Small Business Hacking

Should we fear hackers? Intention is at the heart of this discussion.


-Kevin Mitnick

In a volatile national economy, the recovery efforts will largely be placed in the hands of small business owners who must operate their businesses in a cyber secure fashion. We are hearing constantly how important the small business plays in our recovery. The small business person still faces cyber security threats as larger companies do, and possibly with even more significant consequences. Some of these businesses lack the basic principles to combat and preserve the integrity of their business’s electronic transactions and create a cyber secure electronic infrastructure.

There is an inherent need for hacking, so that anti-hacking efforts can also be refined. The efforts of anti-hacking cannot keep up with the pace of those who are hacking. There are several methods for attack, such as e-mail viruses sent to the business, or through an employee’s personal e-mail that is accessed on company equipment. Also, these attacks can come through a business’s websites, whether they are intranets or extranets. Some of these companies may be specifically targeted, or could be the victims of mass virus deployments. Attacks such as these can span several websites or multiple users. These attacks can cost several small businesses smaller amounts, but in total do significant damage to targeted sectors of the businesses and the economy as a whole.

Cyber security specialists need to create and provide training strategies to further educate small business owners about cyber security threats and prevention methods. Simple attempts at deploying anti-virus software may not be enough to protect a business, therefore small business owners must consider their vulnerability to hackers and hacking activities.

For those who like to create “chaos” in the kingdom, they need to understand that they are only allowing a further repression of national and economic recovery efforts. They are also damaging the dreams of several million Americans who want to do nothing more than conduct business in an ethical and successful manner.

-Brent

References:

Byron, A., & USA, T. (n.d). Hackers target small-company sites. USA Today.



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