Cybercrime refers to the illicit use of networks and computers to steal information or cause damage to the information. This kind of crime impacts both small and large businesses. Usually, small businesses are more likely to suffer from cybercrime since they don’t have the resources to recruit a cybersecurity team. This is where ethical hackers come into the picture and safeguard the data of small businesses.

Hackers continuously target businesses with the intention of stealing information. With the growing number of data breaches and cyber-attacks, it has become of utmost significance for small businesses to defend themselves against such threats. Statistics claim that 43% of cyber-attacks target small businesses, whereas 70% of these small businesses are unplanned to handle a cyber-attack.

It is not always straightforward to recognise the activities of a hacker. Hence, seeking assistance from ethical hackers is one effective method to recognise malicious activity before it poses a serious threat. Instead of implementing monetary resources on building a team of cybersecurity experts, businesses with limited resources can seek individual ethical hackers at significantly cost-effective methods to strengthen their network security and overall digital presence. 

Ethical hackers are essential for small businesses because they comprehend hackers’ intentions and their processes. Moreover, they implement appropriate strategies to avoid security breaches. To keep systems and sensitive data safe against malicious hackers, ethical hackers follow a code of conduct.

As more and more small businesses are falling victim to cyber-attacks, let us take a look at what benefits you can draw by recruiting an efficient ethical hacker to bolster your preventive strategies against cyber threats. 

Benefits of ethical hacking to small businesses:

1. Solves vulnerabilities before they are exploited:

Ethical hacking enables small businesses to employ proactive security measures to fix any weaknesses from a cybersecurity viewpoint. They can prevent catastrophic damage to sensitive data by resolving underlying problems before a cybercriminal exploits them.

2. Enhance the business’ network security:

Ethical hacking practices offer independent assurance of security controls. An ethical hacker can provide recommendations and feedback to reinforce a small business’ network security.

3.  Ensures data security compliance:

Ethical hacking guarantees that your small business comply with the ever-changing requirements for cybersecurity, like ISO 27001 and GDPR. This approach saves small businesses from paying penalties for non-compliance.

4. Provides insights on future investment:

The ethical hacking model identifies vulnerabilities that provide small businesses with insights into the sectors that need security improvement. Moreover, they advise small businesses on where they need to make future security investments.

5. Spreads awareness about cybersecurity risks:

Ethical hacking demonstrates to customers of a small business that the business has a continued commitment to cybersecurity. Ethical hackers can help educate the team on the cutting-edge methods cyber criminals use. So, they help spread awareness about cybersecurity risks, assisting businesses in equipping themselves with effective preventive measures. 

6. Expose weak spots:

Small businesses may have overlooked weak spots, but ethical hacking helps them find those easily. Those weaknesses may be invisible; however, an experienced, ethical hacker will effectively identify them. They can easily find back doors, open ports, and other potential entry points into a small business computer network.

7. Help build a robust network:

If you are a novice to the business world, an ethical hacker can assist your team in building a robust network. Ethical hackers can build a computer network with features that significantly decrease a small business’ susceptibility to data theft and breaches.

Usually, the members of the ethical hacker community have observed all types of networks. They understand how such systems must be built. These experts can help build a network that is scalable, fast, and impervious to hacking. Small businesses can benefit even more if they use services from white hat hackers.

Tips on preventing cyber-attacks on small businesses

i) Use Multi-Factor Authentication and Strong Passwords:

With increasing work-from-home culture and employees using their personal devices to accomplish work, it becomes simpler for hackers to acquire critical data. But small businesses can curtail the risk of a cyberattack by framing rules about employee passwords. Small businesses can follow these approaches when it comes to setting the corresponding rules:

• Keep personal and work passwords distinct
• Modify passwords on a monthly basis
• Focus on not incorporating any personal information in the password

Another effective approach to avoid security threats is by letting employees set up multi-factor authentication. It implies that the employees should type in a password and enter a special code produced by an app that’s only available on their phones.

ii ) Use security tools:

Industry experts recommend some cybersecurity tools and practices that small businesses can follow to prevent data breaches. Setting up email filters helps small businesses to identify potentially harmful emails and direct them to the spam folder.

The installation of firewalls prevents illegitimate access from inside and outside of a computer network. They decrease cybersecurity incidents by restricting external access and also block employees from visiting malicious websites.

Conclusion

Adopting a proactive approach to cybersecurity helps small businesses to safeguard their networks and data against cyberattacks. Whether your small business is just starting out or is an experienced one, it is advantageous to hire an experienced, ethical hacker. Ethical hackers can help small businesses build a robust foundation for their networks. Understanding the importance of ethical hacking with also help small businesses in generating more sales and revenue.

If you’re hoping to equip yourself with in-demand cybersecurity skills to establish a career in this dynamic field or simply wish to learn the intricacies of cyber safety to strengthen your small business, Cybersecurity Starter’s Bundle by Eduonix can be an exceptional addition to your skill set.

Join now and start navigating a rewarding career in cybersecurity!