Menu
In 2020, over 700,000 cyber security attacks were made against small businesses in the United States. These attacks resulted in more than $2.8 billion in damages collectively. As the owner of a small to medium-sized business, it is vital that you have measures in place to ensure your business is not subjected to one of these devastating attacks.
Evaluating the potential damages that a cybersecurity breach could cause your company and learning ways to protect your business is crucial when it comes to remaining ahead of the game.
According to statistics, more than 61% of small to medium-sized businesses were targeted by cyber threats in 2021. Approximately 46% of total cyber breaches involved businesses that have fewer than 1,000 employees. Out of the total number of small businesses that end up being victims of cyber attacks, approximately 60% are unable to overcome the challenges that the attacks cause and end up closing within six months.
A cyber attack can have a devastating impact on any business. Small to medium-sized businesses, in particular, are far more likely to close due to the limited resources that most of them have.
To add insult to injury, 55% of people in the United States say that they would be less likely to continue doing business with companies that are victimized by cyber attacks. The overall impact that a cybersecurity attack could have on your system is far-reaching. Not only will you have to spend potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars just to combat the cybersecurity breach, but you may also lose all of the clients and customers that you have. This makes it critically important to recognize the types of attacks that businesses are being exposed to and what you can do to protect your business from falling prey to cyber attackers.
The unfortunate truth is that many cyber attackers target small to medium-size businesses due to their size specifically. These businesses often have the same type of customer data, digital infrastructure, and information that much larger companies do. For example, many small to medium-size businesses are responsible for holding large volumes of customer payment information.
If hackers are able to easily penetrate their system, they can recover an impressive payload from them. They can use this information themselves or they can sell it to others for a large profit.
Unfortunately, unlike large companies, many small to medium-size businesses lack network security monitoring, making this all possible for bad actors. In fact, more than 27% of businesses that process payment information of customers state that they have no cyber security measures in place. No matter what size your business is, it is crucial that you have network security monitoring in place to prevent a potentially catastrophic breach from happening.
Network security monitoring is an information technology process that involves the continuous monitoring and evaluation of a computer’s network and all of its assets. A network security monitoring system will generally be a proactive approach to identifying and remedying problems that may arise. This can include inadequate network components, slowed network traffic, and potential attacks on your network system.
Due to the rise in cyber security breaches that we are seeing affecting organizations of all sizes across the company,especially in those with hybrid work environments and those utilizing cloud storage, it is critically important to have network security monitoring in place at your business. There are several benefits of having this type of system in place.
Network security protocols are designed to ensure the security and integrity of data that is transmitted across multiple network connections. There are several different layers to network security protocols. Each layer has its own function when it comes to protecting your system and network.
The primary role of the IPsec protocol is to secure data that is sent to others over public networks. This protocol provides a level of security for data that is primarily transmitted over the internet.
In its early years, IPsec contained both ESPs, or Encapsulating Security Payload, and AH, or Authentication Headers. ESPs generally encrypted data and authenticated it. AH provided anti-replay capabilities and a level of security for data integrity. Today, IPsec also has Internet Key Exchange (IKE), which functions by using shared keys to determine security associations needed to allow both encryption and decryption.
SSL protocols function to encrypt data, authenticate its origins, and ensure message integrity. After authenticating the data, SSL will allow data to transmit securely while using cryptographic algorithms. Transport Layer Security, or TLS, is one type of SSL-based protocol that functions on this layer.
This security protocol for datagram communication is based on Transport Layer Security (TSL). It is important to understand that the DTLS layer provides no guarantee that any message will be delivered. It also does not guarantee that the messages will arrive in any particular order. Instead, DTLS provides several advantages of the datagram protocols. These include the lower latency and a reduced overhead function.
The Kerberos protocol is considered to be an authentication protocol for service requests. This protocol works by protecting users in un-trusted networks. This can include the use of public Internet. The Kerberos protocol will authenticate requests that are made between trusted hosts. It will also offer built-in Windows, Lenox, or Mac operating system support for users.
Kerberos is the default authentication protocol that is used by window systems.it is also a key component of various services, including the active directory. In general, Kerberos will use secret cryptography which is shared in order to authenticate packets and provide them with a layer of protection during the transmission process.
The Simple Network Management Protocol is made up of an agent, a manager, and a management information base, also known as an MIB. The SNMP agent will respond to any requests that are made from the manager while using the MIB.
The SNMP will perform integrity checks in order to ensure packets were not messed with during the transmission process, they will authenticate them to verify the communication was from a trusted source, and they will also prevent eavesdropping by encrypting packets.
The function of the HTTP is to generally specify rules for transferring data over the web. HTTP is automatically opened up by users when they launch their web browsers. Conversely, the HTTPS is a secured version of the standard HTTP. The HTTPS enables the security of communication that is sent between websites and browsers. The secured connection typically runs over the SSL or the TLS protocols while using public keys. This is done to enable shared data encryption. HTTPS help to prevent data spoofing and also man in the middle attacks.
In general, each different protocolWorks to define the procedures and techniques that are required in order to protect a networks data from any type of malicious or unauthorized access.Each of these layers play a critical role when it comes to the security and integrity of data that is transmitted across network connections
To provide yourself with a more robust form of protection, it is important that you implement network security monitoring. This can help you further protect your system against any possible breaches or attacks.
If there is ever a network connection problem at your business, it can have a devastating impact on your ability to continue working as you planned. A disruption can undoubtedly result in dissatisfied customers, decreased profitability, and even compliance issues. Rather than remain at risk of suffering some type of a connection failure or a disruption, it is important that you have strong network security monitoring in place.there are several benefits to having adequate monitoring at your small to medium-size business. These can include:
Having adequate monitoring in place will provide you with the ability to discover everything that is on your network. This will provide you with information that is needed in order to create an inventory of connections as well as a typography map.
Having a better visual understanding of everything will provide you with the ability to understand where vulnerabilities may lie in your system and what you need to do in order to protect yourself.
Having a better idea of the security measures that you have in place will provide you with insight as to what you still need to do in order to safeguard yourself. Iit is undeniable that anti-malware and antivirus programs are effective when it comes to protecting your system against threats and some vulnerabilities.
Unfortunately, they do not have the ability to block or mitigate any zero day attacks that have not been identified yet. For this reason, network monitoring security can provide you with the ability to discover new threats, map their possible locations, and detect anything that could indicate that a problem may arise.
Network security monitoring measures provide you with the ability to monitor the network for traffic and bandwidth. This can help your small to medium-size business detect any unusual spikes in your network traffic.
Typically, unusual spikes can indicate that there is a security issue at play. This could mean that someone is actively trying to reach your network and cause problems. Conversely, a strong network monitoring system can be extremely valuable when it comes to planning for future network updates.
Without having a strong network security monitoring system in place, your business is vulnerable to some of the most common attacks that we are seeing affect businesses across the United States.
If you fall victim to a cyber security breach, it is important that you take several steps while responding. These steps include:
You must fix vulnerabilities in your system. Implementing adequate network security monitoring is critical in order to prevent some of the most common types of attacks that we are seeing across the nation.
There are several types of cybersecurity threats that are impacting small and medium-sized businesses across the globe. These are some of the most common types.
We are seeing a significant number of businesses being affected by phishing attacks. This type of threat involves hackers tricking users into providing them with their personal information.
Unfortunately, this type of cybersecurity threat is one of the easiest to orchestrate as people can send emails while pretending to be managers, owners, or other employees of the same company. When people believe that they are receiving emails from trusted sources, they are more likely to cooperate with them.
Unfortunately, there are instances where employees drop their guard and leave the system completely vulnerable to suffering damage in a cyber attack. Insider threats on small to medium-size businesses often involve employees who use the same password for all of their accounts, leave data behind on USB drives, or allow other people to access the information and take it from them.
The unfortunate truth is that many of the breaches that take place in small to medium-sized businesses involve some type of human error. For this reason, adequate network security monitoring is critical to protect your system from this type of vulnerability.
Another major type of cybersecurity threat that small to medium-sized businesses face is data theft. As you can imagine, having personal information and data stolen from your computer network can have a devastating impact on your business. Not only can it jeopardize your ability to function as a whole, but it can result in the loss of trust from both employees and your customers.
Data theft generally involves a hacker using trickery or some type of dishonest practice in order to access the information of an employee. In most cases,data theft is orchestrated by hackers accessing the email accounts of employees. Once a hacker is inside, they use the email account to spread some type of rant somewhere or conduct a phishing attack on the victim. In some cases, they may even conduct farming attacks on the networks in order to siphon out endless information.
Malware attacks are orchestrated against businesses most often through the use of email. Hackers will attach files to the email and use the file to access the system once the email file has been downloaded. The file will work quickly to infect the system and cause harm.
Without adequate network security monitoring in place, malware can cause severe damage to digital files and programs on a computer. It can also result in spyware being installed onto the computer or the network. Trying to overcome a malware attack can cause businesses more than $55,000.
This type of cybersecurity attack is one of the most common types that are orchestrated against small to medium-sized businesses. Unfortunately, approximately 48 percent of total ransom where attacks are made by hackers who attach Microsoft Office files to emails that they send to workers.
Ransomware attacks involve hackers taking control of a business’s network and then demanding money for the release of the files and information. This type of attack can be especially devastating, costing some businesses more than $130,000 to overcome.
At one point or another, you have probably logged on to your social media account and received a message from someone claiming to be your Uncle Charles. Uncle Charles saw the most interesting thing online and he sent you a link that he wants you to check out. Unfortunately, there are instances where people believe that this is their uncle Chuck and then clicking on the link and finding out that the link that they were provided would quickly infect their computer and wreak havoc for them.
This is one of the most common types of social engineering that we are seeing affect businesses across our country. Unfortunately, small businesses were the subject of approximately 350% more social engineering attacks when compared to other sized businesses in our country.
Unfortunately, any type of cybersecurity threat can have a devastating impact on your business and your network. For this reason, network security monitoring and other proactive measures need to be taken in order to safeguard your system.
Over the past decade, we have witnessed multiple businesses across the country become victims of cyber attackers. What was once something that was a relatively unknown concept has quickly escalated to the forefront of concerns for small and medium-sized businesses.
Thankfully, there are a few ways that organizations can be proactive and protect themselves from being victimized. When it comes to keeping your small to medium-sized business safe from potential cybersecurity threats, it is important to take various measures.
Knowing the problems that other businesses are facing can provide you better insight as to what you should look out for. When it comes to adequate network security monitoring, it is important to recognize the potential problems that you should face. Checking out hacking forums online, such as those engaging in academic discussion, can help you learn what kinds of cyber attacks and hacks businesses are being subjected to.
Although careless and negligent employees do contribute to a significant amount of cybersecurity breaches at businesses, there are other ways that hackers can get into your system and wreak havoc.
Being able to recognize the avenues that hackers can use to enter your system can help you block them before an attack is able to occur. One of the first things that you will want to do is change all of the default passwords that are on your routers. You should also change any default passwords on other software and hardware. Leaving the passwords as-is can leave you vulnerable to being attacked.
Check your network to determine if any ports are open. Have your IT department determine if the ports are necessary or they can be closed down. Closing open ports can help block hackers from using these as an entrance point into your network. You should also remove any applications that you do not use and ensure your firewall is properly configured. This is essentially the door that will allow or deny traffic on your system. For this reason, it is important that it is up-to-date and functioning properly.
To improve network security monitoring, you should install strong antivirus software onto your system. Anti-malware scanners can also be incredibly useful. These programs will help you better detect if a hacker is trying to access your network or if there are any compromised files on it. This type of software is also effective when it comes to preventing careless employees from allowing viruses onto your network.
After taking the time to install anti-virus and anti-malware software on your system, it is important to train your employees on how to create strong passwords and lock down the system. The very last thing you want is for another person to walk in and access it. Having a physical server that is physically protected from others by allowing only authorized personnel to access it will ensure your system is not compromised.
Performing routine tests on your network security monitoring system is crucial for ensuring that it is functioning properly and that all of the programs and software are up to date. Hiring an agency to perform independent tests on the system can ensure your system is protected.
Knowing the issue yourself is only going to help you so much. It is important that you educate your team about the potential risks as well. One of the easiest ways for hackers to penetrate your network involves employees who knowingly or unknowingly leave open virtual doors into your system. For this reason, it is critical that you make certain that everyone at your team who has access to your system is aware of the protocols that you need to follow for network security monitoring.
It can be incredibly helpful to create a security protocol document that thoroughly outlines the steps that everyone should take to protect your business’s network. This can include:
The document should also include password policies, guidelines for using two-factor authentication whenever possible, and so forth. Having everyone on the same page will be incredibly helpful for making sure everyone knows what is required of them. Unfortunately, unless everyone at your company is aware of the risks associated with a potential hack or cybersecurity breach, and what they can do to protect themselves and others, then your system will never fully be secured.
For added network security monitoring benefits, you can reach out to our team at Blueshift Cybersecurity. Our team has spent years working to create the best network security monitoring system for small to medium-sized businesses and we will help your company protect itself against any potential threats.
At Blueshift Cybersecurity, we have worked hard to help small to medium-sized businesses with their security needs and continue to offer exceptional network security monitoring solutions.
Our team truly understands the importance of having strong network security monitoring. For this reason, we dedicated extensive time, resources, and knowledge into creating leading technology that will help manage your small business’s network during these challenging times. Some of the benefits that you will receive by utilizing Blueshift XDR include the following.
All of the security services that we provide are handled by the SOC. Whenever any anomalies are detected, customers are immediately notified. They are provided instructions to remedy the problem and informed of what actions have been taken to address the issue.
Our team will ensure adequate network security monitoring by implementing monitored security analytics and compliance throughout your entire enterprise. We will ensure your servers, containers, endpoints, cloud environments, and even remote workers are all covered and monitored for any potential threats.
You can rest assured that our team at Blueshift Cybersecurity will incorporate Deep Packet Inspection. This allows you to benefit from advanced detection and response across any device that is connected to your network.
Blueshift Cybersecurity will work hard to ensure your sensitive files are always protected. Blueshift SOC will configure and manage Cigent Data Defense to safeguard your assets. We provide zero-trust MFA and file-level encryption that can be centrally deployed to ensure all of your files are protected during any security event. Furthermore, our managed data defense supports file sharing, ensuring your files are protected no matter where they go.
With Blueshift XDR, you can rest assured knowing that our network will be scanned constantly to detect any vulnerabilities while performing continuous network security monitoring. Our network-based vulnerability scanner will ensure all of your assets are protected, whether they are in the cloud, at home, on-premises, or at another location.
We truly value each client we work with and will go above and beyond to ensure they are able to protect their networks from even the most damaging cybersecurity threat. At Blueshift Cybersecurity, we are dedicated to being a one-stop-shop for businesses who are in need of compliance solutions that truly deliver results. Our team is here to help you with all of your network security monitoring needs.
At Blueshift Cybersecurity, we remain committed to providing our clients with complete and cost-effective cybersecurity solutions that are specifically engineered to meet the unique needs of small to medium-sized businesses across the country.
Feel free to reach out to our experts at your earliest convenience to get started on implementing an adequate network security monitoring system for your small to medium-size business to ensure you are protected.