The Datamax Thinking Blog

Do you think your business' size will protect you from cybercriminals. It won't.

Simple fact: cybercriminals are coming for you.

That's anyone reading this – individuals, 2-person businesses, Fortune 1000, or the mom and pop store on the corner.

All businesses have customer and other data that can be hacked. Criminals want that data.

Most SMBs attempt to secure themselves. However, they don't have the money or access to expertise that larger companies do. Their defenses aren't as strong as larger companies.

It's a lot easier to pick the lock on a doorknob (just to be 100% clear, this is you SMBs) than on a maximum security safe. Who do you think cybercriminals are going to target? 

Here are seven things every SMB must know about cybersecurity.

If your IT partner isn't doing these four things well, it might be time to look for another partner.

How is your IT service provider doing these days? Are you happy with the job they are doing?

In a perfect world, your network is running smoothly, resting safe and sound from malware attacks, and emails and communications are pinging back and forth like a well-orchestrated symphony.

We all have certain expectations when we sign on for a service, and there is nothing worse than the anxiety you feel when they don’t meet the mark — especially when it comes to IT.

Every company is vulnerable to cybercriminals – especially SMBs because their infrastructure is usually less secure. Use data backup as part of your security strategy against ransomware.

Cybercriminals want to hold your information for ransom. And they are coming after your small to medium sized business because your networks are usually less secure than larger businesses.

Don't just take my word for it.

The FBI estimates that the “ransomware industry” was worth $1 billion in 2016. That number is expected to grow in 2017. 

When it comes to your various information technology, document output, and internal network needs; are you still trying to do it yourself? Is your IT deck wobbling?

You’re fired!

And thank goodness for it! Network services management is way more challenging than anyone thinks it really is, but you already know that, don’t you?

One truism that I find in life is that no matter how easy something looks on the surface; it’s almost always at least twice as difficult to actually do (and twice as difficult is just for starters). This is especially true when it comes to things we actually can do.