COMMENTARYAs cybersecurity threats continue to surge, it has become crucial for small businesses to adopt proactive strategies to ensure they are protected. While artificial intelligence (AI) is starting to provide value to security organizations, it also has enabled more sophisticated attacks, leaving too much room for hackers to slip through.The very nature of our workplaces is intensifying the cybersecurity challenges small businesses face, with remote and hybrid work models still popular, despite the push for a return to office. This massive increase in remote work has created a broader attack surface that’s difficult to manage for businesses when they are already lacking time and resources. Accenture’s Cybercrime Study revealed that nearly 43% of cyberattacks are on small businesses, and 95% of them can be attributed to human error. These businesses agree, as 60% of small-business owners said in the US Chamber of Commerce’s Q1 2024 Small Business Index that they are concerned about cybersecurity threats.Employees now operate in a space where their activities are less regulated, making cybersecurity vigilance more crucial than ever. Companies must not only implement robust security measures but also empower their teams to recognize potential threats. One significant risk comes from the allure of public Wi-Fi networks — incredibly convenient but fraught with danger, especially as “work from home” can also be “work from anywhere.” These networks can easily be mimicked by malicious actors eager to intercept sensitive data.As workers navigate this new environment, a blend of proactive security measures and individual awareness becomes essential for safeguarding both personal and organizational information.Here are two of the most common cybersecurity myths or misconceptions business owners will encounter, and how they can avoid falling into these traps:Myth No. 1: Antivirus software is enough. Many small businesses are relying on antivirus software alone to protect against cyber threats. This is not an effective long-term solution. Modern security threats, especially social engineering attacks, demand more robust defenses, such as multifactor authentication (MFA) and ongoing employee education to withstand these threats.Myth No. 2: Your business is immune to threats because of size or location. Small businesses should never assume they are immune due to their size or location. Fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness among employees is vital, despite the size or capacity of your small business. When individual employees are armed with the right knowledge and they recognize that cybersecurity is a collective responsibility, simple actions like reporting suspicious activities and ensuring devices are securely managed can significantly mitigate the risk of breaches.Strategies for Small BusinessesAI needs to be used as a supplement, not a replacement for human analysis and decision-making. Small businesses should identify and prioritize their
Mar. Gen 7th, 2025
