The biggest cybersecurity threats to your SME

Small and medium-sized businesses must be aware of the cyberattacks that can occur and affect their organizations to an irreparable degree. As long as there have been businesses, there have been thieves trying to take advantage of them. And as technology has advanced, methods of deception have kept pace, making it harder than ever for business owners to outwit thieves targeting their companies and their operations. cybersecurity.

We've become so comfortable using the internet that it's easy to forget there are people out there up to no good. Cybercriminals like to create fraudulent websites and online scams to trick users and small businesses into voluntarily handing over information or money, so if you want to protect your company, it's important to take precautions. cybersecurity and keep them always up to date. The best way to avoid scams is to educate yourself and your employees about them, and then emphasize the importance of being constantly vigilant.

One by one: the most common methods to attack your business's cybersecurity

1. Phishing schemes:

Phishing is one of the most common cybersecurity threats, but it remains just as effective. Phishers impersonate someone you trust in an attempt to trick you into handing over information or clicking on a malicious link via email, social media, or messaging apps like WhatsApp. You might receive a message, supposedly from your bank, claiming that your online account has been compromised or is being audited.

Make sure your firewalls and antivirus software are up to date, and if you receive an email requesting confidential information, instead of clicking on a link or opening an attachment, call the sender directly, from a phone number you know is correct, to verify the legitimacy of the email.

2. Fake antivirus software

If you're browsing the web and a pop-up window suddenly appears saying your computer is now infected, it's probably an online scam.

In reality, these fake antivirus software ads and pop-ups want you to download their free software, which will only provide you with a virus, malware, or ransomware, among other threats against your computer. cybersecurity.

Be wary of pop-up windows with flashing lights or that urge you to take immediate action by downloading an application. Use reliable antivirus software and keep it updated.

3. Technical support scams:

Tech support scams often begin with an alarming call or message that pretends to be from a reputable company, claiming there's a problem with your computer's security. Their goal is to get your money, access to your computer, or both. They might ask you to pay them to fix a problem you don't actually have, or to enroll your business in a nonexistent or useless computer maintenance program. They may even gain access to sensitive data such as passwords, customer records, or credit card information.