The economy wheel spins steadily, powered by businesses of all kind. Among the many kinds and sizes of businesses, small businesses are the largest part of the global economy.
Based on a new survey sponsored by Symantec and the National Cyber Security Alliance, 67 percent of small businesses in developed countries have become more dependent on the internet last year. 66 percent are dependent on it for their daily operations.
The internet is a vast gateway that provides great potential for businesses. More small businesses today use networks and the internet as vital business tools to find new customers, and serve existing customers more effectively.
Security threats from the internet can severely impair business operations, affecting profitability and customer satisfaction. Not only is the business compromised by the huge amounts of money lost to cyber criminals and internet scams, but the safety of the customers as well.
Many individuals have became the victims of identity theft and other internet crimes. Internet security a danger that lurks everywhere on the internet. And anyone connected to it is can be suspected.
The methods of attacks keep evolving. Cyber threats come with many new ways to attack any security holes to steal any information they can get their hands on. Information holds great value. And anyone who possesses it will able to control the flow. This made the plan to secure and steal information game an important part of a business life on the internet.
Small Business as an Attractive Target
With billions of computers and devices connected to the internet, cyber criminals' reach steadily increase and the target's place to hide constantly diminish.
Cyber criminals can aim both small and large firms. Large firms are ideal targets because of the assets they hold. Since large firms already set security measures in place, cyber criminals are switching their attentions to small businesses because of their weaker state and expose more vulnerability.
It is revealed that most small businesses have 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 rely on using cheap Internet security software or making use of freeware, or none at all, and doing so makes them easy targets. This lack of security investment creates an environment that is relatively low risk for criminals.
A firewall with with antivirus software and spyware are not sufficient protection against the web threats and email threats of today. Other factors such as data loss due to hardware failures, improper backup procedures and incorrect disaster recovery, are also often ignored.
In other cases, management views information security as a cost that can be cut during difficult financial times, only to create the potential to suffer significant losses in the long run.
Online technology and social media, created many challenges and problems for businesses. In small business marketing, promotion through social marketing, such as Facebook, Twitter and Google+ is becoming a huge trend. Online businesses realize the affordability and ease of use of these channels and are using them as promotional tools.
The popular trend of social networking, accompanied with other emerging technology such as smartphones and tablets, provide many ways of potential threats and attack. Social networking platforms provide cyber criminals with the ability to reach targets where smartphones and other devices play a large role. Businesses with employees who access corporate data using their smartphones and tablets need to have implemented security policies for these devices to avoid making them vulnerable to online threats.
With the rise of internet marketing and online campaign, ensuring the security of business networks while utilizing the benefits of social networks and mobile technology becomes a challenge for business owners.
Security Investments and Knowledge
Security threats are continually evolving. Threats change as time advances, and new ones appear. The continuously increasing level of security threats makes it imperative for small businesses to increase their level of security investments and knowledge.
There are also a variety of ways to protect your business from internet security threats. You can invest on reliable security solutions and trainings for knowledge. These will provide small business owners with resources to protect their businesses from cyber risks and threats.
Developing a security policy that can easily be updated and enforced is crucial. It is also vital to focus on network security prevention such as advanced security training for staffs and employees on safe web usage, choosing secure passwords, empowering all human resources with the best practices and guidelines, keeping PC and network security up-to-date, and limiting exposure through content filtering.
Security is a necessity, not just an option for businesses anymore. Information security is not a one-time project. It is an ongoing process that requires continual monitoring and updating.