Overall crime rates have been decreasing over the past few years, but cyber crime has been steadily increasing. In fact, cyber crime is one of the biggest threats your company can face if you conduct business online, a must if you want to stay competitive. These cyber criminals are constantly implementing new technologies in their strategies, so you need to make sure you’re prepared.

The best way to protect yourself from cyber attacks is by formulating a cyber security strategy of your own. Criminals aren’t the only ones with access to the latest technology. With proper security services, you can arm your business with the technology you need to keep your data and operations safe from malicious attackers. Learn more about why you need cyber security consulting services.

Small Businesses are Especially Vulnerable

You’ve probably heard about cyber criminals attacking large companies like Sony and Equifax, but nearly half of all cyber crime is targeted towards small businesses. This is due to the simple fact that small businesses are less likely to have a cyber security system in place or to have one robust enough to defend from attacks. Remember, these attackers only care about profit, and they will do whatever it takes to line their pockets.

One of the best ways to cut costs at a small business is to use cloud servers for data rather than buying and setting up servers of your own. While cloud storage is convenient and affordable, it can be vulnerable without the proper cyber security measures in place. Cloud security is constantly increasing, but it still leaves users at risk if they don’t take the proper precautions.

Protecting Your Customers

Most businesses store customer information in order to make the customer’s experience easier and more efficient. While collecting this data can do wonders for customer satisfaction, it also assigns you the responsibility of keeping that data safe. If your systems become compromised, it’s not just your business’s information at stake. It’s your customers’ personal information, too.

Ecommerce sites are especially responsible for customer information. Most businesses will store customers’ email addresses, needed perhaps for an account or a monthly newsletter. If hackers get hold of that, they can use phishing techniques for additional information. Ecommerce sites, on the other hand, often store payment information. If hackers get hold of that, they won’t need to trick anyone for more information. They’ll already have the money.

Managing Your Reputation

As the threat of cyber crime grows, consumers and other businesses are becoming more aware of the need for cyber security strategies. Consumers are more cautious about giving their data to companies unless they can boast cyber security assurance. If your company doesn’t have the proper protection, while your competition does, it’s obvious which business consumers are going to prefer.

Should you become the victim of a cyber attack, however, consumers aren’t going to see you as a victim. They’re going to see you as the one who let their personal data fall into the hands of criminals. Not only do cyber attacks compromise your data, but they also compromise your reputation, and that’s something no business can survive without.

Cyber Security Consulting Services from U.S. Computer Connection

If you’re looking for cyber security consulting services for your business, U.S. Computer Connection is happy to help. We specialize in helping small and medium-sized businesses protect themselves from malicious attacks and keep their customers’ information safe. Contact us today to learn more about how we can revolutionize your cyber security system.