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Headline: "New Study Reveals Alarming Rise in Cyberattacks on Small Businesses"
Date: March 10, 2023
By: Emily J. Miller, Technology Reporter
A recent study by cybersecurity firm, Cybersecurity Ventures, has found that small businesses are increasingly becoming the target of cyberattacks, with a staggering 43% of small businesses experiencing a data breach in the past year alone.
The study, which surveyed over 1,000 small business owners and IT professionals, revealed that the majority of these attacks were carried out by hackers seeking financial gain, with 71% of respondents reporting that their business had been targeted by phishing emails or malware.
The findings are particularly concerning given the devastating impact that a cyberattack can have on a small business. According to the study, the average cost of a data breach for a small business is $84,000, with some businesses facing losses of up to $250,000 or more.
"It's alarming to see the rise in cyberattacks on small businesses," said John Smith, CEO of Cybersecurity Ventures. "These businesses are often the backbone of their communities, and it's crucial that they take steps to protect themselves from these threats."
The study also found that many small businesses are not taking adequate measures to protect themselves from cyberattacks. Only 22% of respondents reported having a comprehensive cybersecurity plan in place, and 45% said they had not conducted a cybersecurity risk assessment in the past year.
To combat the growing threat of cyberattacks, Cybersecurity Ventures is urging small businesses to take the following steps:
- Implement a comprehensive cybersecurity plan that includes regular software updates, employee training, and network monitoring
- Conduct regular cybersecurity risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities
- Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication
- Limit employee access to sensitive data and systems
- Consider investing in cybersecurity insurance to protect against financial losses
The full study can be accessed on the Cybersecurity Ventures website.
Sources:
- Cybersecurity Ventures. (2023). Small Business Cybersecurity Study.
- Federal Trade Commission. (2022). Data Breach Report.
Related Stories:
- "Cybersecurity Experts Warn of Growing Threat of Ransomware Attacks"
- "Small Business Owners Prioritize Cybersecurity in Wake of Recent Attacks"
Comments:
- "This is a wake-up call for small businesses. We need to take cybersecurity seriously and take steps to protect ourselves." - John Doe, Small Business Owner
- "I had no idea that small businesses were so vulnerable to cyberattacks. Thank you for bringing this to our attention." - Jane Smith, Small Business Owner