While the big corporations tend to make headlines when their data are breached, it’s the small and medium-sized companies that are most frequently chosen as victims by savvy cybercriminals. In fact, today’s small business landscape is plagued by cyberattacks, with 61% of small or medium-sized businesses (SMBs) experiencing an attack last year. Putting that into perspective — a full 43% of data breaches were directed at the SMB community — almost half of all cyberattacks and the primary target for cybercriminals.

While these are concerning statistics if you are an SMB, you do have cost-effective options that will help keep your data — and your business safe. 

The Impact of Cyberattacks on the Small Business Community 

Data breaches at small businesses are on the rise — soaring 152% from 2020 and 2021 as compared to the previous two years. While the average cost of a breach for a small business is $108,000, money isn’t the only thing that can be lost when data is stolen. Business is often disrupted for a period of time while systems are offline or data is unavailable and, worse yet, a business’s reputation can be irreparable harmed by a perceived lack of data protection. 

Even more alarming is the fact that more than half of all small companies fail completely within six months of a cyberattack, making cybersecurity an important part of any smart business strategy. And yet, half of all SMBs do not have any cybersecurity strategy in place for 2022. If you run a small business, here’s why you should reconsider investing in a cybersecurity plan if you don’t currently have one:

How Smart Cybersecurity Can Save Your SMB from Falling Prey to Hackers

As the threat landscape for SMBs continues to expand, smart companies are increasing their investment in cybersecurity strategies, technologies, and tools. However, two-thirds of these companies lack the in-house IT expertise that is necessary to properly defend their data assets from attack. That’s where a competent managed services provider (MSP) can assist. The right partner can create and deploy a strong cybersecurity program that can help your business stay protected against cyberattacks, even if you have little — or no — in-house IT help. Some strategies include:

• Helping to formulate a strong cybersecurity policy and educating staff on how to protect vital information.
• Remotely monitoring networks and devices for suspicious behavior and acting immediately once such behavior is detected.
• Creating firewalls to prevent cybercriminals from gaining access to your data.
• Installing the latest updates and software patches to ensure your operating system is appropriately defended.
• Deploying the latest antivirus software to run at regular intervals.
• Ensuring that backups are conducted on a regular basis and providing redundant backups, with one copy being stored in the cloud or offsite if possible.
• Providing a way to control physical access to computers to eliminate unauthorized access.
• Creating a security plan that covers the use of mobile devices. 
• Ensuring WiFi networks are encrypted and secured.

Importantly, your MSP will ensure that your cybersecurity strategy is updated and optimized as your business grows and the threat landscape changes, ensuring that you will always have access to the best — and most recent — protections available.  

If You Need Cybersecurity, You Need Blue Technologies

If you are a small business, chances are you may think you don’t have the resources necessary to put a truly strong cybersecurity system into place. But at Blue Technologies, we take pride providing our SMB clients with access to our exclusive team of certified experts that are ready to assist you in keeping your valuable data safe from theft and loss — all within reach of a small business’ budget. 

We can provide remote monitoring, routine maintenance and updates that keep your hard- and software on the cutting edge of functionality and security, as well as data backup and disaster recovery services that can ensure your business continuity stays intact, even in the event of a breach. In fact, we can provide every service your business needs to stay optimized and secured for one cost-effective monthly price that is easily incorporated into your budget. 

Don’t risk your business by being unprepared for a cyberattack. Contact a Blue Technologies consultant to learn how our team of IT specialists can help you prepare — and survive.