Businesses and organizations around the world are increasingly aware that digital security is a top priority, and hackers and cybercriminals always seem to be one step ahead. The modern age we live in makes it ever more difficult to protect data – especially when you consider Cloud computing – and there’s no question as to whether or not your business needs additional security measures in place.

The problem is that many businesses are not exactly sure where to start when it comes to protecting themselves from hackers and cybercriminals. Fortunately, there are plenty of industries out there that are more vulnerable than others, so if you run one of these types of business, it’s important that you pay extra attention to digital security.

Small Businesses

Small businesses are typically the most vulnerable to cyber attacks. These companies may not have the necessary resources or security measures in place to defend themselves against criminals looking to find an easy way into a system. They may also store large amounts of valuable data that, if obtained by hackers, could result in greater financial losses than those sustained during a single instance of a small business closing.

Health Care

The healthcare industry has been a frequent target of cyber criminals. In recent years, several companies have reported being hacked, resulting in large-scale theft of medical records containing sensitive personal information. Many times, this information is sold on the black market to others who use it for medical fraud. With no way of telling if the records are even accurate, hospitals operate blind when it comes to determining patient eligibility.

Governments

One of the most vulnerable sectors to cyber attacks are government agencies. The information that these agencies hold is highly valuable to both hackers and foreign governments. Although federal departments have extensive systems in place to monitor the flow of data, there are still many loopholes in cyberspace that can potentially be used by hackers or other foreign agents to circumvent these measures. Furthermore, most government employees are not prepared to deal with attacks aimed at their personal devices. These devices usually contain a large amount of personal information that can be collected and used against them or their employer.

Financial Institutions

The finance sector is the second most likely group to come under attack from cybercriminals. Cyber attacks are not just affecting big banks and financial institutions; examples of this include the 2011 attack on RBS Worldpay and the more recent attack on Citigroup. The biggest problem is that these companies store lots of data, which makes them a target for hackers and ransomware attacks. Furthermore, banks and other financial institutions are often on the forefront of using new technologies. This makes them more susceptible to attacks involving new technology, such as malware that uses bluetooth beacons on mobile devices. It is clear that this sector needs to develop better ways of protecting themselves from cyber attacks.

Education

The education sector is considered to be one of the most vulnerable to cyber attacks. Cybercriminals see schools as easy targets because they are not prepared for cyber attacks and lack the knowledge in defending themselves against these types of criminals looking to steal student information. Schools do not have a dedicated IT staff member specifically assigned to protecting the school’s data, and often their technology budget helps fund other activities such as sports and teachers’ salaries.

Energy Companies

The energy and utility sector is considered to be one of the most vulnerable to cyber attacks. Cybercriminals view these companies as easy targets because they are not prepared for cyber attacks and lack the knowledge in defending themselves against these types of criminals looking to steal information from their computers. Energy and utility companies do not have a dedicated IT staff member specifically assigned to protecting the company’s data, and often their technology budget helps fund other activities.

As technology advancements allow more people to easily obtain the knowledge on how to conduct a successful cyber attack, more and more businesses are feeling the effects of cyber attacks. While many businesses have dedicated IT staff members specifically assigned to protecting their company’s data, they often lack the awareness or knowledge needed in defending themselves against these types of criminals looking to steal information from their computers. It is important for businesses to understand the enemy they are facing when it comes to cyber attacks, and how to keep critical information available when under attack. Protect your business and contact Bayshore today!