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Small businesses have become a prime target for cyber criminals in recent years. The potential rewards are smaller than those available from hacking corporations, but small enterprises are softer targets. A cyber criminal can breach the security systems of hundreds of small businesses in the time it takes to hack the protections of a corporation.

For small-to-mid-sized businesses, adopting an information technology managed service provider (MSP) can be the silver bullet for a multitude of computer and network problems. MSPs operate on a  pay-as-you-go, fixed-fee basis, allowing clients to better predict IT services costs and scale their computer and network systems smoothly and easily.

Having an account compromised is both infuriating and terrifying. Someone reaching into your personal information and using it for their own monetary gain is a personal violation most people would rather avoid. Big cyber-attacks on large corporations like Target, Home Depot, and even JP Morgan Chase make many consumers wonder not only if their information can ever really be safe, but also who is really to blame for not ensuring the safety of their accounts.

Phishing is a type of cyber attack in which the attacker attempts to obtain your private information using fraudulent websites and spoofed emails. Typically, a phisher will send a legitimate looking email that claims to come from a company which you have an account with, such as a bank or social network.

With more and more people gaining access to the Internet every day, the importance of ensuring that you and your information remain secure while using the Internet for personal or business reasons cannot be stressed enough. Cyber attacks, viruses, malware, and unwanted intrusions into “secure” computing systems occur frequently and these issues cannot be completely eradicated.

Reliance on the Internet means that all modern businesses face the threat of hacking and cyber crime. Even if you don't sell products or take payments online, use of email, holding customer information in digital formats and use of accounting software carries risk.

Cyber-crime involving company data has increased dramatically in recent years. In addition to high-profile cases like the Ashley Madison data breach, thousands of small businesses have been the victim of cyber-crime. Business owners need to understand these risks and take steps to protect data.

Small business owners rely on the Internet for everything from ordering stock to keeping in touch with customers. Unfortunately this brings exposure to the increasing threat of cyber security. In addition to stealing money by fraud and deception, cyber criminals may set out to damage your reputation or put you out of business completely.

Data breaches and other forms of cyber-crime have hit the headlines in recent months. Criminal gangs have realized that it can be easier to make money from hacking than from drug dealing and more established crimes. This trend represents a serious threat to anyone who uses a computer, tablet device, or smartphone.

Cyber criminals don't sit still. While IT professionals develop defenses for recent attacks, criminals develop new ways to attack. Businesses can't just install security software, train employees, and then relax. It is vital for IT professionals to keep up with cyber security trends to avoid increasingly sophisticated assaults.