As the population in the St. Louis area expands, and the city itself becomes a more popular destination for small businesses and startups, so too does the cunning threat of cyber attacks. The tech world is revolutionizing the way all of us do business, from AI technology to cloud storage solutions.
According to IBM data, the average cost of a data breach in 2022 was $9.44 million. Can your business withstand that kind of loss? By 2025, cybercrime is estimated to cost $10.5 trillion annually, which means thousands of businesses could potentially be sunk by preventable attacks.
With St. Louis becoming a hub for tech and business, there now exists an increased vulnerability to cyber threats, particularly for these small businesses. In this article, we will discuss why small business cybersecurity is so crucial for your small business, and what you can do to protect yourself from rising, unseen cyber threats.
Why Should Cybersecurity Matter for a Small Business?
Let’s take a look at the facts. Small-to-medium businesses (SMBs) are now the primary targets of cyber criminals for various reasons:
- Lack of resources: Smaller businesses are going to have less resources than larger companies, which leaves them vulnerable and prone to attacks.
- Smaller teams: With fewer people on board as staff, it’s harder to have the same level of oversight and security that a larger team can offer.
- Lack of knowledge: With so much on their plate, some things are bound to fall through the cracks for small businesses. They may not understand the importance of small business cybersecurity and how to protect themselves against threats.
Why are SMBs Targeted?
Sadly, cyber criminals are drawn to small businesses because they know that these smaller organizations lack the resources and knowledge necessary for effective cybersecurity measures.
Cyber criminals often target SMBs through phishing emails or malicious software in order to gain access to important information like customer data or financial records. The stakes are especially high when it comes to SMB data breaches because of the detrimental effects that follow these breaches.
Why Should You Take a Proactive Approach to Small Business Cybersecurity?
The best way to protect your business from cyber attacks is by taking a proactive approach. This means investing in the right type of software and hardware, training staff on cybersecurity best practices, and regularly evaluating your security measures.
If you need more help, partnering with an experienced Managed Service Provider (MSP) can help you stay ahead of the curve when it comes to protecting your data and systems with small business cybersecurity.
Can an SMB Afford To Partner With an MSP For Managed Security?
To put it simply: Yes! Companies like St. Louis-based ThrottleNet can provide comprehensive cybersecurity solutions tailored specifically for small businesses that don’t have the budget or resources for in-house IT teams.
ThrottleNet can help you develop a comprehensive security plan and provide the necessary tools and expertise to ensure your business is protected from cyber threats.
Bottom Line
Whatever route you go with your small business cybersecurity efforts, remember that it’s essential for your company’s longevity to take proactive measures to protect its data and systems. With the right approach, you can rest assured knowing that your business is safe from the rising tide of cyber criminals. Contact us today at ThrottleNet if you’re interested in learning more about our managed security services!
