If you’re a small business, you may not think Symantec’s Report on Attack Kits and Malicious Websites applies to you. After all, you’re not at risk like big enterprises, right? Wrong.
Attackers are targeting SMBs. According to the study, attack kits are now being used in the majority of malicious Internet attacks that target banking credentials. Attack kits are bundles of malicious code tools offered for a nominal fee, which criminals then use to attack distributed systems around the globe. Attackers know that small businesses may have fewer safeguards in place to protect financial transactions and information, so they have become a prime target for these attacks.
For example, Operation Trident Breach consisted of dozens of cybercriminals using the ZeuS attack kit, the most well-known kit that allows attackers to create customized malicious code, to steal more than $70 million from SMBs’ online banking and trading accounts.
Cybercrime is getting easier. Attack kits are becoming more accessible and easier to use, drawing traditional criminals into cybercrime. Symantec expects this much larger pool of criminals to lead to an increased number of attacks against SMBs.
So enough with the scary stuff. The fact that these threats are out there doesn’t mean YOU have to be a victim. Preparation is the first step. Just as you would lock your doors and set your security system at night, you need to take the same precautions to protect the important business information on your servers, laptops, desktops and mobile devices.
There are plenty of technology options that make it easy for you to protect your company and customer information. The best products can be automatically updated to ensure you are protected against the latest threats so that you don’t have to worry. Symantec Endpoint Protect Small Business Edition is one that protects it all – from your servers to laptops and desktops – from the crazy threats out there right now.
The bottom line is that threats to SMBs are real. Being prepared with such technology will help you and your customers avoid the stress of losing personal information – especially financial information – to the wrong people.