Have you ever asked a hacker to breach your network? Do you have any idea what you can do with a computer, some programs, and an internet connection? Turn off a system. Raise a temperature. Find a security code. Open a door. Block recordings of a camera. Getting into an archive. Empty a bank account.

Does it sound like science fiction?

Just ask companies that have had to pay millions to limit the disaster!

Let's start from ordering. Addressing step-by-step every aspect of enterprise cybersecurity, to understand if you are properly armored or if you need someone who, like us, knows how to thoroughly scrutinize the situation and take the necessary protective measures.

If you are a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) owner, you have invested heavily in developing your business. But do you realize how important cybersecurity is to your company? If you don't know how to protect your company's data, then you risk jeopardizing your business and your business reputation.

Cybersecurity is crucial for SMEs, as cybercriminals often target data from small and medium-sized companies that often choose more easily bypassed DIY protections. If your files are compromised, this can have long-term negative consequences on your business. One of the main risks is the breach of sensitive information.

Data breaches can cause significant damage to your company's reputation and can even lead to serious legal penalties if proper security measures are not taken.

Evasion is another threat. With evasion, cybercriminals can steal funds from your revenues or your corporate bank accounts. You are at risk of fraud through cyber-attacks such as phishing, malware and ransomware. You can prevent these attacks by creating a robust cybersecurity strategy, including firewall creation, antivirus protection, and privilege management. In addition, you must limit access to your systems to only strictly trusted employees.

It is essential to ensure that employees use strong passwords, and that access is limited to only the most important work management areas. SMEs, therefore, must take cybersecurity seriously to protect their data and reputation. You need to invest in a robust cybersecurity strategy, including using a firewall, implementing antivirus protection, managing privileges, and limiting access.

If you follow these recommendations, you can ensure that your company is protected and that you can continue to work peacefully.

SME Cybersecurit: 3 helpful tips

According to a report by NortonLifeLock,in 2019 50% of small businesses suffered at least one cybersecurity breach. Due to the rapid inflow of sensitive data and sensitive information, protecting businesses has become a top priority.
SMEs need to be aware of the existing cybersecurity risks and take measures to reduce them. In this article we will examine how SMEs can verify that they have a robust cybersecurity in 3 steps. From training users to adopting advanced cybersecurity solutions, we will discuss how an organization can protect itself from cybercriminals and hackers.

STEP 1

Staff Training. One of the simplest but most effective ways to increase cybersecurity is to train all users in the organization. All staff members should be aware of the existing cyber threats and how they can be prevented. An employee training program can be designed to teach employees how to recognize and avoid cyber threats.
For example, they must be trained about the risks of opening suspicious links or attachments, downloading files from questionable websites, and using weak passwords. In addition, the training should also include a section on the development of good practices for cyber security. Such as, enforce rules for creating strong passwords, using VPNs for external connections, and protecting mobile devices.

STEP 2

Create a cyber security plan. SME should therefore create an IT security plan once staff members have been trained. The plan will ensure that all company data is protected in an appropriate manner. There are several computer security measures a company should consider.
For example, you might need to apply a firewall to block external hackers, install anti-malware software to detect and remove viruses, or use an encryption solution to protect sensitive data. In addition, an IT security plan should also provide for the implementation of security measures for the management of mobile devices. This will ensure that all devices used by staff members are protected from potential threats.

STEP 3

Adoption of advanced solutions. SMEs, to be truly secure, should opt for the adoption of advanced cyber security solutions to protect their data. While the implementation of a firewall and anti-malware software may provide some protection, more advanced solutions such as an intrusion detection and prevention (IPS) or abnormal behavior detection (ABD) system should be considered. IPS is a computer security system designed to detect and block external intrusions. It uses a variety of technologies to identify irregular activities within the corporate network and block them before they can cause damage.
An ABD system, on the other hand, is designed to detect abnormal behaviors within the network. It constantly monitors all activities within the site and detects any suspicious behavior. If it detects a suspicious activity, it can then raise an alarm or block the activity so that it cannot cause harm.

To sum up, SMEs can verify their cybersecurity in 3 steps. First, they must train all users of the organization on cybersecurity risks and teach them good practices for safeguarding it. Second, they must create a cybersecurity plan that includes the implementation of appropriate security measures. Finally, they should consider adopting advanced cyber security solutions such as IPS and ABD. By following these 3 steps, SMEs can increase cybersecurity and protect their data from any future threats.

What happens if your SME doesn’t have high-powered cybersecurity?

Corporate cybersecurity is an essential part of running a small or medium-sized enterprise. What happens if an SME doesn't have high-powered cybersecurity? The risks are massive, with a range of possible consequences. First, an SME can lose a significant amount of money due to cyber-attacks. Hackers can steal sensitive data such as credit card numbers and other personal information, which can be used to steal money or other assets from customers' bank accounts.

IT attack can also cause the loss of important data such as financial records, customer information, and other vital business items. Imagine the theft of a patent-protected project, or the preview of a collection that cannot be released before a certain time, or the secret recipe for a product that enjoys uniqueness: the consequences of such a theft could be so damaging that it could permanently destroy the affected business

But there's more. What if the cybercriminal used the stolen files to carry out illegal transactions? What if it transfers your customers’ money to your personal accounts? The focus to consider in terms of damage is not so much as could be suffered by the company itself, but as could be suffered by all customers who refer to it, generating a destructive expansion impossible to stem before total collapse. Under this assumption, reputational damage seems to be relative.

If criminals succeed in compromising company's computer systems, customers may lose trust and choose to change enterprise. This can lead to lost revenue, lower sales, and higher costs for repairing damage. An SME may suffer from reduced productivity due to cyber-attacks.
Attacks can slow down computer systems, causing longer downtime and reduced productivity. In addition, attacks can result in the loss of important data needed to run your business. Corporate cybersecurity is an essential element of business protection and prevention of economic losses.

Estimated cyber-attacks for Italian SMEs in 2024

Italian SMEs are among the worst affected by cyber-attacks for several years now. It is estimated that in 2024 the number of such attacks will increase further, putting at risk the security of many small and medium-sized enterprises in Italy. Cyber-attacks have been steadily increasing over time, especially in the economic sector.
Because of their low investment in cybersecurity, these companies are more vulnerable to hacking and cybercriminals. As we have already observed, one of the main reasons for the spread of cyber-attacks on Italian SMEs is the lack of cyber education among employees.

Most SMEs’ employees do not have a suitable understanding of the risks of Internet usage and the caused threats. As a result, are unable to recognize the warning signals preceding a hacker attack and use the necessary preventive measures to prevent systems from being compromised.
Moreover, many Italian companies are unable to invest in cybersecurity, partly because they do not have the financial resources to implement security measures; partly because they are often poorly informed about cybersecurity risks and do not know how to deal with them.

To avoid disaster, it is good to consider allocating a part of the budget to protecting the network and internal management. You need to invest in IT security, making sure you have the technologies and skills to protect everything you need. Employees should also be educated about the risks of using the Internet and provided with the information they need to recognize and prevent cyber-attacks.
Italian SMEs must also ensure adequate protection of sensitive data. They must make sure that the information is secure and that it cannot be stolen or used for malicious purposes. In addition, they must adopt a backup policy, so that they can recover lost data in the event of cyber-attacks.

If Italian SMEs take adequate security measures, it is likely that 2024 will be a year less affected by cyber-attacks. However, only a continued commitment and increased awareness of IT security will guarantee true protection.

Usefulness of a penetration test

Penetration test: real preventing solution that measures and shields every possible risk!
A penetration test is a process of analyzing the security of a network or IT system. This includes performing simulated attacks for the purpose of checking for vulnerabilities.A team of experts perform the test with the permission of the requested company: predeliberate hacker attacks that simulate what could happen if the attack occurred.
Imagine the usefulness of being able to preview what doors are open to cybercriminals and, above all, which means are available to close them!

A cyber penetration test is therefore crucial to help SMEs identify and address vulnerabilities in their network and systems. Knowing the weaknesses in the network, SMEs can take the necessary measures to prevent any fraudulent entry. This means that protection is tailored, and the company becomes more durable and resistant to attack.
Typically, the technicians are highly skilled, able to identify known and even well-hidden vulnerabilities, including possible flaws in existing protection measures. The ideal would be to find attack experts to stand up for your business!

This can lead to individualized cyber protection plans, establishing a precise scale of the weaknesses and appropriate armoring of them.

Don't you know who to rely on? bitCorp team is here for you! We can work out a deal to an authorized penetration test that can expose all your system vulnerabilities: because only the attacker really knows how to defend. Try to believe! 😉

bitCorp Team