Think cyber attacks only happen to big corporations across the ocean? Think again.

A recent report reveals that nearly two-thirds of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) fell victim to at least one cyber attack in the past year. That’s a staggering wake-up call for South African businesses such as your own.

But wait, it gets worse.

The situation escalates as 87% of businesses report not just one, but two successful cyber attacks within the same period. On average, companies actually endure nearly five cyber incidents – a truly terrifying statistic.

Now, the question is: why are these attacks happening, and what can you do to shield your business?

Malware and ransomware top the list of common cyber threats faced by businesses. Malware sneaks into your system, wreaking havoc from data theft to operational slowdowns. Meanwhile, ransomware takes it up a notch by encrypting your data and holding it hostage until you pay a hefty ransom. The repercussions can be devastating, causing significant losses and downtime.

So, what’s fueling the rise of successful attacks?

For starters, the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) trend opens doors for potential vulnerabilities as employees access company data on personal devices. The surge in productivity apps also creates security loopholes if not adequately safeguarded. With the plethora of devices we use, cyber criminals have a field day exploiting various entry points.

But fear not, there are steps you can take to fortify your business against these threats:

  1. Use better passwords: Create strong, unique passwords, or better yet, employ a password manager for added security – they can create and remember randomly generated passwords for you.
  2. Update your software: Stay current with the latest software versions to benefit from crucial security fixes.
  3. Educate your staff: Train employees to spot phishing emails and scams through regular security awareness sessions.
  4. Back up your data: Prepare for the worst by regularly backing up your data to minimize disruption during an attack.
  5. Employ antivirus software: Shield your systems from malware with a reputable and up-to-date antivirus solution.

Remember, prevention is the key. Take action now to safeguard your business against cyber threats. And if it all seems overwhelming, reach out – we’re here to help.

How can we help you?

Just give us a call  ‣  031 818 9060