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The Importance of Cybersecurity

Find out who’s vulnerable and how to protect yourself against cybersecurity threats.

It seems like every week a new cyber-attack makes headlines. While the Targets and Home Depots of the world make the biggest news, it’s apparent that no sector is immune to ransomware, phishing attempts, and data breaches. Cybersecurity expert Chris Krebs was quoted in the L.A. Times as saying, “Ransomware is everywhere. There isn’t a single industry that isn’t dealing with this problem right now.”

Cybersecurity Statistics

While cyber threats can come in many forms, including ransomware, viruses, spyware and others; their common purpose is to disrupt, extort or shut down their target.

 

Even more alarming: cyber-attacks on small and medium-sized businesses are not only increasing, but they are also becoming more targeted and sophisticated. In fact, more than 70% of attacks target small businesses (source: National Cyber Security Alliance).   

 

Cryptocurrency, which makes payout easier and anonymous, is a key enabler. And as more employees work remotely on unsecured networks and bring their own devices to work, more risk is introduced every day. The statistics are clear: businesses literally can’t afford not to protect themselves from outside threats. But where—and how—do you begin?

40%

$130K

60%

40% of small and medium-sized businesses experienced at least 8 hours of downtime after a cyber-attack (Source: Ninja RMM)

Average loss from a business email cyber-attack is $130,000 (Source: FBI)

60% of small businesses fold within six months of a cyber-attack (Source: Yahoo News)

How Does Ransomware Work?

Employee receives phishing attempt
Ransomware commonly comes in the form of a text or email with a link or attachment disguised to look like a trustworthy file.

 

Employee clicks link
Often, hackers pretend to be someone within your business to trick users into giving them passwords and network access.

 

Malware delivered
The hackers get into your systems, infecting your network and encrypting your files—and they’re the only ones who can decrypt them.

SMB cyber graphic

Data compromised
Now that you’re locked out and the hackers have control, they may threaten to publicly share sensitive data, sell it on the dark web or destroy it.  

 

Ransom demanded
Hackers extort payment—usually in untraceable cryptocurrency—while your business suffers downtime, lost customers and a tarnished reputation. It could even put you out of business.

 

Protect your business (and brand)
Cyber-attacks can impact your bottom line, your reputation, and—in the case of data breaches—your customers. In a 2019 survey, 64% of Americans said they would blame the company—not the hacker—for the loss of personal data. (Source: RSA)

How to Help Prevent Cyber Attacks

Protect your business, train employees, and consult with experts.

 

Cyber-attacks aren’t going away anytime soon, and trends indicate that small and medium-sized businesses are being targeted more and more. An increasingly complex cyber threat landscape is a daunting problem: How do you prevent an attack before it’s too late? How much should you invest in cybersecurity when you need to grow your business? And how are you supposed to manage this on top of keeping the business running?

 

The answer begins with a multi-pronged cybersecurity solution that protects against a variety of malicious threats (see “Five layers of critical protection” sidebar for more). The next step is to train your employees to identify and report suspicious websites, phishing attempts, and ransomware. Many data breaches are due to human error, and phony emails are a common entry point.

 

Finally, consider consulting with an outside expert. Working with someone who’s laser-focused on preventing the worst from happening will free you up to do what you do best: run your business.

 

Cox Business has an extensive suite of cybersecurity services for businesses of all sizes. Options range from fully managed cloud security services to easy-to-use services like Essential Security, which helps provides multiple layers of security to protect your business against complex cyberthreats.

84%

84% of consumers are more loyal to companies that have strong cybersecurity controls. (Source: Salesforce)

Five Layers of Cybersecurity

1. PERIMETER
Block malicious websites.
Countless malicious websites are created every day. Get a solution that continuously updates to help protect your business from the latest malware threats.

 

2. NETWORK
Secure network access.
Make sure you have a strong firewall and change your network and Wi-Fi passwords often.

 

3. HOST
Get endpoint protection.
Get antivirus and malware protection on all internet connected devices. This protection should also cover any devices used by employees while working remotely.

 

4. APPLICATION
Be patch savvy.
Hackers exploit vulnerabilities in operating systems. Implement strict patch management policies to ensure your software is always up to date on all devices.

 

5. DATA
Have a backup plan.
Back up your business data to the cloud frequently. The best solutions will encrypt your data both in transit and at rest and will also scan backed up data for malware so it can be restored cleanly and quickly.

Cybersecurity Services

Cox Business offers a wide range of cybersecurity services that help to protect businesses from ransomware, malware, phishing attacks and other threats—and we’re available to install and optimize them. Contact us to discuss a cybersecurity solution that’s right for you.

What can Essential Security do for your business?

Find out how our customized solution can protect your business against cyber-attacks.

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