Cyberattacks have become an ever-present threat to businesses of all sizes, and small businesses are particularly vulnerable. Understanding why this is the case and how to defend against these attacks is crucial for any small business owner.

Let’s start with a few primary reasons why small businesses are targets.

Phishing is a common and effective method of defrauding businesses and individuals. Cyber criminals send billions of phishing emails each day to trick people into downloading malicious software or providing personal or financial information.

Businesses want to achieve a balance between fostering productivity while ensuring the well-being of their employees. And your employees are looking for ways to work remotely, and remain connected. Webex makes both possible, with a suite of communication tools that improve efficiency and work/life balance.

If your organization has experienced a ransomware attack recently, you have plenty of company. If not, then count yourself lucky.

Eighty-five percent of organizations suffered at least one ransomware attack in the past 12 months, according to the 2023 Veeam Ransomware Trends Report—and more companies will have a ransomware attack this year than turn a profit. Ransomware attacks can be damaging to your bottom line, your customers and your reputation. And the criminals who perpetrate these attacks know that.

These days, an internet interruption is much more than an inconvenience for businesses. Your shop, office or salon is only part of your footprint—the real storefront is online. But that’s only the beginning of your online investment. Your POS system, credit card processing, VoIP phones, critical software and security components such as door alarms and video cameras all connect over the internet.

Cities are getting smarter — and as a consequence, they’re also getting more susceptible to cyberattacks than ever before.

Underscoring this problem is the magnitude of investment governments are making in their IT networks. According to a 2020 report, investment in smart technologies by cities alone is expected to reach $327 billion by 2025. With more city and state governments becoming more connected, the threats of exposure to cyberattacks will continue to grow.