Most Common Types of Cyber Attacks on Small Businesses

Cyber attacks can happen to anyone. That’s why all businesses from start-ups to more established businesses need cyber insurance these days. Private information is no longer stored in physical books. Instead, businesses are moving over to digital and the dark days of physical files are behind us. Though technology is extremely helpful in business, it also makes us more susceptible to cyber attacks. Commercial cyber insurance is becoming more and more crucial as each day passes.

While you may think that your business does not need cyber insurance because it’s too small, you’re wrong. According to Nationwide, most small businesses do not realize that they have been victim of a cyber attack. About 58% reported that they had experienced some sort of cyber attack.

These are some common forms of cyber attacks:

• Computer Virus – this is like a flu virus. It infiltrates a host and then is able to replicate itself to wreak havoc on your computer.
• Phishing – these are emails that look like they are from reputable companies, but are actually not. They try to trick users into sending over sensitive information, like credit card numbers.
• Trojan Horses – this is malware that hides within another application or file. When you download something from the Internet, and inside the download is another piece of malicious software, it’s called a Trojan horse.
• Hacking – this is when a person exploits weakness in a computer system and can gain access to information.
• Data Breach – a data breach is when private or sensitive information is disclosed without authorization.
• Ransomware – this is when malicious software prevents a user from being able to use their computer. In order to regain control of the device, the user must pay a ransom, which could be an expensive fee.
• Unauthorized Access to Company Information – this is simply when private company information is released without proper consent.
• Issues from unpatched Software – when software is not keep up to date, it’s possible for malware to infiltrate the unpatched software and cause problems.
• Unauthorized Access to Customer Information – this is when a customer’s sensitive information is released without proper consent.

The best way to combat cyber attacks is to be educated in the different forms a cyber attack can take. Educate yourself and your employees on best practices to keep sensitive information safe. If you know what a cyber attack looks like, it’s much easier to prevent it from happening. In addition to education, putting up firewalls and other barriers can keep a data breach at bay. Click here to learn are some ways to prevent cyber attacks.

While it’s important to take measures to protect your small business, cyber insurance is there to help out when something still goes wrong. A data breach can cause a huge amount of financial damage. Having a cyber liability insurance policy in place can help protect your business in the unfortunate event that something does go awry. Talk to your insurance agent about the cyber insurance coverage your business needs to help out in a time of need.

Call an Encharter agent today at 888.754.8299 to discuss any questions or concerns you may have about cyber insurance!

Additional Sources:

https://www.cnbc.com/2017/10/13/local-businesses-a-target-for-next-cyberattacks.html

http://www.symantec.com/content/en/us/enterprise/media/security_response/whitepapers/ISTR2016_Ransomware_and_Businesses.pdf