“As we celebrate National Small Business Week, it is important to recognize that even small-sized businesses face security risks as they are often perceived as an easy target,” said Stephen Cobb, senior security researcher at ESET. “Small businesses handle the same sensitive data that cybercriminals target in larger organizations, so it is imperative for even the smallest organizations to make cybersecurity a top priority.”
Verizon* found that 62 percent of cyberattacks occurred in smaller organizations. Additionally, IDC predicts* security spending by small businesses this year is expected to be 10 to 12 percent higher than in 2014.
In response to the growing demand and necessity for cybersecurity policies, ESET created their Small Business Cybersecurity Survival Guide to share strategic advice from security experts on what precautions small businesses should take to protect themselves and their customers’ private data from falling into the wrong hands.
While cybersecurity may seem intimidating to some, the guidance that ESET outlines in the new guide is as easy as knowing your “ABCs” and includes:
- Assess your assets, risks, resources – Understand all possible targets and threats.
- Build your policy – Spell out protective measures and ensure leadership prioritizes security.
- Choose your controls – Decide what appropriate tools are needed to enforce a security policy.
- Deploy controls – Ensure protection methods are in effect and are appropriate for the business.
- Educate employees, execs, vendors – Spread awareness and gain the buy-in of the full team.
- Further assess, audit, test – Ensure regular evaluation and additions to policy in place.
Download ESET’s comprehensive Small Business Cybersecurity Survival Guide here.
Also, join ESET Security Researcher Cameron Camp on May 6, 2015 for the free webcast that explores BYOD, mobile device management and other security topics discussed during National Small Business Week. Register here.
ESET offers comprehensive security solution for businesses of all sizes, including custom solutions for small business. To learn more about ESET’s solutions for small businesses, please visit www.eset.com/us/business/small-office-antivirus/
*Source: Verizon,”2013 Data Breach Investigations Report,” April 2013
*Source: IDC, "US Small- and Medium-Sized Business 2012 to 2016 Forecast,” March 2012
About ESET
Since 1987, ESET® has been developing record award-winning security software that now helps over 100 million users to Enjoy Safer Technology®. Its broad security product portfolio covers all popular platforms and provides businesses and consumers around the world with the perfect balance of performance and proactive protection. The company has a global sales network covering 180 countries, and regional offices in Bratislava, San Diego, Singapore and Buenos Aires. For more information visit www.eset.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.