As a small business IT support professional, there are a few things we want to confess to our clients. These admissions may not be deep, dark secrets, but they are essential for small business owners to understand to protect themselves from modern internet threats adequately.
Confession #1: Traditional IT Security Measures Are Inadequate.
There needs to be more than the traditional security measures we use today. With the evolution of technology and the internet, our standard security practices, such as user ID and password, antivirus, file backup, firewall, and antispam or e-mail filters, are no longer sufficient. Newer protections like Next Generation or UTM firewalls, new classes of malicious software, e-mail attacks through harmful web links or file attachments, and the evolution of system image backups and multi-factor authentication have rendered outdated, traditional security measures much less effective. In addition, many small business owners need to understand the importance of security fully, and they may not see it as a priority.
Confession #2: You Probably Don't Understand Modern Cyber-Crime Motivations.
Cybersecurity is not just about protecting our data. Malicious actors are motivated by more than just stealing our data for its value, such as identity theft or credit card numbers. They also want to know how valuable our data is to us. That's why small business owners must take a proactive approach to cybersecurity and act quickly. Small business owners must understand that their data is valuable and a target for cyber-criminals. It's not only about the large corporations.
For example, we read about a small business owner client who thought their data wasn't valuable because they were a small business. They didn't see the need to invest in cybersecurity measures. However, they were hacked and lost valuable customer data, which led to a loss of trust and business. This was a valuable lesson for them, and it's important for all small business owners to understand that cyber-criminals do not discriminate and can target any business, big or small.
Confession #3: Education Around IT Security Isn't Good Enough.
As a team of IT support professionals, we often come across small business owners who have fallen victim to cyber-attacks because they didn't take the necessary steps to protect their technology. One instance that stands out in our minds is a story we heard about a small retail store that had all of its customer's credit card information stolen because they were using an outdated point-of-sale system. They had no idea that this system had vulnerabilities and were not aware of the free and low-cost options available to them to upgrade their security. It was a costly mistake that could have been prevented with proper education and knowledge of IT security. This experience reinforced the importance of proactive education and being aware of the latest threats and solutions. It's not just about investing in expensive security solutions, it's about understanding the risks and taking the necessary steps to protect your business.
Using technology out of the box or consuming free online services comes with a price. As small business owners, we need to start thinking about technology as we think about our houses, vehicles, and health. Learning about these topics may appear to be a huge load, but it is part of the "total cost of ownership" of using technology to enable so many things. Additionally, many small business owners may need more money to invest in expensive security solutions, but this doesn't mean they can't protect themselves; free and low-cost options are available.
Confession #4: There Are More Costs To Technology Than Just Money.
Small business owners must understand the importance of technology and the risks that come with it. It's not just about the cost of purchasing or maintaining technology, it's about the total cost of ownership. This includes the cost of educating yourselves about the potential threats and taking steps to protect your businesses. These steps may include hiring IT support professionals, investing in security software, or training employees on best practices. Ignoring these costs can lead to devastating consequences, such as data breaches, loss of productivity, and damage to reputation. It's essential for small business owners to take proactive responsibility for the technology that enables their business and not wait until it's too late.
Confession #5: Life & Technology Are Even More Interconnected Than You May Think.
As small business IT support professionals, it's our job to help educate and guide our clients on the best practices for protecting their technology and data. We want to be a trusted partner in helping small business owners navigate the ever-evolving world of technology and internet threats. We must be proactive in identifying and addressing potential security threats and keep ourselves updated on the latest threats and solutions.
One of the most difficult aspects of our job is seeing the emotional toll that a cyber-attack can have on small business owners. We have heard horror stories about companies whose entire customer database was compromised in a ransomware attack. Not only were they faced with the financial burden of paying the ransom and hiring a cybersecurity firm to help them recover, but they also had to deal with the emotional stress of potentially losing the trust and loyalty of their customers. The small business owner was devastated as they had built their business from scratch, and the thought of losing everything they had worked so hard for was unbearable. It was a harsh reminder of the real-life consequences that can result from poor cyber-security and the importance of being proactive in protecting not just data but also the emotional and reputational well-being of a business.
Prodigi Can Offer You Cyber-Security Peace of Mind
In conclusion, small business owners must understand that the threats to our technology and data are accurate and constantly evolving. We must take a proactive approach to protect ourselves and our businesses. As IT support professionals, it's our job to help guide and educate our clients on the best practices for cybersecurity. We must also be aware that small business owners have different needs and budget constraints, and we must be flexible and provide them with tailored solutions.
Get in touch with the team at Prodigi today to discover the many ways we can ensure the security of your small business and save you from the stresses of dealing with malicious actors. Call us at 0800 PRODIGI or 09 283 0758.