October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and it provides a moment to think about the real and growing cybersecurity threat.
Cybersecurity Awareness Month aims to ensure everyone has the resources and information they need to be safe and secure online. Unfortunately, cybersecurity is one of those business constants no one wants to discuss, and too few companies tackle it until it’s too late.
However, like so many of these designated months, it shouldn’t be limited to just 30 days. We should highlight cybersecurity every day because it’s time for companies, especially small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), to assert more control over their security approach and fight back against bad actors.
Of all the cybersecurity threats facing companies, ransomware is one of today’s most common threats. But it is hardly a new one.
While it’s targeted businesses for decades, the problem seems to be more acute these days. During the first half of 2021, the volume of attacks globally increased by 151%, and the FBI has warned that 100 different ransomware strains circulate the world.
In a piece for Home Business Magazine, Jonathan Goldberger, ournior VP, Security Practice & Strategic Sales, noted how cybersecurity threats have added to small businesses’ challenges.
As he noted in that piece, “The IT security threat is real; small businesses are plugging into the same internet as large companies. But these small businesses are at a disadvantage because they don’t have the resources, money or expertise to protect and respond to these attacks.”
Jonathan further noted that a security breach and cyber-attack could happen to companies of all types and sizes. But SMBs are at particular risk, and just 14% of SMBs are prepared to defend themselves because they often do not have the needed internal resources.
The unfortunate result is that many small businesses go out of business just months after a successful data breach. But it’s a fate that doesn’t have to befall companies.
The only real defense is a good offense, but company leaders often idly sit back with the mistaken belief there is nothing they can do. Businesses must prepare and strengthen their processes and protocols to ward off and defend against cyberattacks.
The process must start with education. Individual employees are usually the weakest link in the security chain.
Consider the 2021 Data Breach Investigations Report, which revealed that half (50%) of SMBs do not provide security awareness training to employees.
Often companies do not fully understand their risks. Taking such a “head-in-the-sand” approach gambles with revenues, customers and the business itself.
That’s why TPx recently launched a free ransomware evaluation for small businesses. The goal is to help companies identify their risks and shortcomings so that they can act.
Companies need a trusted partner who can help them prepare to face today’s volatile business landscape so they can spend their time doing what they do best: running a business.
Click here to learn more about TPX’s free ransomware evaluation for small businesses.