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The Most Likely Targets

A previous study conducted by Symantec found that about 40% of all cyber-attacks are aimed
at businesses with fewer than 500 employees. Thus, business owners who believe they are
immune to the after-effects of a network intrusion should think again. It is important to remember
that most cyber criminals are quite intelligent and that they are aware of the fact that many small
business owners have this false sense of security. This is bad news since the same set of
statistical data found that some 60% of all new businesses close within the first six months due
to cyber-attacks.

Although it may not seem like a few small businesses being victimized by hackers is a pressing
matter in the grand scheme of things, it is certainly a threat to the national economy. When
many small businesses are attacked, it shows collective vulnerability and can lead to a
decrease in the amount of sales nationwide. Therefore, not only are the stakes incredibly high
for the businesses themselves, but also for the economy as a whole.

What Small Business Owners Can Do

Both the owners of small businesses and everyday consumers can do their part in reducing the
number of attacks that occur. Small business owners should avoid that sense of security and
instead invest in the technology necessary to thwart the attacks. The initial investment is well
worth the payoff in that hackers are less likely to attempt to access data if it is well protected;
what’s more, their efforts will be blocked if they attempt to breach the network. Some other tips
for business owners include:

• Using a third-party company to process credit card transactions. Many of these
companies are recognized by entities like the NCSA for going above and beyond to
provide outstanding security

• Purchasing specialized insurance designed to aid in recovery from financial losses
caused by cyber-attacks.

• Hiring security consultants to aid in the discovery and patching of network “holes” and to
analyze websites for possible threats.

• Using antivirus, anti-malware, and firewall software. These can be found for free online,
but some of their functionality may be limited. Thankfully, many internet service
providers offer access to full-version programs from Norton, McAfee and other
recognized brands as part of your paid internet subscription.

What Consumers Can Do

Since consumers must rely on the business owners to put software and protocols into place to
protect them, many feel as if they are at the mercy of those businesses. However, it isn’t
impossible to ask questions and do some research regarding the various types of protocols that
exist to prevent intrusions. In fact, in today’s day and age, any business that is processing credit

17 Cyber Warnings E-Magazine – October 2014 Edition
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