Small Business Cyber Attacks Are On The Rise

Welcome back to another episode of Cappuccino Chat. This time we're talking about the increase we're seeing in the security attacks on small businesses and some things you can do to protect yourself against it. All right, so this time we're talking about security attacks on small businesses and the fact that they're on the rise yet again. Now, I know I'm always talking about security and the threats out there, but it's it's for good reason. So, small businesses can't afford the fallout from one attack, let alone getting hit by multiple attacks. Now, this year alone, we've seen attacks more than double against our own clients. And in talking with other IT providers, they're seeing the same thing with their clients. Now, these attacks aren't always successful. We're getting better at that. But for those who have followed our advice and adding the security, as we have advised, they've largely gone unharmed. Now, it doesn't mean that they don't get things, but they know how to respond and things are stopped in time. Now, keep in mind, attackers only have to be successful once, but us small business owners have to be perfect 100% of the time. This is difficult as there's no guarantees when it comes to security. Now, that being said, we don't just give up and do nothing. We need to remain viligent and smart. Security is sometimes seen as expensive, but the fallout from an attack or fish is far more expensive. We need to think of security like we do insurance. And no one likes paying insurance until we need it and then we're glad we have it. This is the same with security. Now, these increase in attacks have been fueled by the use of AI. And as AI gets better and better, they're finding more and more ways to use it against us. And we're using it to fight back. Also, email is still the number one way these attacks happen. and they're using that as an into the small businesses to convince them that they need to do something like a fishing attack, that they want banking information change so a wire transfer can go through, things of that way. There's always an urgency piece. So, anytime there's an urgency piece, slow down. Now, attacks don't just come by email. They also come from the web and even over the phone. Remember, Microsoft, the government, the IRS, your bank, they're not going to call you and say, "Hey, we need we've seen some suspicious activity. Can will you let us in to your account? That's not going to happen. So, what are some things you can do to protect yourself and your business? Number one, continuous training. That cyber awareness training top to bottom. Got to have it. Email security. Constantly evaluate that. If you're not sure if you have enough, talk to your IT provider. Limit access to your bank accounts. Continue to review and evaluate your security posture. This is needed as things are constantly changing. And then make sure you've got cyber insurance. Understand what you agreed to because they may have added some things at the end after you answered that uh questionnaire with the help of your IT provider. So make sure you review what they kick back because they may put requirements on you. Now, I'm constantly attending events both in person and virtually to keep up on things so I'm aware of new attacks and the different security layers that we can pile on top of each other to help protect our clients. But it's not about adding every different security solution out there. It's about adding the right ones for your business and your risk level. So remember, remain v vigilant. Don't assume just because you have antivirus or you have a firewall that that's anywhere good enough. Constantly be talking to your IT provider about do we have enough? If they're making recommendations, don't just assume they're trying to sell you something. They truly are trying to protect you. I know that's how I treat all of my clients and I'm sure that's how the other providers out there do it as well. the clients we take on are a risk for us as well. So, we can't have our clients be exposed when there's something simple or easy that can be added layered on to protect those businesses that we say that we're caring for. If you have questions about cyber security for your business, wondering if you have enough, please reach out to me at the office. Call 760-770-5200.