The dark web is a breeding ground for endless illegal activities and criminal minds. It hosts marketplaces dealing with drugs, guns, espionage, and human trafficking. Any illicit service or activity one can think of can be found on the dark web. The mere fact that there are dark web pricing indexes is a wake-up call about the cyber security risks to small businesses across the board. The pricing covers things like credit card pins, social media account hacks, and infecting your network with various types of malware.
All Cyber Security Risks to Small Businesses Need to Be Treated Seriously
An average of 60% of small businesses go out of business within six months of an attack. If your information has ever been part of a security breach or hack, it could be available for auction on the dark web to any party with malicious intent.
While some companies have no formal cyber security plan, 69% have no plan at all. This overall lack of security infrastructure is why small and medium-sized businesses (SMB) are three times more likely to be targeted by cybercriminals than larger companies.
Top Cyber Threats to Your Small Business
Malware
Malware (malicious software) embeds itself into your network and software and then siphons off information and sensitive material until you get it removed. It is designed to perform unnoticed on your computer for as long as possible. Hackers are hired on the dark web to either steal your data or infect your computer and damage your network and server with many different types of malware. These include viruses, spyware, trojan horses, and logic bombs, and they are all designed to try and get past your cyber security.
Ransomware
Ransomware is one of the worst types of malware. It locks you out of your programs and data and holds them hostage. You can be exposed to this threat by phishing emails that link to infected websites where all different forms of malware get downloaded and installed.
Once ransomware has locked you out, you’ll get what equates to a “digital ransom note”. This will include instructions to make a payment (usually via an encrypted and untraceable digital currency) to regain access to your data. However, about 46% of the companies that pay don’t regain full access again. You are now a marked target because you don’t have sufficient security, and since you paid that ransom once, they will come back for more.
You Need to Protect Your Business
It can be overwhelming facing all of the cyber security risks to small businesses. You can’t operate thinking that nothing will ever happen. Instead, you need a comprehensive cyber security plan that will protect your assets and give you peace of mind.
TCI Technologies is an experienced and trusted IT company committed to adapting to and combatting the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats facing businesses today.
Contact us, and we will create a fully customized cyber security plan to fit all of your company’s needs.
