Computer safety: small businesses need extra protection from hackers

  

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Unfortunately, small businesses are becoming the new targets for hackers, as larger companies batten down the hatches.

"With larger companies increasing their protections, small businesses are now the low-hanging fruit for cybercriminals," FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said, according to his prepared remarks posted online.

Who are the hackers, you ask? Well, we actually don’t know who they are (they are pretty good at remaining anonymous), but we do know what they all do:

1. Hackers run software tools on their computers to scan for weak firewalls

2. Hackers generally live around the globe and target any network they find to have lax security.

3. Hackers also phish for user names and passwords, sometimes tricking people into providing account information. You’ve surely received emails that raise your security awareness.

So, just what should a small business do to protect themselves?

The FCC referred to a Cybersecurity Tip Sheet for small businesses that it previously released. The tip sheet includes basic advice, like how to make sure Wi-Fi routers are secure, encrypt data on computers, install anti-virus software and train employees not to click on links in email from people they don't know.  

The tip sheet is certainly useful, but not necessarily a one-stop-shop on tightening up your computer security. That's because security is not a one-time task. If you accept credit cards, keep extensive contact information or maintain healthcare records (to name a few), a regular security check-up for your technology security is important.  

Symantec released a survey that found the average cost of a small business cyber attack in 2009/2010 was a mere $188,000. Wowza. So the old motto applies: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.  Better get that IT flu shot!