Cyberattackers target small business networks and individuals for various reasons, but generally their motivation is financial gain. They seek out weaknesses in systems as well as human error through tactics like phishing, social engineering and insider threats. Ultimately, it is about gaining access, taking control, or holding data “hostage.”
How Hackers Target Small Businesses
1. Weakly Secured Systems and Devices
The easiest targets for hackers are those with poor security. This includes individuals and small businesses that lack sophisticated cybersecurity measures. Hackers look for:
- Weak or Reused Passwords: Many users employ simple or identical passwords across multiple accounts, making them susceptible to “credential stuffing” attacks when a password from one data breach is used to access other services.
- Outdated Software: Unpatched software and operating systems contain known vulnerabilities that hackers can easily exploit.
- Unsecured Networks: Public or home Wi-Fi networks without proper encryption can be breached, allowing hackers to intercept data.
- IoT Devices: The proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices like smart cameras and thermostats often come with default passwords and weak security, creating a vast network of potential entry points.
2. Human Vulnerabilities
Even the most secure systems can be compromised through human error. Hackers use social engineering to manipulate users into giving up sensitive information.
- Phishing: This is the most common attack, when hackers send deceptive emails or messages that appear to be from a legitimate source, tricking recipients into clicking malicious links or downloading malware.
- Spear Phishing: A more targeted form of phishing, when attackers tailor the message to specific individuals, often using information gathered from their social media or public profiles to make the scam more convincing.
- Insider Threats: This involves employees, contractors or partners who have legitimate access to a company’s systems and intentionally or accidentally misuse their privileges to steal data or cause damage.
3. High-Value Data
Hackers are drawn to data they can sell, ransom or use for malicious purposes. This includes:
- Personally Identifiable Information: Names, addresses, Social Security numbers and dates of birth are valuable for identity theft.
- Financial Information: Credit card numbers, bank account details and investment portfolio data are direct pathways to financial fraud.
- Intellectual Property: Trade secrets, proprietary software and confidential business strategies are lucrative targets for corporate espionage.
- Healthcare Records: Medical information is highly sought after due to its detail, making it a prime target for ransomware and data theft.
What Do Hackers Look for on a Small Business’s Network?
But once they infiltrate a network, what data do these bad actors go after and what dangers do they pose for businesses?
First, when a breach occurs, organizations could face a total shutdown if the hackers take over a system and render it helpless.
Second, clients whose information is compromised could decide the relationship with the business that was hacked is irreparable. For the organization that was hacked, the result could be a lost customer and lost revenue.
The damage, though, might not stop there. The organization that had its private information stolen could face numerous issues or blackmail. The exposure of highly sensitive data, including health conditions, abuse or criminal records, can attract unwanted attention and cause significant distress and financial loss.
What Can Small Businesses Do To Protect Against Cyberthreats?
A major step in avoiding this type of turmoil is having a trained, knowledgeable team to thwart the black hats. They know to get ahead of the hackers to reduce the threat. In other words, make it where the attack goes nowhere.
A diligent IT expert will make sure all software and patches are up to date, schedule regular comprehensive backups and set up measures to mitigate the effects of any type of attack.
And when cyber criminals change their tactics, it is important to stay on top of those new approaches. In order to complete those tasks, numerous processes need to be put in place and monitored around the clock.
That is only the beginning of what clients of FTC IT Solutions get. They get local, personalized service and attention from a team of experts who stay ahead of the game, utilizing their expertise and constantly collecting more information to get in the minds of the hackers.
It is about being proactive, reactive and interactive. That is what you will get from FTC IT Solutions. If you are interested in getting this kind of peace of mind, please call 888-218-5050 to get and stay connected!
