Just because your business is small doesn’t mean you’re immune from computer viruses, malware and other cyber-attacks. Although it sounds logical for hackers to target larger businesses because of their larger amounts of data, research shows small and medium businesses are just as likely to be attacked as larger enterprise businesses, according to the 2018 Symantec Internet Security Report. In fact, small and medium businesses may be even more vulnerable than their larger counterparts because of the tendency of smaller companies to spend less on security.
Many smaller businesses have not increased their cybersecurity even though they often have poorly secured servers, unprotected endpoint devices and vulnerable storage and back-up processes. With the increased usage of mobile devices to accommodate today’s mobile workforce, the door to your data is opened wide if a laptop or smart phone is lost or stolen.
Hackers aren’t about who they attack – they’re happy to steal from any business. They typically take a shotgun approach, aiming at as many businesses possible to make small amounts of money per breach. This spray-and-pray approach increases cyber risks exponentially for smaller businesses.
The average cost of a data breach in the United States currently is $233 per capita or a total of $7.91 million annually. Customer confidence and business reputation losses are harder to quantify even though their costs are steep – many small and medium businesses go out of business within a year of being hacked.
Securing your data with confidence and cost containment can be achieved with cloud computing.
3 Easy Steps for Using the Cloud to Secure Your Business
Step 1
Move your files to the cloud
Cloud computing puts your files, emails and attachments into a heavily protected cloud-based server where your files are far safer than the physical server in your office closet. Information is safe even if your office is flooded, catches on fire or your server goes down. This also makes back-up and disaster recovery efforts much easier and quicker. Your security increases overnight with just this one step.
Step 2
Move your applications to the cloud
Maybe you’re already using some cloud apps like Office 365 or Gmail, so you know how secure and easy-to-access cloud apps are. The next step toward cloud computing is to move the line-of-business apps from your on-premise server to the cloud with cloud virtualization which makes non-cloud softwares cloud compatible. Your employees will now be able to access apps and data from anywhere to increase productivity. Also, in some cases, the apps are automatcically kept updated and, more importantly, way more secure.
Step 3
Move your desktops to the cloud
Cloud-based desktops are available to your employees on any computer, any browser, anywhere. And, managing apps and desktops is centralized so there is no more updating and installing apps on individual computers which reduces the possibility of missing a workstation leaving it vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Bonus – if a laptop or smart phone goes missing, no information is compromised because it doesn’t reside on devices locally.
Cyber viruses have gone from an erratic disease to a common cold. Contact the experts at DiamondIT for a cyber security assessment and using the cloud to protect your business from cyber-attacks.