Cybersecurity for Small Businesses

 

Hey Everyone !!! and welcome to my final blog post. This week I will be discussing cybersecurity for small businesses. So, let’s start off the way we usually do, one last time. What is cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks. These cyberattacks are usually aimed at accessing, changing, or destroying sensitive information; extorting money from users through ransomware or interrupting normal business processes.

Small businesses may assume that their size makes them unlikely cyberattack targets, yet they are among the most frequently attacked. In fact, over 43% of cyberattacks target small businesses, primarily because they often lack the extensive cybersecurity infrastructure found in larger corporations. A successful cyberattack can inflict substantial financial harm, lead to a loss of customer trust, and cause lasting damage to a company’s reputation that can be difficult to rebuild. 

 

Types of cybersecurity threats

1.     Ransomware – Ransomware is a type of malware that holds an individual’s personal information/ sensitive data hostage until the victim pays a ransom to the attacker. There are two types of ransom. The common type is the encryption ransomware. This is when a persons data is held hostage by an encrypting it. The second type, non-encrypting ransomware, is not as common. This locks the victims device by blocking the access to the operating system.

 

2.     Cloud Security- Cloud security is a technology to address internal and external threats to a businesses security. Businesses need cloud security as we move into the digital era and incorporate cloud-based tools and services into their infrastructure. This is important for the safety of applications, data, and users in both hybrid and remote work settings.

 

3.     Phishing - Phishing is when fraudulent emails, texts or fraudulent emails, texts or calls with intent to steal sensitive data such as credit cards, passwords, banking details and login information. If you want to find out more tips about cybersecurity for small businesses, see the video below:

 

Small businesses need cybersecurity strategy to protect their business, customers information and data.  There are many ways a small business could improve their security such as: 

 1. Secure your Wi-Fi networks.

2.       2. Make backup copies of business documents and data.

3.       3. Train employees in security principals

4.       4. Provide firewall security for your internet connection

5.       5. Passwords and authentication

6.       6.   Limit employee access to data and information, limit authority to install software

 

During 2023 in Ireland, a €2 million SME cybersecurity improvement grant was launched. Minister Smyth said “Irish businesses, especially SMEs, are increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats. This grant will empower them to take meaningful steps towards securing their operations, which is critical in today’s digital economy. By partnering with the National Cybersecurity Centre and Enterprise Ireland, we are giving companies the tools and resources they need to build stronger defences and stay ahead of evolving cyber risks."

 

And that is it for this blog. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did!! Leave your opinions and thoughts below. 

-       Caoimhe