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Ransomware and Data Breaches On the Rise–How SMBs Can Mitigate The Risks!

Team
Hackers are consistently in the news.
Ransomware and Data Breaches

Cyberattacks are no longer a distant threat for small to medium size businesses; they're an alarming reality. The frequency and sophistication of these attacks are on the rise. No business, regardless of its size or industry, is immune. It's crucial for companies to understand the risks and take proactive measures to protect themselves.


Strong IT Practices Are Your First Line of Defense

While cyber threats are constantly evolving, robust IT practices can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to an attack. Good IT hygiene isn't just about fixing problems after they occur; it's about proactively building a resilient system. This includes:


  • Regularly updating operating systems and software: Patches often fix vulnerabilities that hackers exploit.

  • Avoiding end-of-support software: Outdated software lacks security updates, making it an easy target.

  • Using up-to-date antimalware software: This helps detect and block malicious software.

  • Comprehensive user training: Many attacks rely on social engineering, tricking employees into giving up access.

  • Strong vendor management: Don't accept weak security requirements from third-party vendors.


By implementing these practices, businesses create a strong foundation that makes it harder for hackers to penetrate their systems.


In addition to the above, here are some essential best practices for small to medium businesses:


  • Regularly back up your data: This ensures you can recover your information in the event of a ransomware attack.

  • Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication: This makes it harder for unauthorized users to gain access.

  • Limit user privileges: Only give employees access to the information and systems they need for their jobs.

  • Create an incident response plan: Knowing how to respond to an attack can minimize damage and downtime.

  • Consider cyber insurance: This can help cover financial losses in the event of a successful attack.


IT Managed Services Are Cost Effective

Investing in strong IT practices doesn’t have to cost a lot, it’s less than the cost of one headcount and you get a team of people working to keep your systems safe. 

Unlike a lot of services, an experienced IT services company will:


  • Provide only the services you need at an affordable price but are ready to take on projects and back-up your internal support staff.

  • Share technology insights with your team, increasing your team’s skills.

  • Audit/assess your systems regularly and provide documentation for a strong defensible position in the event your company is impacted by a cyberattack through one of your software/SaaS vendors.


We recommend every business partner with a reliable IT managed services company, even if you have an internal IT person or team. Redundancy and regular security reviews from an outside team can  mitigate the risk of becoming another victim of a cyberattack. It’s more than a fresh set of eyes, it’s security.


Remember, cybersecurity is not a one-time event; it's an ongoing process.


We can help navigate and implement the best practices outlined here, as well as discuss the recommendations made by CISA (Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency), HHS (US Dept of Health and Human Services), and DHS (Dept of Homeland Security).

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