Small companies hit with more data breaches: Study

More than a third (36%) of all of such organizations has been victims of data breaches this year. This represents a 6% jump, compared to the same period last year (30%)

Small companies hit with more data breaches: Study - CIO&Leader

Small companies are being hit with more data breaches, according to cybersecurity firm, Kaspersky. As per its reports, more than a third (36%) of all of such organizations has been victims of data breaches this year. This represents a 6% jump, compared to the same period last year (30%).

At the same time, the report says that these small companies often don’t do enough to protect themselves from these painful incidents and dangerous consequences.

According to Kaspersky, small businesses feel the sting of cyber incidents, because in many cases, they need to slow down, or even completely stop their work processes to tackle the pressing matter. That, consequently, leaves a dent in their profits.

To make matters worse, if these businesses lose their customers’ personal data in the process, they’re also risking losing consumer trust and facing GDPR penalties.

Kaspersky says that small businesses need to be more prepared. Some don’t have a centralized cybersecurity management solution, leaving protections for specific computers to specific individuals. In other cases, companies don’t opt for business cybersecurity solutions, going for consumer products instead. These products, although good at a basic level, don’t offer nearly enough for business users.

“Smaller companies are often focused on how to make their business work and grow — just like they should be. They may not have cybersecurity among their top priorities, however, the cost for overlooking the problem will only grow. Why? Because malware doesn’t distinguish between its victims and because even very small organizations have something to lose, such as sensitive data,” says Andrey Dankevich, Solution Business Lead, Kaspersky.

“But the good news is that to be able to protect themselves both from malware and human factor risks, these smaller companies don’t need to invest much or hire advanced specialists. It is only a matter of choosing the right security product.”

Nike Paul George PG1


Add new comment