Ransomware continues to be the largest cyber threat facing organizations. The financial damage globally was estimated to have doubled from 2019 to 2020 reaching $20 billion. The criminals capture user credentials and often have free access to login to networks and systems. While many organizations have started using multi-factor authentication to add a layer of security against compromised passwords, even the common multi-factor methods using phone calls or text messages have been compromised.

All of this should only be of concern to large enterprise organizations and well-known companies with valuable information to steal and ransom, right? Not anymore. Cybercriminals no longer focus on targeting specific companies and custom malware. Instead, they have access to automated scanning tools. The tools are ready-made malware sold as Ransomware as a Service (RaaS). Automation means the cybercriminals now are simply scanning hundreds or thousands of devices to find any vulnerabilities, and the organization is only known, once they gain access to the network.

Limiting and eliminating vulnerabilities is one of the cornerstones of an effective cyber resiliency solution. SMBs cannot rest on the idea that their organization is not worth an attempt by cyber criminals. While no cybersecurity solution is to be considered 100% foolproof, all SMBs should consider working with a specialized IT company.

Security-focused managed IT service providers will view the organization through a very different lens and provide tools, training, and resources to more effectively thwart potential attacks. Appropriately implementing a layered cybersecurity approach while, at the same time, limiting the effects on business efficiencies, requires unique knowledge and skillsets. Choose your organization’s cybersecurity strategy wisely!