Cyber attacks aimed at more than 52% of small businesses, 2018

In 2018, more than half (52%) small businesses were attacked by cyber criminals. This is evident from the Cyber ​​Security awareness survey of Alert Online among SMEs. Phishing and acquisition fraud are the most commonly used methods. And although the threat to small businesses is increasing, they are increasingly less concerned about their digital security.

As small businesses seem to neglect cyber threats, Minister Grapperhaus calls on small businesses to arm better against internet crime.

More and more small businesses are also working digitally, orders and payments are made online, business processes are controlled by computers, offering opportunities to do the job easier and faster, but also making a company vulnerable.

Specifically, in 2017, 65% of small businesses with one to nine employees still have little concerns about digital security in the business. In 2018 this percentage has risen to 75%. The carefree of small businesses about their digital security is unjustified.

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Although in 2017, 65% of small businesses with one to nine employees have minor concerns about digital security in the business, in 2018 it rose to 75%.

The challenges of cyber security are various, as it’s only a click from one employer for a company to suffer from an attack. It is important that entrepreneurs get good information about the risks as soon as they know what measures they can take themselves.

In addition, up to 37% of small businesses suffered from phishing emails. Also, 23% had to deal with acquisition fraud, also known as ghost invoices for services or products that were not delivered.

Surprisingly, 56% of small businesses that are confronted with cybercrime do not take extra security measures, such as virus software or firewall installation or updating, make passwords more complex, back up or report the incident.