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Small businesses are, in present times, faced by waves and waves of cyber attacks and are the targets of criminals whom want to compromise their computer systems and data stored both belonging to the small business and its clientele base. Another aim is to wrest the control of a small business and its computer network from its rightful owner(s) and its use as botnets to perpetrate more cybercrime. There are so many small businesses out there that rely on the internet to get a hold of clients and customers, therefore it makes them fodder for the hackers and cyber criminals. The reasons behind so many small businesses being targeted for attacks are 1) some rely on free antivirus applications which might not guarantee complete security from hackers, and 2) some frequently operate without any security measures, i.e. without firewall, without anti-spam and without antispyware. Perhaps the most prominent reason for the attacks on small businesses is that they are not prepared and do not have the resources to install and use the best available and sophisticated security software and/or hardware applications. An attack on small businesses translates into lost revenue for all stakeholders and entrepreneurs. A corrupted website means total loss of control and all accruing revenue as well as such a website being under the control of the hackers will be used to prey on unsuspecting clients via their computers. The website also fuels the pilfering of data especially logins used to steal from online bank accounts. Yet others will be used to sell contraband like fake drugs and malware disguised as antivirus protection. Small businesses should diligently work towards protecting their businesses from all forms of cybercrime. The imminent threats for small businesses presently are varied and efforts should be taken to work against them and keep criminals away. Types of attack include: - Malware attacks usually aimed at conventional components of networks need to be addressed through the protection of this environment. Making sure that the PCs utilized by the business for its operations and online interactions have updated and running security products. - Threats from cloud computing may suffice even though the providers of the services will ensure that all the client data within the infrastructure is protected and availed at all times. Even with that, businesses are advised to work on having their data secure which calls for consistent updated security applications. - Mobile security should be worked upon since more and more people are using applications on their mobile phones to access information over the internet. This has opened a whole new world of cybercrime. These mobile applications are risky and have been used to redirect people to potentially harmful websites or to collect sensitive data like credit card information and bank details. Some applications reveal data to third parties and this information can and will be used against the business. Small businesses should have the appropriate software installed to ensure mobile security. - Social media is yet another front on which cyber crime is perpetrated. The sharing of information done on the social platform predisposes a small business to cyber attacks. Some profiles and comment from employees may attract the attentions of the hackers so will employ their schemes to solicit information and initiate viral attacks which spread very fast to other users. Security breaches can occur from the businesses client on these social platforms. Avoid suspicious links and applications which require sharing of information as these could be malware. Learn more about ethical hacker certification or online ceh training
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pentesting, website security check, vulnerability assessment, security assessment,
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