By now, most people have heard of ransomware, but there are still many small businesses that believe that hacking is something that happens to other businesses in other industries. When it comes to cyber criminals, the only thing that we know for sure is that no business (or person) is exempt. Most tech experts agree that it’s not a matter of “if,” but “when” you are going to get hacked. So, whether you’re working out of your mother’s garage or you run a global empire, when it comes to hacking, we’re all created equal. Of course, companies that take precautionary measures to protect their data are much less likely to become a victim than the company that doesn’t take the threats seriously and falls behind on security.
Managed IT services are the most cost-effective way for small businesses to protect their data.
Current trends in cyber crime
The Sony Hack
There are two types of cyber crime that have been trending lately. There was the classic “Sony Hack” by North Korea. This was the type of hack that we’re used to watching in summer action blockbusters – a foreign government hacks the data of a major corporation exposing embarrassing emails and proprietary information. The “Sony Hack” was meant to embarrass Sony enough to pull the release of the critically acclaimed movie, “The Interview.” The hack cost Sony millions of dollars, people lost their jobs, and it opened up people’s eyes to the seriousness of data security.
WannaCry Ransomware
The next big wave of cyber crime came when hundreds of countries were hit with a ransomware virus called WannaCry. This type of malware would hold all data and devices on an infiltrated network for ransom, asking for $300 to release the data back to the company. While $300 dollars may not seem like a lot, it quickly adds up. Unfortunately, getting your data back wasn’t always as easy as paying the ransom, as the next round of global cyber crime would prove.
GoldenEye, a.k.a. Petya “Ransomware”
No business is exempt from malware and cyber crime!
The most recent “ransomware” to attack global companies is known as GoldenEye or Petya. GoldenEye/Petya looks like ransomware, sounds like ransomware, but in the end, does not act like ransomware. Many experts believe that the goal of this malware wasn’t financial, but simply to destroy data and disrupt production of major corporations.
Get managed IT services to protect your data
Getting the right cyber security to protect your data can sometimes feel overwhelming to small businesses. The easiest and most cost-effective way for a small business to be protected against cyber crime is to get managed IT services from a local IT management company. When you work with a third party to manage your IT, you can have peace of mind knowing that experts are watching over your network, always keeping an eye out for vulnerabilities, as well as performing routine maintenance and software updates.
Talk to an IT expert about your business and we’ll help find the best IT solutions for your business and your budget.
