When you think of data security breaches, companies like Target and Yahoo probably come to mind. But now more than ever, network security threats are targeting small businesses.\u00a0Still, for many small business owners, investing in the necessary network protections gets overshadowed by more immediate tasks.<\/p>\n
In Los Angeles alone, $16.4M is lost to cybercrime every month. Cunning network security threats affect 80 million households and 7 million small and medium-sized businesses. Here\u2019s what your information is worth on the black market:<\/p>\n
Anyone can easily buy training, tools and services for committing fraud, hacking systems, buying stolen credit cards, setting up fake websites, etc. But knowing how hackers are entering your network can prepare your business to thwart these devastating cyberattacks.<\/p>\n
Did you know one in five small businesses fall victim to cybercrime each year? \u00a0 Every day, 82,000 new malware threats are released, according to PC World. \u00a0 Small businesses are low-hanging fruit because business owners often don\u2019t believe they\u2019re a target. So they have very loose or no network security systems and protocols in place. \u00a0 In fact, most big-name security breaches began with a hacker infiltrating a smaller vendor and gaining access to the company network.<\/p>\n
So how do hackers gain access to your network? Here are six common network security threats to watch out for: \u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0 A common but potentially devastating cybersecurity misconception is around bank fraud. You might think the FDIC protects you from cybercrime \u2014 if someone hacks into your bank account to steal money. But both the FDIC and the bank do not cover money stolen via cybercrime. \u00a0 Tips for protecting yourself:<\/p>\n
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\u00a0 Ransom and extortion might seem like the plots to a great thriller. But more and more, they\u2019re becoming part of everyday business. \u00a0 Here\u2019s how modern ransomware\u00a0works: Once hackers infiltrate your network, they shut you out of your computer and hold your files at ransom until you pay what they ask. \u00a0 Crytoplocker is one example. Once it fools you into installing its software, it encrypts essential files on your computer. To get your files back, you must pay up.<\/p>\n
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\u00a0 Cloud apps like Dropbox and Box pose another threat to your business. 7 million Dropbox passwords have been hacked, and mobile malware growth is accelerating.<\/p>\n
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\u00a0 Mobile computing dangers are also on the rise. If a device is lost or stolen and the data was not encrypted, you may have violated a state data breach law. \u00a0 Laws increasingly put companies under the spotlight for stolen customer information, so understanding your role in customer data breaches is critical. \u00a0 You can learn about California data security laws here<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0 According to cybercrime journalist Brian Krebs, \u201cSpam remains the single biggest driver of big breaches today.\u201d \u00a0 Famous breaches like JP Morgan, Target and RSA Security began with infected email. You need to go the extra mile to add security protections like encryption. \u00a0 Identifying spammy emails might seem simple. But employees are often the ones who fall victim to them. \u00a0 At SugarShot, our cybersecurity experts simulate and send out spoofed emails to clients. Then we track and notice who is clicking and provide those users with training to prevent successful spam breaches.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0 Malware refers to malicious software \u2014 or computer programs designed to infiltrate and damage computers without the user’s consent. These include viruses, spyware, trojans, etc. \u00a0 Perkele Android Malware Kit is a prime example. \u00a0 This malware can help defeat multi-factor authentication that many banks use. It interacts with a wide variety of malware already present on a PC. \u00a0 When the victim visits his bank\u2019s website, the trojan injects malicious code, prompting the user to enter his mobile information including phone number and OS type. When the bank sends an SMS with a one-time code, Perkele intercepts that code and sends it to the attacker\u2019s control server. Then the malicious script completes an unauthorized transaction.<\/p>\n \u00a0 As a small business owner, the idea of cybersecurity can feel daunting. \u00a0 Where do you begin? \u00a0 To properly protect your network, you have to start with a thorough assessment. Computer Solutions Group provides a free network security audit to help uncover vulnerabilities. \u00a0 In the threat assessment, we:<\/p>\n\u00a0<\/h3>\n
5. Spam<\/h3>\n
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6. Malware<\/h3>\n
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Identify & Resolve Your Network Security Weak Spots<\/h2>\n
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