5 Most Common Ways Businesses Get Hacked

Unfortunately, small businesses are often considered a perfect target for hackers. They often don’t have the security capabilities of larger companies who have an in-house tech department to solve their problems, and usually have less security installed on their hardware and software. Luckily, there are a few ways to protect your business, employees, and clients that are relatively simple. 

Here are the 5 most common ways businesses get hacked.

Password Cracking

There are a variety of ways hackers can disrupt your daily business simply by getting their hands on your passwords. If your passwords are too easy, a professional hacker can easily guess or crack them. Make sure that any passwords on your hardware or software are strong, made up of a series of numbers, letters, and symbols so that they cannot be easily guessed. You can use an online generator that will help you create a random, secure password. Finally, make sure passwords are reset every three months to ensure their strength.

Phishing

Another common way that hackers get their hands on passwords is through tricking employees. A “phish” is a scam – it can be an email, message, or even phone call that tricks you or your fellow employees into giving up the security information. Phishing scams are designed to be more obvious than ever before, with hackers creating emails and phone calls to look like secure messages from banks, credit card companies, and even the IRS. Go over safety practices with your team often, and make sure you’re aware of trending scams so that you can deflect them.

Malware

Malware is a harmful software that is usually installed via phishing scams or even a USB drive.  It can do a number of different things, including find your passwords, track your web activity, or lock into your drive and save vital information. It’s difficult to detect and may go unnoticed for months. You can install a professional security program on all of your office’s computers that will scan and delete any malware programs.

Scanning Networks for Vulnerability

Hackers will look through a business’ network security and look for weak points that they can exploit. Once they find a weakness, they can send a command or signal to the servers or computers, crashing programs and accessing information from any program they want. If you or your staff isn’t knowledgeable about network security, you may have to call in a professional. Large businesses have protections against this type of hack, but small and medium-sized businesses are often vulnerable. 

Permissions

It’s something no one wants to think about, but current or former employees can wreak havoc simply because they have access to certain files and information. It’s incredibly common, especially in an age where businesses use various apps and social media platforms to do business. An employee can leave anytime, taking the passwords and your accounts with them. The best way to avoid this is prevention. Make sure that employees only have access to files they need, and that management stays in control of all passwords. An IT company can help install a network system that would allow you to stay in control at all times.

Call an IT Company for Assistance

Even if you don’t have the resources of a huge company, you can still make sure your small business stays safe and secure by getting the help of a professional IT firm. At Internal Computer Services, we have nearly 30 years of experience working with companies of all types. Call us at 804-672-1057 and talk to an expert about how you can upgrade your business’s security today.