Small businesses face a growing cybercrime problem. In 2023, 41% of small businesses fell victim to a cyberattack according to SBA. Yet many small companies still think they’re too small to be targeted.
Over half of small businesses have no cybersecurity measures at all, per StrongDM. Without proper protection, one breach can destroy your business. In fact, 75% of small businesses said they couldn’t survive a major ransomware attack.
It support services provide the protection small companies need. This article explains the biggest cyber threats facing your business and how professional IT monitoring keeps you safe.
Table of Contents
- Common Cyber Threats Targeting Small Businesses
- How IT Support Services Protect Your Business
- Local and Remote IT Support Options
- Frequently Asked Questions
Common Cyber Threats Targeting Small Businesses
Phishing Attacks
Phishing emails trick employees into sharing passwords or clicking dangerous links. The FBI received over 193,000 phishing complaints in 2024, with losses exceeding $70 million according to ConnectWise.
One in every 323 emails sent to small firms is malicious, StrongDM reports. A single successful phishing attack can lead to stolen credentials, malware infections, and fraudulent money transfers.
Ransomware
Ransomware encrypts your files and demands payment to unlock them. Nearly 47% of small businesses were hit by ransomware in the past year, according to ConnectWise.
Operations stop completely. About 51% of small business victims end up paying the ransom, StrongDM found. Even then, full recovery isn’t guaranteed.
Malware and Network Breaches
Other malware like viruses and spyware constantly threaten business systems. Malware was the most common attack type against small businesses at 18%, closely followed by phishing at 17%, per StrongDM.
Many attacks succeed because systems lack updates or basic firewalls. Without dedicated IT staff, these threats can go unnoticed for months.
Weak Passwords and Human Error
A study found that 80% of hacking incidents involve stolen or weak credentials, StrongDM reports. Yet only 20% of small businesses use multi-factor authentication.
Employees at small firms face 350% more social engineering attacks than those at larger companies according to StrongDM. Common mistakes include reusing simple passwords and clicking malicious links.
Why attack small businesses? They hold valuable data but lack strong defenses. About 87% store customer financial information that hackers want to steal, StrongDM notes.
How IT Support Services Protect Your Business
Professional it support services give small companies enterprise-level protection without the enterprise cost. Here’s how small business it support teams defend against cyber threats.
24/7 Security Monitoring
Managed IT providers watch your networks and devices around the clock. This matters because 76% of ransomware infections strike outside normal working hours, MicroAge reports.
With continuous monitoring, it support services catch threats immediately and respond before major damage occurs. A Security Operations Center can contain incidents within minutes of detection.
Proactive Updates and Patch Management
IT teams keep all your systems updated with the latest security patches. Many breaches happen because of outdated software that hackers know how to exploit.
About 58% of small businesses now use antivirus software and 49% use network firewalls, StrongDM data shows. Managed IT consulting Waco providers set up and monitor these tools for you, creating strong barriers against attacks.
Data Backup and Disaster Recovery
Reliable backups are crucial for cyber resilience. IT providers implement automated backup solutions, often using both onsite and cloud storage.
If ransomware strikes, recent backups let you restore files instead of paying ransoms. Nearly 40% of small businesses lost crucial data after cyberattacks, according to StrongDM.
Employee Security Training
Quality small business it support includes cybersecurity awareness training for your staff. Training teaches employees to recognize phishing emails, create strong passwords, and use multi-factor authentication.
The SBA states that “no better line of defense against cybercrime than well-informed employees” exists. Trained staff become your “human firewall” who avoid common traps.
Strategic IT Consulting
Managed it consulting Waco services help you plan long-term security. This includes conducting risk assessments, selecting the right security tools, and ensuring regulatory compliance.
You essentially get a virtual CIO who tailors enterprise strategies to your small business budget.
Local and Remote IT Support Options
Modern it support services assist you both on-site and remotely. Local managed it consulting Waco providers offer face-to-face support for strategic planning and hardware setup.
Remote it support in Texas provides instant help desk assistance and monitoring from anywhere. Technicians troubleshoot your systems over the internet and respond to alerts without traveling on-site.
Most small companies use a hybrid approach for comprehensive coverage and faster response times.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are IT support services?
IT support services are professional technology management and security solutions for businesses. They include monitoring, maintenance, troubleshooting, and cybersecurity protection to keep your systems safe and running smoothly.
How much do IT support services cost for small businesses?
Most small businesses pay between $100-$250 per user per month for managed IT services. This is often less expensive than hiring full-time IT staff and includes 24/7 monitoring.
Can remote IT support in Texas really protect my business?
Yes, remote support provides real-time monitoring and rapid response to threats. Most cyberattacks happen digitally, so remote IT teams can detect and stop them effectively, often faster than on-site staff.
Do I need IT support if I only have 5-10 employees?
Absolutely. Small businesses are heavily targeted because attackers assume you lack strong defenses. With 41% of small businesses suffering cyberattacks in 2023, professional protection is essential regardless of size.
What’s the difference between IT support and managed IT consulting?
IT support handles day-to-day technical issues and maintenance. Managed IT consulting includes support plus strategic planning, security assessments, and long-term technology roadmaps for business growth.
How quickly can IT support services respond to security threats?
With 24/7 monitoring, managed IT providers can detect and respond to threats within minutes. This rapid response is critical since 76% of ransomware attacks occur outside business hours.
Stay Protected with Professional IT Support
Cyber threats aren’t going away. But with the right it support services, even small businesses can defend themselves effectively. Professional IT teams provide continuous monitoring, regular maintenance, and fast incident response that keeps you ahead of threats.
Don’t wait until after an attack to take action. With 61% of small business leaders worried a cyberattack could close their doors according to ConnectWise, having expert protection isn’t optional anymore.
Ready to protect your business from cyber threats? Contact us today for a free IT security assessment and learn how our managed IT solutions can keep your company safe.
