Cyberattacks are nothing new, but until recently, the general consensus in the world of startups and small businesses was that they were only a concern for large, publicly traded companies with a lot of money and valuable data.
That attitude is changing. While a cyberattack can cause significant damage to a large corporation, it is likely that it will recover and move on. The consequences can be disastrous for a small, growing business.
What makes startups an attractive target for cyberattacks?
1. Low-hanging fruit
Cybercriminals are aware that startups and small businesses are frequently unprotected or under-protected for a variety of reasons, including prioritization, cost, internal knowledge, and a lack of dedicated security staff. They also understand that it is likely that these businesses will not notice a breach until it is too late to do anything about it.
2. A point of entry into the business
Remember the highly publicized Target data breach a few years ago? An HVAC subcontractor was the point of entry. Hackers understand that exploiting weak points in the supply chain can result in even greater rewards.
3. A great ROI for hackers
Customer information is valuable regardless of where it comes from. Cybercriminals, like the rest of us, understand the value of time and effort, so it makes good business sense for them to shift their focus to easier targets.
4. Ensure that your cybersecurity practices evolve in tandem with your startup.
As your company grows, so does its exposure, which can make it a more appealing target for hackers. As you continue on your rocket ship to success, don’t forget about your cybersecurity. Utilizing more comprehensive software and the services of an external service provider are two things to consider as your business grows.
Cyberattacks pose a real and growing threat to startups and small businesses. However, if you start small today and continue to develop a good cybersecurity posture to protect your team, customers, and sensitive information, your efforts will pay off for years to come. Connect with Cegura Technologies to know more about our cybersecurity services!
