Why are small businesses wrong when they say, “We won’t get hacked”?

Serdar Aydemir, Komtera’s Ankara and Anatolian Channel Sales Manager, evaluated the misconceptions of small businesses regarding cybersecurity under the title, “Why are small businesses wrong when they say ‘We won’t get hacked’?”

Aydemir stated the following:

“Generally, small firms think, ‘We won’t get hacked,’ but they are very wrong. Because these are also companies that access the internet and have many digital assets. A very simple IP scan of small firms reveals that most of them don’t have an internal firewall. Most don’t have endpoint security products. Their backup policy only exists on the disks they have inside the computers. In an incident last week, a hacker who infiltrated the company gained access through an open port and offered to decrypt all the files for $500. But after paying the $500, the other party didn’t decrypt them. Remember, no hacker will decrypt those files after receiving the money. Email passwords, in particular, seem very simple. Citizens generally save their passwords automatically on all platforms they use, such as Google Chrome.” While they’re browsing YouTube or any other site, a small piece of malware, which we call an exploit, steals the automatic passwords in Chrome. Then they can access their entire systems. This is one of the critical and sensitive issues. Last week, 65 billion passwords were stolen. These included passwords from platforms like Apple and Google, and these need to be changed urgently, and two-factor authentication needs to be implemented. There are also many hacking incidents in small and medium-sized businesses, and this will continue. All small and medium-sized businesses need to take technical precautions. Even now, millions of companies are under attack. Some don’t see these attacks. Why? Because if someone isn’t using a firewall, they can’t see the attack on their modem. Because they can’t see it, they’re unaware whether they’re receiving an attack or not. But hackers are now scanning 24/7, looking for vulnerabilities, and therefore any company is vulnerable to hacking at any moment. What will we do? We will take the necessary precautions to avoid having nightmares. While taking these precautions, it is very important to purchase products that comply with the Personal Data Protection Law (KVKK), ISO 27001, and Law No. 5651, and to purchase them from the right source.

Cybersecurity in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often don’t consider themselves vulnerable to cybersecurity threats. However, because these businesses operate online, they are also susceptible to cyberattacks. This article will address the cybersecurity weaknesses of SMEs and how they can protect themselves against these threats. Increasing cybersecurity awareness and ensuring businesses take necessary precautions can prevent significant losses in the long run.

Awareness of Cybersecurity Threats

Small businesses often assume they won’t be targets of cyberattacks. However, this is incorrect. Cybercriminals can easily steal data or damage systems by targeting businesses with weak security measures. Therefore, it is crucial for businesses to be aware of cybersecurity threats and prepared for them.

Firewall and Endpoint Protection

Many small businesses do not use firewall or endpoint protection software. This makes them vulnerable to cyberattacks. Firewalls protect business networks by blocking external threats. Endpoint protection software enables the detection and blocking of malware on devices.

Backup and Data Recovery

Many businesses limit their backup policies to simply saving data to computer disks. However, this method may be insufficient in the event of data loss. Cloud-based backup solutions ensure that data is stored securely and can be quickly recovered when needed.

Password Security and Two-Factor Authentication

Simple passwords make them easy targets for cyber attackers. Businesses should encourage their employees to use strong and unique passwords. Additionally, extra security measures such as two-factor authentication provide better account protection.

KVKK and ISO 27001 Compliance

Businesses are required to take security measures in accordance with standards such as the Personal Data Protection Law (KVKK) and ISO 27001. These standards help businesses ensure data security and guarantee legal compliance.

Cybersecurity Awareness and Training

Training employees on cybersecurity can reduce security vulnerabilities in businesses. Employees should be made aware of cyber threats and how to respond to them. Regular training strengthens the cybersecurity culture of businesses.

Conclusion

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) should not assume they are vulnerable to cybersecurity threats. These businesses can protect themselves against cyberattacks by taking measures such as firewalls, endpoint protection, backup solutions, and strong password policies. Furthermore, compliance with standards such as GDPR and ISO 27001 enhances data security for businesses. Increasing employees’ cybersecurity awareness also helps businesses close security vulnerabilities. These measures contribute to ensuring the long-term security of businesses.