almost 4 years ago

Business makes up an enormous part of the global economy. Based on a fresh survey of U.S. small businesses sponsored by Symantec and the National Cyber Security Alliance, sixty-seven percent (67%) of small businesses have be dependent on the Internet this past year and sixty-six (66%) are dependent on it for their day-to-day operations.

The Internet is really a vast gateway that delivers great prospect of businesses. More small businesses today use networks and the Internet as vital business tools to find clients, and serve existing customers more effectively.

Strategic Research Corporation reported that seventy (70%) percent of small firms that experienced an important data loss went out of business in just a year. In a related survey by Insight UK, thirty-seven percent (37%) of respondents admitted which they backup their files only once a month. Some, unbelievably, never back up at all. cyber security for small businesses Several of those small online businesses don't even install anti-virus software and anti-spyware in their computers.

Internet security threats can severely impair business operations, affecting profitability and customer satisfaction. Businesses lost huge levels of money to cyber criminals and internet scams. Not merely is the company compromised, but the safety of the customers as well. Many individuals been victims of identity theft and other Internet crimes. Internet security is really a grave issue as danger lurks everywhere on the Internet and anyone online is susceptible.

Cyber criminals, attack tools and methods have evolved and these criminals are picking out new methods to attack businesses most of the time. They are using more sophisticated and dynamic types of stealing information. "High-tech criminals that steal highly secure information, but even more novice users can handle making an attack due to the tools available to them. These criminals don't focus on how big is your businesses, rather, the ease to getting past your defenses and stealing your information, that is of great value to them.

Cyber criminals already control more than 100 million computers across the globe, and have have shifted their focus on small businesses and individuals. While large firms are ideal targets due to their large assets, small businesses are more susceptible to attacks. Large firms have set security and contingency measures in position, but small businesses are at an increased risk since cyber criminals know that they're the smallest amount of protected.

A closer look reveals that many small businesses lack effective protection from attackers and other cyber criminals, sufficient cyber security policies and training. They often lack resources to hire internet security experts or purchase effective security software. Some count on using cheap Internet security software or making use of freeware, or none at all, and doing so makes them easy targets. This not enough security investment creates an environment that's relatively low risk for criminals.

A firewall along with anti-virus software and spyware are not sufficient protection against the web threats and email threats of today. Other factors such as for instance data loss due to hardware failures, proper backup procedures and disaster recovery, will also be often overlooked.

In other cases, management views information security as a price that may be cut during difficult financial times, only to generate the potential to suffer significant losses in the long run. Brad Dinerman, founder of the National Information Security Group, states that, "When economic circumstances look dire, it is straightforward to show security in to a checklist item that keeps being pushed back. However the stark reality is that, in such situations, security should be a primary issue. The likelihood of threats affecting your organization will most likely increase and the impact may be more detrimental."

Online technology, particularly social networking, creates an array of challenges and problems for businesses. In small business marketing, promotion through social marketing, such as for instance Facebook, Twitter and Google+ has become an enormous trend. Online businesses realize the affordability and ease of use of the channels and are with them as promotional tools.

Unfortunately social networking, along with other emerging technology such as for instance smartphones and tablets, provide avenues of potential threats and attack. Social networking platforms provide cyber criminals with the ability to reach targets where smart phones and other devices play a big role. Businesses with employees who access corporate data utilizing their smartphones and tablets must have implemented security policies for these devices in order to avoid making them susceptible to social engineering attacks.

Ensuring the security of business networks while utilizing the benefits of social networks and mobile technology becomes difficult for business owners.