Cyber Attack Stats That May Surprise You

Monica Morris • August 30, 2019

As technology grows so does the risk of cyber attacks. Unfortunately a cyber attack is all too common, more common than some may realize. Small to large businesses must be protected at all times against malicious and deliberate attacks. It these attacks are successful they can reveal highly sensitive client or company information. If this data were to fall into the hands of a cyber attacker it could lead to the disruption of day to day company operations, loss of money, or even the destruction of a company all together. Working with a managed service provider (MSP) or an outsourced IT company is ideal for keeping your company secure. An MSP can help keep cyber attackers out of your network. If there is an attack, an MSP will make sure your data is properly backed up in case of an emergency.

Here are some quick stats from CPO Magazine about cyber security and why it is so important to focus on keeping your company safe from a cyber attack.

Half of all Cyber Attacks are Targeted at Small Businesses

CPO Magazine shares how half of all cyber attacks are targeted at small businesses and that typically a small business may think since they’re “small” they aren’t worth the attack. Nevertheless, even if you are a small business you could most definitely still be the target of an attack. And if you don’t think it’s worth it to invest in a cyber security plan – that is what a hacker is hoping you will think which makes you the ultimate target for an attack.

 

Ransomware Attack Every 14 Seconds

Wow… this helpful to know, “The 2019 Official Annual Cybercrime Report (ACR) predicts that businesses will fall for ransomware attacks every 14 seconds. So, by the time you raise your wrist to look at the time and lower it back, somewhere in the world a ransomware attack has already taken place.”

 

$76 Billion of Illegal Activities Involves Bitcoin

Bitcoins are a form of digital currency. CPO Magazine reminds us how bitcoins offer anonymity, safety and quick transfers. However, bitcoins can also be used for illegal activities and work great for cyber attackers because of the anonymity they provide.

 

Only 10% of Cybercrimes are Reported in the U.S Each Year

CPO Magazine shares, “The United States, often regarded as the hub of technology, has greatly undercounted the rate of reported cyber crimes. This is because they are often difficult to prove.” Cyber crimes come in all sorts of ways and it’s best to be protected from them all.

Please feel free to reach out to us to learn more about how to protect your company from a cyber attack and also how to not become a statistic. Contact us today for more information.

February 5, 2025
Protecting sensitive data is more critical than ever before. As cyber threats continue to rise, governments and regulatory bodies have introduced compliance frameworks to ensure businesses take appropriate measures to safeguard data. However, understanding these requirements can be overwhelming, especially since they vary by industry and location. We'll discuss some of the most common IT security compliance frameworks—such as HIPAA, CMMC, and CCPA—and explain their relevance to different industries. Whether you work in healthcare, manufacturing, or serving California residents, this guide will help you navigate the complex world of IT security compliance.
October 23, 2024
In today’s interconnected digital landscape, cybersecurity is more than just a necessity—it's essential to business survival. Cyberattacks are becoming more frequent and evolving in sophistication, leaving companies vulnerable to data breaches, financial losses, and reputational damage. A robust cybersecurity strategy is critical to safeguarding your business from these growing threats. One of the most effective ways to enhance your cybersecurity defenses is by leveraging the expertise of professional IT support services. The Importance of a Strong Cybersecurity Strategy Every business, regardless of size or industry, is a potential target for cybercriminals. The consequences of a successful cyberattack can be devastating, ranging from financial losses and operational downtime to legal liabilities and damage to your brand's reputation. This is why developing and maintaining a robust cybersecurity strategy is more important than ever. A strong cybersecurity strategy helps your business: Protect sensitive data: Safeguarding customer information, intellectual property, and financial records. Ensure compliance: Meet regulatory requirements, such as CMMC, HIPAA, and SOC2, to avoid fines and legal repercussions. Maintain business continuity: Minimizing disruptions caused by cyberattacks and ensuring quick recovery when incidents occur. Build customer trust: Demonstrating to customers and partners that their data is secure, which can lead to stronger relationships and business growth. While some businesses attempt to handle cybersecurity internally, IT support services offer a more comprehensive, proactive, and scalable approach to protecting your business. Cybersecurity Services Provided by IT Support Teams IT support services can significantly enhance your cybersecurity strategy by offering a wide range of specialized services. Here’s how they contribute to protecting your business: 1. Risk Assessments and Vulnerability Audits One of the first steps in strengthening your cybersecurity strategy is understanding where your business is most vulnerable. IT support teams conduct risk assessments and vulnerability audits to identify potential weaknesses in your network, applications, and infrastructure. These assessments provide a clear picture of your business's risks, enabling you to take targeted action to mitigate those risks. 2. Implementation of Security Protocols Once vulnerabilities are identified, IT support services implement security protocols tailored to your business’s needs. This may include: Firewalls and Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): Establishing barriers that prevent unauthorized access to your network. Data Encryption: Ensuring that sensitive data is encrypted in transit and at rest, protecting it from cybercriminals. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Adding extra authentication layers ensures that only authorized personnel can access critical systems and data. Endpoint Protection: Securing all devices (laptops, desktops, mobile phones) connected to your network from malware and other threats. Applying these and other security measures can help IT support services fortify your defenses against internal and external threats. 3. Ongoing Monitoring and Threat Detection Cyberattacks can happen at any time and often occur when businesses are least prepared. IT support services provide 24/7 monitoring to detect suspicious activity in real-time. Through advanced monitoring tools and threat intelligence, IT teams can quickly identify and respond to potential threats before they escalate into full-scale attacks. This proactive approach to monitoring reduces downtime, prevents data breaches, and minimizes the impact of cyber incidents. IT support teams can continuously update and patch systems to address emerging vulnerabilities, ensuring your cybersecurity defenses remain current. 4. Incident Response and Remediation Even with robust security measures, no system is entirely immune to cyberattacks. When an incident occurs, the speed and efficiency of the response are critical in minimizing damage. IT support teams are equipped with incident response protocols to quickly isolate affected systems, investigate the root cause, and restore normal operations. With a well-coordinated incident response plan, businesses can significantly reduce downtime, prevent further data loss, and recover quickly from attacks. 5. Security Awareness Training for Employees Employees are often the weakest link in cybersecurity, with many attacks originating from phishing schemes, weak passwords, or social engineering. IT support services provide security awareness training to educate your staff about the latest cyber threats and best practices for staying safe online. Training employees on recognizing phishing attempts, using strong passwords, and securely handling sensitive data can dramatically reduce the likelihood of human error leading to a security breach. 6. Compliance Support For businesses in regulated industries, staying compliant with data protection regulations is not optional—it’s mandatory. IT support teams can help ensure your business meets all necessary compliance requirements, such as CMMC, HIPAA, or SOC2. This includes maintaining audit trails, ensuring data encryption, and implementing security controls to protect sensitive information. By working with IT support services, businesses can avoid costly penalties and demonstrate their commitment to protecting customer data. Conclusion A strong cybersecurity strategy is vital to any business's success in today’s digital world. By partnering with an IT support service, businesses can enhance their cybersecurity defenses through risk assessments, security protocol implementation, continuous monitoring, and employee training. These services protect data and help ensure business continuity and compliance with industry regulations. If your business wants to strengthen its cybersecurity posture, now is the time to consider working with an IT support provider. Doing so lets you stay ahead of evolving cyber threats and focus on growing your business with peace of mind. Ready To Strengthen Your Cybersecurity With SDTEK? Don't leave your business vulnerable to cyber threats. At SDTEK, we offer comprehensive IT support and managed cybersecurity services designed to protect your business and ensure seamless operations. Whether you need risk assessments, ongoing monitoring, or incident response, our team of experts is here to help. Contact SDTEK today for a free consultation and discover how we can enhance your cybersecurity strategy and safeguard your business. Protect your data, reputation, and future—partner with SDTEK now!
Share by: