IT Support Companies Can Make You ‘Invisible’ To Hackers
How IT Support Companies Help Businesses Stay Invisible to Hackers
By Rick Boyles, President, Computer Networks, Inc.
There’s an old joke about two hikers who stumble upon a large black bear. One man starts to run, while the other stops to change his shoes. His friend yells, “What are you doing? You can’t outrun a bear!” The second man replies, “I don’t have to outrun the bear- I just have to outrun you.”
That story perfectly captures today’s cybersecurity landscape for small businesses in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, and Suffolk. In a world full of digital “bears,” the easiest targets get caught first.
Cybercriminals are no longer just going after massive corporations. Small businesses have become the primary focus because many lack the same security protocols and professional IT support that larger companies have in place.
The Cost of Being the Easy Target
According to industry research, the average cyberattack on a small business now costs more than $20,000- up dramatically from previous years. Unfortunately, many business owners assume that running antivirus software or having a firewall is enough. Some even invest in a Security Risk Assessment but fail to act on the findings.
Without ongoing management from a professional IT support company, your network remains vulnerable. Cybercriminals are banking on that.
How to Reduce Your Risk of Attack
While partnering with a managed IT services provider is the most reliable defense, there are several steps your team can take today to make your business a more difficult target.
1. Lock Down Your Wireless Network
Unlike wired networks, Wi-Fi connections can be easily intercepted. To protect yours, disable SSID broadcasting on your router. This creates a hidden or “cloaked” network that only users who know the exact network name can access.
2. Encrypt All Data
Full-disk encryption software protects sensitive information even if a laptop, workstation, or mobile device is lost or stolen. Encryption ensures your data remains unreadable to anyone without authorization.
3. Install Firewalls and Anti-Malware Protection Everywhere
Every endpoint, including laptops, desktops, and mobile devices, should have both a firewall and anti-malware tools. Cyberattacks often start through overlooked devices that don’t have updated protection.
4. Disable Automatic Connections
Turn off the feature that allows your devices to connect to “any available network.” Manually selecting trusted networks prevents your laptop or phone from automatically joining fake or compromised hotspots.
5. Turn Off File and Printer Sharing on Mobile Devices
Before connecting to public or hotel Wi-Fi, disable sharing options. Hackers often exploit these open channels to access company data remotely.
6. Verify All Hotspots Before Connecting
If you’re working from a coffee shop, airport, or hotel in Hampton Roads, double-check the Wi-Fi login screen. Subtle differences in logos or network names can indicate a cloned, malicious hotspot designed to steal credentials.
Stay One Step Ahead of Hackers
No IT company can promise total immunity from cyber threats. However, professional management dramatically reduces your risk. A properly maintained network- with encryption, patching, employee training, and continuous monitoring- makes your business far less attractive to cybercriminals.
If you’ve never had a formal Security Risk Assessment, now is the time to schedule one. It’s the first step toward uncovering hidden vulnerabilities before hackers do.
About Computer Networks, Inc.
Founded in 2004 by Rick Boyles, Computer Networks, Inc. provides Managed IT Services, HIPAA Risk Analysis, cybersecurity consulting, and network management for small businesses and medical practices throughout Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and Hampton Roads, Virginia.
Our clients typically have 10–150 workstations and rely on secure networks, reliable email systems, and proactive IT support to keep their operations running smoothly. We offer enterprise-level protection without the expense of a full-time IT department.
Call 757-333-3299 x200 or email info@computernetworksinc.com to schedule a consultation.
