a local coffee shop, cybersecurity is an integral aspect of modern business that cannot be overlooked. The risks and potential damage from ignoring cybersecurity standards are profound, especially for small businesses that are often ill-equipped to cope with the aftermath of a data breach. It’s crucial that small businesses understand these risks and take the necessary steps to protect themselves in the increasingly digital landscape of commerce.
Let CTMS help you navigate the complex maze of cybersecurity measures and find the right balance of operational procedures and technologies to make your company as resilient to cyberattacks as possible. No one can be 100% hack-proof but your company does not have to be the low hanging fruit.
Is your company in need of a more robust cybersecurity strategy? CTMS can help. Contact us today for a free consultation!
Related Postings
About Us
Computer Technology Management Services (CTMS) supports organizations nationwide with high-quality, customizable business IT tools and cybersecurity strategies for dealerships and more.