SMBs are puppets of cybercrime
Owners and executive managers of small to medium-size businesses (SMBs) are usually oblivious to the fact that their company may provide a gateway for cybercriminals to access the sensitive data of much larger corporations. While an SMB may never fall victim to a cybersecurity threat, a small enterprise can easily and unknowingly become a hacker’s puppet. Vulnerabilities in an SMB IT infrastructure can be exploited in order to access the data and files of corporate giants.
SMBs are typically vendors, suppliers or service providers who have contracts with larger enterprises who provide IT support, telecommunications, insurance, finance and everything else that an SMB needs to operate. The fact that an SMB provides a backdoor to corporate information is a cybercriminal’s delight and means your company is a prime target for hackers.
Corporations are tough to crack
Larger companies such as BT, Aviva or HSBC possess the financial clout to deploy the latest and most advanced IT security systems. By extension, this means that they are less likely to fall prey to phishing, scam and malware attacks. SMBs on the other hand, do not have a bottomless supply of money and resources and usually can only afford basic IT infrastructure protection measures. It is this lag in security that makes SMBs the perfect choice for crooks wishing to exploit the precious data of big boys. Exposed vulnerabilities in the tech systems of SMBs facilitate access to the information of corporations despite their superlative IT security capabilities.
250 employees or less
Ongoing research confirms that cybercriminals are drawn to small enterprises with 250 or fewer employees. Statistics show that hacking attacks on this demographic have doubled in 2017 compared to the previous years. It will come as no surprise that large corporations are selective when deciding who to do business with – or not. So if you are a CEO or CFO with your sights on targeting high-end B2B clientele or forming partnerships with public or government entities, be prepared for the security of your IT network to come under scrutiny. Companies forming alliances with SMBs, now more than ever will require an honest and comprehensive assessment of your IT to ensure that security risks are minimised if not eliminated.
IT security is an investment
Instead of considering IT as an expenditure, many SMB executives are now deeming it as a worthwhile investment that drives new business. A sound and secure IT infrastructure is a competitive differentiator in attracting and acquiring new clients and retaining existing ones. With robust data security systems in place, your SMB will live up to the standards and expectations of your corporate counterparts. In the long run, your investment will pay off as large companies take you on board. New revenue-generating contracts will significantly outweigh the costs of improving the security of your systems.
Corporate IT expectations
The extent of assessment to determine the integrity and protection of data will depend on who you do business with. If it is with another SMB introduced through a client referral, signing a contract will be a walk in the park; you’ll probably have to answer a couple of questions to confirm the status of your IT network. However, the larger the company, the more involved and complex the assessment will become.
Some corporations will require your IT manager to accurately complete a questionnaire to ascertain the level of security applied to your IT systems. Large enterprise and government agencies may want a thorough network audit before signing on the dotted line. Any documentation pertaining to the security status of your IT infrastructure is legally binding so you should think twice before fudging information simply to land new business. If you are unable to provide a positive response to any question about your IT security, then best to find what can be done to turn the situation around. In this instance, you will find outsourcing to a Managed Service Provider (MSP) of invaluable benefit.
MSPs and IT security
Many SMBs rely on a single engineer to troubleshoot all IT problems plus they religiously maintain and monitor the network and servers. If you’re lucky, you’ve got a handful of IT guys who miraculously manage to keep your systems up and running. When you partner with your local MSP, not only will your IT staff be able to focus on meaningful development projects but you’ll have the latest tech security expertise at your fingertips.
Your MSP will conduct a manual network and security assessment. This third-party perspective on your IT will immediately expose any potential security risks that could impinge on successful business negotiations. A reputable MSP, with years of experience to boot, will produce a detailed, branded risk report. You can then use this to leverage confidence from prospects and hereby effectively close business deals.
Besides dealing with the here and now, you can turn to the MSP for assistance with your long-term IT security strategies. The MSP will manage administrative aspects such as documentation, security awareness education and training, and regular network audits. Using trending IT tools, the MSP will also implement state-of-the-art antivirus software and malware protection, firewalls, patches and intrusion prevention. Using proven IT management applications, your MSP partner will negate any security vulnerabilities and effortlessly enhance the dependability of your technology.
You hone in on hackers
Don’t let hackers hone in on your business; it’s best done the other way round. To grow your business into the prosperous organisation you intend it to be, you need to know that your IT infrastructure is safe and secure. A renowned MSP in the UK will manage and monitor your network, server and operating systems and guarantee that neither your data nor information belonging to your clients falls into criminal hands. Invest in your IT now and watch your bank balance grow.
