Cyber attacks are no longer a distant concern for small businesses, medium-sized enterprises, and non-profit organizations. With the digital landscape rapidly expanding and evolving, these entities have become lucrative targets for cybercriminals. This article explores the risks and challenges faced by these organizations and why it's only a matter of time before they experience a cyber attack.
Did you know:
According to a study by the Ponemon Institute, 66% of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) experienced a cyber attack in the past 12 months.
The National Cyber Security Alliance found that 60% of small companies go out of business within six months of a cyber attack.
Non-profits are not immune, either. The 2020 Global NGO Technology Report revealed that approximately 25% of non-profit organizations had experienced a cyber attack in the past year.
Most Common Threat Risks:
Common threats faced by small businesses, medium-sized enterprises, and non-profits include:
Phishing: These deceptive emails often trick employees into sharing sensitive information or downloading malware.
Malware: Viruses, spyware, and ransomware can compromise data and disrupt operations.
Data breaches: Unauthorized access to confidential information can be damaging and lead to financial and reputational losses.
How Cybercriminals Operate and Select Their Targets:
Automated attacks: Cybercriminals often utilize automated tools to scan for vulnerabilities across a broad range of targets, including smaller organizations that may have weaker security measures in place.
Human error exploitation: Smaller organizations often lack the resources to provide comprehensive cybersecurity training, making employees more susceptible to social engineering tactics.
Targeted attacks: In some cases, cybercriminals intentionally target small businesses and non-profits due to their partnerships or connections with larger organizations.
Cybercriminal Marketplaces on the Deep Web:
Malware-as-a-Service (MaaS): Cybercriminals can purchase ready-made malware or hire third parties to carry out attacks on their behalf, making it easier for less tech-savvy criminals to target vulnerable organizations.
Access-as-a-Service (AaaS): Hackers sell access to compromised networks, allowing buyers to infiltrate systems without needing to bypass existing security measures.
Conclusion:
Small businesses, medium-sized enterprises, and non-profits must acknowledge the inevitability of cyber attacks and proactively bolster their cybersecurity measures. Investing in employee training, regularly updating software, and partnering with cybersecurity professionals can help safeguard these organizations against the ever-growing threat of cybercrime.
CONTACT:
Marguerite Fleming
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