Cyber Crime Is Focusing On Small Businesses

Symantec's latest annual Internet Security Threat Report reveals a 42 percent surge during 2012 in targeted attacks. Symantec says that the computer espionage attacks are designed to steal intellectual property and are targeting more start-ups and small business. What this means to you is that hardening your security measures is more important than ever. Create a policy for your employees to follow and implement a security refresher training program for employees. We can't actually stop every attack, but we can be a harder target with a lower profile, preventing the majority of attacks. There are a lot of things that can be done that cost nothing or very little. But that go a long way toward securing your business and finances from online threats. The following is quoted from Symantec's web site. 

“This year’s ISTR shows that cybercriminals aren’t slowing down, and they continue to devise new ways to steal information from organizations of all sizes,” says Stephen Trilling, chief technology officer, Symantec. “The sophistication of attacks coupled with today’s IT complexities, such as virtualization, mobility and cloud, require organizations to remain proactive and use ‘defense in depth’ security measures to stay ahead of attacks.”

"According to the report, small businesses are now the target of 31 percent of all attacks, a threefold increase from 2011. Most startups assume they're not targets, but cybercriminals are enticed by these organizations’ bank account information, customer data and intellectual property. Attackers also know small businesses often lack adequate security practices and infrastructure. Web-based attacks increased by 30 percent in 2012."

"Last year, mobile malware increased by 58 percent, and 32 percent of all mobile threats attempted to steal information, such as email addresses and phone numbers. Android had more threats than any other mobile operating system."

In summery the larger companies have turned up the security level making attacking them less effective. So the criminals have turned their focus on less secure, less hardened small businesses. They have to harvest a lot more to get the same amount of what ever it is they are after at the moment. But the targets are softer, so most of it can be automated or farmed out. If you need help battening down the hatches, we are always available.

Reference Links
http://smallbiztrends.com/2013/04/cyber-attacks-on-small-businesses-increase.html
http://www.techvibes.com/blog/huge-surge-in-attacks-on-startups-2013-04-19