🛡️
North Olympic Tech Services
Predictable IT · Secure Systems · Fixed Monthly Costs

Top 5 Cyber Threats
To Your Small Business

Small businesses are the #1 target for cybercriminals — not because they're high-value, but because they're often unprotected. Know the threats. Take action. Stay secure.

43%
of all cyberattacks
target small businesses
$200K+
average cost of a data
breach for an SMB
60%
of small businesses close
within 6 months of a breach
01
🎣
Phishing & Social Engineering
Critical Risk

Deceptive emails, texts, or calls trick employees into revealing passwords, clicking malware links, or approving fraudulent transfers. Responsible for 90% of all data breaches.

✦ Best Practices
  • Security awareness training quarterly
  • Email filtering with SPF / DKIM / DMARC
  • Simulated phishing drills for all staff
  • Multi-factor authentication everywhere
02
🔒
Ransomware Attacks
Critical Risk

Malware encrypts all your business data and demands payment for restoration. Average ransom for SMBs now exceeds $50,000 — with no guarantee of recovery after paying.

✦ Best Practices
  • Automated backups — 3 copies, 2 media, 1 offsite
  • Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR)
  • Network segmentation to limit spread
  • Restrict admin privileges
03
🔑
Compromised Credentials
High Risk

Stolen or reused passwords give attackers open access to email, banking, and cloud systems. Over 80% of hacking-related breaches exploit weak or compromised passwords.

✦ Best Practices
  • Enforce MFA on all critical accounts
  • Deploy a business-grade password manager
  • Require strong, unique passwords by policy
  • Monitor dark web for leaked credentials
04
👤
Insider Threats
Elevated Risk

Negligent or malicious employees, ex-staff with active accounts, or contractors with excessive access can expose or steal sensitive data — often without detection.

✦ Best Practices
  • Least-privilege access — only what's needed
  • Immediately revoke access upon departure
  • Monitor and audit user activity logs
  • Enforce formal acceptable-use policies
05
⚙️
Unpatched Vulnerabilities
High Risk

Outdated OS, software, and firmware contain known holes attackers actively exploit. Many major breaches happen months after a patch was already available.

✦ Best Practices
  • Automated patch management on all devices
  • Replace end-of-life OS and software promptly
  • Regular vulnerability scanning & remediation
  • Keep firewalls and router firmware current
🏗️
Security Foundations Every Business Needs
Next-generation firewall + DNS filtering
Encrypted Wi-Fi with a segregated guest network
VPN for all remote employees
Business-class antivirus on every device
Cyber liability insurance policy in place
📋
Incident Response Readiness Checklist
Written incident response plan exists
Staff know exactly who to call when breached
Backup restoration is tested at least annually
Critical systems are inventoried & documented
Legal breach-notification obligations are known
📊
How Does Your Business Stack Up?
🔴 No MFA enabled → Immediate Risk
🔴 No tested backups → Critical Gap
🟡 No security training → High Exposure
🟡 Outdated software → Active Target
🟢 Managed IT partner → Protected