Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) tools are revolutionizing the way small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) operate, offering unparalleled convenience and scalability. But behind this ease lies a growing risk: cybersecurity vulnerabilities that could threaten a business’s future.

If you think hackers are only targeting Fortune 500 companies, think again.

Thanks to artificial intelligence, cybercriminals now have the power to scale their attacks like never before - and small business owners are at the top of their hit list.

Cybercrime is more sophisticated and persistent than ever, putting small businesses at significant risk of attack. The new year offers a fresh start, and what better way to begin than by prioritizing your business’s cybersecurity? Below are seven actionable resolutions to help you protect your data, your customers, and your reputation in the coming year.

January 28 is Data Privacy Day, a global reminder of just how vital it is to keep sensitive information secure. For business owners, “data privacy” is more than just a buzzword; it’s a critical part of protecting your bottom line.

Data breaches cost businesses an average of $4.35 million in 2023, according to IBM’s Cost Of A Data Breach report, and that number is only going up.

During the holiday season, skipping the crowds and shopping from your computer or phone is undeniably convenient, but this ease of access comes with potential pitfalls. Cybercriminals ramp up their tactics, preying on unsuspecting shoppers with scams, fake deals, and phishing attempts.

The holiday season brings tons of opportunities for retailers to thrive, but it also opens the door to increased cyber risks. With so many people shopping and transactions spiking, cybercriminals see this period as a perfect chance to strike. From sneaky phishing attempts to full-blown ransomware attacks, your business could be at risk.

In 2024, cyberthreats are no longer just a big-business problem. In fact, large corporations with deep pockets are not the primary target for most cybercriminals. Less well-defended small and medium-sized businesses are increasingly at risk, with the average cost of a data breach now totaling over $4 million (IBM). For many smaller businesses, an incident like this could be devastating.

During the holidays, retailers can feel overwhelmed by the number of tasks they need to complete. But while keeping up with the holiday rush, they also need to be vigilant about potential cyberthreats. With more customers shopping online and increased payment activity, there are several risks that can affect retailers during this time.

Want to outsmart hackers? Start with your passwords. By following the latest guidelines from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), you can create robust passwords that will keep your accounts and information secure.

The evolution of password guidelines

Initially, NIST emphasized the complexity of passwords, encouraging a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.

Ah, the holiday season – when everything gets festive, sales go up and your to-do list grows longer than your wish list. For businesses, this time of year can be make-or-break, but while you’re decking the halls, your IT infrastructure might be decking you with unwanted downtime and cyberthreats.