Why Cyber Security is So Important for Your up and Coming Business

[This article was written by Rachelle Wilber.]

Using the internet for work and play offers a ton of benefits, but it also brings some significant challenges. One of them is cyber security. Whether your business handles sensitive customer information or is an incubator for innovative ideas, you’ll need to be familiar with cyber security.

What Is Cyber Security?

Cyber security is the practice of safeguarding data, computer systems, and networks against digital theft and destruction. Data is critical to individuals and corporations. When cyber thieves steal data, private information pertaining to medical, financial, and legal records are exposed. Companies also lose competitive advantage when cyber criminals steal data that relates to their proprietary products. Employing cyber security involves putting policies, procedures, and tools in place to prevent, detect, and repel threats to digital data and networks.

Examples of Cyber Crimes That Are on the Rise

There are many types of cyber-crimes that plague individuals, companies, and government organizations. Phishing, ransomware, and denial of service attacks are some of the most common cyber-attacks that small to medium-sized businesses (SMB) face. Phishing scams involve sending legitimate-looking email messages to users in an attempt to get them to reveal sensitive information. Ransomware products are pieces of software that allow cyber criminals to hold data or computer systems hostage until the crooks are paid. Denial-of-service attacks involve impairing networks so that users can’t access the data that they need to do their jobs.

Cyber Security Tools to Consider

Today’s hackers are sophisticated, but smart SMBs aren’t left completely defenseless. Some tools that help to protect businesses from cyber threats are antivirus software, email security filters, and access control software. Not sure which tools and platforms are right for your organization? There are many companies and consulting services that can help you to choose the right technologies for a customized cyber security solution.

Businesses Most Targeted by Cyber Criminals

As SMBs fight for survival in these tough economic times, some of them have the added pressure of being on hackers’ hit lists. Businesses that are particularly vulnerable to cyber-attacks include financial services companies, e-commerce sites, and technology development firms.

If you think that cyber-crimes are only problems for big corporations, think again. According to recent statistics that CNBC published, over 40 percent of all cyber-attacks target small businesses. The financial impacts of these cyber-crimes are often enough to drive many small companies out of business. Don’t let this happen to your business. Adopt a comprehensive cyber security playbook for your organization today.

Author Bio:

Rachelle Wilber is a freelance writer living in the San Diego, California area. She graduated from San Diego State University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Media Studies. She tries to find an interest in all topics and themes, which prompts her writing. When she isn’t on her porch writing in the sun, you can find her shopping, at the beach, or at the gym. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook: @RachelleWilber; https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009221637700