small businesses are targeted more often precisely because they don’t believe it can happen to them. They’re easy targets!
SMBs Are Not Prepared!
Small and medium sized businesses have customer data, financial records and employee data that is valuable to criminals. A recent study by cyber security firm FireEye found that:
- 60% of SMBs do not believe they are at risk
- More than 40% of SMBs have inadequate security budgets
- Only 36% have any data security policies in place
This is the paradox: on the one hand most SMBs don’t believe they have a problem, and on the other, even the ones that do lack the resources to combat a breach.
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FireEye concluded, ”small and midsize businesses face the same threats as large corporations, but have a fraction of the resources to deal with them.” Many have limited IT resources and often their time is spent fixing the WiFi and updating software; not addressing security. This is the gap hackers love to exploit!
Partner Up!
First, you need to accept that no matter how large or small, your business is at risk. Breaches happen and you need to have a plan in place. Assess your current security situation. Do you have the staff and resources to make security a priority? Do you have countermeasures in place and are they tested and current?
It takes time and resources to prepare for threats. If you find it difficult, consider partnering with a Managed IT Services provider. They have the resources to monitor your network 24/7 and keep your machines updated and safe. Partnering with an MIT partner is a cost effective solution to your security needs.
Are your concerned about your data security? Find out how you compare with other small and medium-sized businesses by taking our SMB Office Challenge and qualify to win one of five Xerox multifunction colour printers and get a copy of our FREE 2016 Office Print Policy Guide!
