4 Computer Security Threats Every Small Business Needs To Be Aware Of

For most small business owners, technology is something they use to create a competitive edge. Many businesses around the country have cyber networks that they work on daily.

While most business owners will reach out to professionals for computer repair Howell, they neglect to get this same professional assistance when it comes to cybersecurity. Each year, 60 percent of businesses in the United States are hacked. These hacks can result in sensitive information falling into the wrong hands and potentially ruining a small business.

Appropriately identifying the threats you face is the key to steering clear of cybersecurity problems. The following are some of the computer security threats you need to be aware of.

1. The Modern Hacker

Every business security breach has one thing in common, a hacker with malicious intent. Generally, the attacks a hacker perpetrates will be motivated by money. If a hacker thinks they can make some money off the information they obtain from a company’s servers, they will stop at nothing to infiltrate their network.

The only way to avoid falling victim to hacks is by developing and maintaining a security plan. With the help of IT professionals, you can continuously monitor your business network. When potential hacking attempts are detected, the IT company you have hired will deal with them quickly.

Attempting to keep cyber-criminals at bay without professional help will be nearly impossible. The money paid to a knowledgeable IT company will be worth it, considering the increased level of network security they can provide.

2. Keeping an Eye Out For Computer Viruses

A virus is one of the most dangerous things you may encounter on your business network. In essence, a computer virus is a piece of software that is designed to corrupt your files and obtain information. When a computer virus is present on your network, you and your employees will be unable to do your daily work.

Luckily, many programs on the market are designed to detect and eliminate computer viruses. With some research and professional guidance, you should have no problem finding and implementing one of these programs on your business network.

3. Phishing Scams are Quite Common

Educating yourself and your employees about phishing scams is also essential to avoid network hacks. Hackers use several methods to trick people into providing them with passwords and usernames.

Keyloggers are one of the most common tools used in these phishing scams. If you or an employee mistakenly download an attachment from an email, it could contain a keylogging program. Once this program is installed on your network, hackers can see everything you are typing.

It is important to let your employees know why they need to avoid downloading attachments or opening emails from unknown email addresses. Failing to educate your staff on cyber security will come back to haunt you in the long run.

4. Beware of Rootkits

Rootkits are a tool used by cybercriminals that allow them to take over an entire network of computers. A rootkit is a collection of various software programs intended to gain hackers administrator-level access to a network.

Generally, the rootkit will be used in a phishing scam or even put in as an attachment in an email. As soon as you suspect your network has infiltrated with this tool, you need to contact an experienced IT professional to help you.

Failing to act in the event of a cyber-attack will only worsen matters. The faster you can hire an IT company to remove a virus from your network, the less damage you will inevitably have to deal with.