11 April 2023

What are the Commonest Ways Hackers Use to Attack Small Businesses?

Hackers are still doing all they can to attack businesses and steal from them. Since most small businesses do business with bigger organizations, they have some connections with big corporations. It is these connections that attract hackers to small businesses. Hence, small businesses are targets for hackers.

 

Read on to discover the common methods hackers use to attack small businesses and how you can protect yourself.

 

Phishing

 

Phishing emails disguise themselves. Many people end up being fooled by such emails. Employees should be trained to ignore phishing emails. If anyone clicks on the attachments in these emails, the hacker will access the company's information and data.

 

Social Engineering

 

Most corporations have good IT security packages to protect themselves against online attackers and malware. So attackers often go offline to get the results they want. The attacker can pose as a supplier, customer, or an interested party to gain access to information that they can use to harm your company. The attackers usually use small businesses to get information on vendors and suppliers that they do business with.

 

Be cautious of the type of information you give out when discussing business with those you've never met before.

 

Malware-Injecting Devices

 

Attackers also attack small businesses by using hardware to introduce malware into their computers. For instance, infected USB sticks can give hackers remote access to computers and devices once they are plugged into a computer.

 

Some hackers now use cords to inject these malware (for instance, mouse cords and USB cables). Hence, it is important to think before you plug anything into the device you use at work or your device.

 

Keylogger

 

A key logger refers to a small piece of software which when downloaded to your computer, can record all your keystrokes. The software will capture all the keystrokes on your keyboard, your username, password, and credit card number, amongst others. In a nutshell, a key logger exposes your data and personal details.

 

Fake W.A.P

 

Hackers can also attack small businesses by using software to impersonate a W.A.P. (wireless access point) and then connect to the official W.A.P. that you're using. Once you connect to the fake W.A.P., the hacker will access anything they want. The hacker can even fool you by naming the fake W.A.P genuinely.

 

How Can You Keep Your Small Business Safe from Hackers?

 

These methods are some of the commonest ways attackers use to hack into the information of small businesses. The list keeps evolving and increasing; hence, the methods that are used to combat these attacks need to change as well.

 

Some of these attacks can be defended through great security, backups, and software, while others (for instance, social engineering) entail updating staff members and advising them to be vigilant about the attacks that affect small businesses.

 

If you need the support that will get you ahead of attackers and cybercriminals, Computer Services Tech can help. Our experts will provide you with top-notch cyber security solutions that will keep your data and organization safe. Contact us today to get started.

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The writer has a degree in Computer Science with a passion for content writing, my experience spans writing whitepapers, blogs, case studies, research reports, and more.

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