IT Support Tip – Cybercriminals Have Bull’s-Eye On Small Business
Cybercriminals Target Small Businesses in Hampton Roads
IT Support Tip: Why Small Businesses Are Prime Targets for Cyberattacks
Cybercriminals are increasingly setting their sights on small businesses. According to recent industry data, over 60% of small businesses experience a cyberattack each year, and many are hit more than once. For companies across Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and Hampton Roads, these attacks can cost tens of thousands of dollars in downtime, lost data, and recovery efforts.
As cyber threats become more advanced, small businesses and medical practices without robust Managed IT Services are especially vulnerable. Fortunately, there are practical steps you can take to protect your systems and reduce risk.
Common Cyberattack Methods and How to Prevent Them
Phishing Scams
Hackers send emails that look legitimate to trick employees into clicking malicious links or downloading infected attachments. Once clicked, malware can spread across your network.
Best Defense: Train your staff to verify email senders before opening attachments or clicking links. Implement spam filters and use multi-factor authentication to reduce the risk of credential theft.
Weak Passwords
Cybercriminals use automated tools to guess passwords around the clock. Simple or reused passwords make their job easy.
Best Defense: Use a password manager that creates and stores strong passwords. For sensitive accounts, use unique passphrases and enable multi-factor authentication.
Drive-By Downloads
Visiting an infected or fraudulent website can silently install malware on your device, often without your knowledge.
Best Defense: Keep browsers and plugins up to date, and use a modern browser such as Chrome or Firefox that installs automatic security updates.
These examples represent just a few of the many tactics cybercriminals use to exploit small businesses. The best protection comes from proactive IT support and ongoing network monitoring designed to catch threats before they cause damage.
Protect Your Business with a Free Cybersecurity Audit
Computer Networks, Inc. offers a free, no-obligation Cybersecurity Audit for local businesses. Our team will conduct a comprehensive review of your systems, identify vulnerabilities, and provide a prioritized plan for strengthening your defenses.
If your company relies on email, cloud storage, or electronic records, don’t wait until after an attack to take action. Let our experts ensure your data is protected and your network is secure.
About Computer Networks, Inc.
Computer Networks, Inc. was founded in 2004 by Rick Boyles. Our clients typically have 10 to 150 workstations and rely heavily on email, the internet, and their computer networks for running their business or medical practice. We provide Managed IT Services, Computer Network Security, Cybersecurity Audits, HIPAA Risk Analysis, and more for businesses throughout Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and Hampton Roads.
