Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have become an increasingly frequent target for cybercriminals. During the pandemic, 71% of SMEs in Spain suffered cyberattacks. These attacks can have devastating consequences for companies, both economically and reputationally.
Some key points about this topic are:
- Vulnerability of SMEs: SMEs are often more vulnerable to cyberattacks because they do not have as many security measures in place as large companies. Additionally, many of them have had to adopt remote work during the pandemic, which has increased their exposure to security risks.
- Economic cost: The average cost of a cyberattack on a small business is estimated at around 75,000 euros. More than half of the attacked companies fail to overcome these financial losses.
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Types of attacks: Cybercriminals use various techniques to target SMEs. Some of the most common include:
- Social engineering: These attacks target the CEOs of companies and are usually sophisticated. They deceive the user into taking an action that ends up infecting the company with a virus.
- Ransomware: Attackers encrypt the company's information and demand a ransom in cryptocurrency to release it.
- Industrial espionage: Cybercriminals attempt to copy products or confidential information by infiltrating the company's systems.
- Importance of cybersecurity: Investing in cybersecurity is crucial to protect the future of a business. SMEs should adopt a proactive culture instead of a reactive one, implementing IT security plans and raising awareness among their staff about the risks.
In summary, SMEs must be vigilant and take measures to protect themselves against cyberattacks. Cybersecurity should be a priority to ensure the continuity and success of their operations.