Blog
Don’t Get Hacked: Enterprise-level Cybersecurity Solutions for Small Businesses
March 8, 2023
Industry Commentary
Cybersecurity refers to protecting an organization's information systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access, use, destruction, or disruption. MSPs are normally responsible for implementing security measures to prevent malicious attacks; detecting and responding to security incidents; and assessing an organization's cybersecurity readiness.
For a large enterprise, cybersecurity is a multifaceted effort, combining network security, endpoint security, identity and access management (IAM), data protection, cloud security, application security, and incident response. It is not unusual to find entire teams of people dedicated to managing and monitoring cybersecurity for the business. But what about small businesses? It is just as crucial for SMBs to adopt a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity, and regularly assess and update their security measures to stay ahead of evolving threats, because they are even more likely to be hacked than large enterprises. But they have todo this with a fraction of the resources.
Small and Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs) are increasingly vulnerable to cyber attacks due to their growing reliance on technology and potentially weaker security measures compared to larger enterprises. Hackers are well aware that cybersecurity often goes by the board at an SMB; not only is the business less protected, but SMBs have no good responses when an attack occurs. Protecting sensitive data, maintaining customer trust, compliance with regulations, preventing financial losses, and staying competitive are some of the reasons why cybersecurity is crucial for SMBs in 2023 and beyond.
Ransomware exploits vulnerabilities in software to encrypt an organization's data and demand payment for its release.
SQL injection attacks, for example, take advantage of vulnerabilities in a website's database to extract information or manipulate data.
XSS attacks inject malicious code into a website, allowing attackers to steal sensitive information or execute malicious actions - for example, forwarding financial information to the hacker. Remote code execution does similar actions but on systems inside the security perimeter.
Spear phishing attacks first grab data from the customer (e.g, e-mail addresses, names, titles) and then use it to send targeted e-mails that induce employees to transfer funds or provide sensitive customer information.
MitM attacks involve intercepting and taking over communications - for example, between a clinic employee and an online health management system - allowing attackers to steal information or manipulate transactions.
It is important for SMBs to continuously assess and address vulnerabilities in their systems and software to prevent these types of attacks. Partnering with an MSP that is well versed in cybersecurity solutions makes this a lot easier. The MSP can help the customer implement robust security measures: enterprise-grade firewalls, end-point protection, cyber-risk assessment and mitigation software, SIEMs, and multi-factor authentication can all reduce the risk of malicious attacks.
Uplevel Systems offers an extensive range of services, from managed firewall services to fully managed enterprise-grade cybersecurity solutions, tailored to meet the unique needs of SMBs. Not only does Uplevel provide enterprise-grade security hardware and services, but we also partner with specialized security providers to augment our solutions with advanced capabilities not normally within reach of SMBs.
As a result of our partnership with Transmosis, a global cybersecurity provider, MSPs get access to Transmosis One - a powerful cybersecurity-as-a-service as a customizable monthly subscription, complete with a $1 million financial safety net for SMBs. Transmosis ONE protects against advanced cyber threats and was specifically created for small businesses and remote work environments. It combines an AI-powered Extended Detection and Response platform (XDR) with a live, distributed Security Operations Center that is based in the United States and can be quickly deployed.
In addition, we have partnered with Actifile to bring an industry-recognized risk management platform into Uplevel’s as-a-service model. This partnership lets us simplify the vulnerability assessment, risk assessment, and data loss prevention tasks by wrapping it all up into a single solution sold on a subscription basis. Actifile is a data security and encryption cybersecurity risk management process solution designed to protect sensitive information stored on endpoints, such as laptops and mobile devices. It uses encryption to secure the data and provides centralized management and control over the encrypted data.
The combination of Uplevel's security hardware and software, Transmosis' threat intelligence and analytics, and Actifile’s risk assessment and mitigation, can help MSPs offer a comprehensive, enterprise-class security suite to their SMBs - without a huge learning curve, or priced out of reach.
Small and Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs) can protect themselves from cyber attacks by implementing a few precautionary measures. Educate employees on cyber threats and best practices for avoiding them, such as avoiding suspicious emails and links. Implement strong password policies and encourage the use of password managers to reduce the risk of password-related attacks. Regularly update all software and operating systems to address known vulnerabilities. Use a firewall and antivirus software to protect against network and endpoint threats.
It is important for SMBs to take a proactive approach to small business IT solutions and regularly assess and update their security measures to stay ahead of evolving threats. Contact Uplevel to cover all these activities for you.
