If you’ve been paying attention to technology news over the past few years, you’re probably aware of the significant increase in network breaches and subpar internet security, and how that has affected many businesses of all sizes. For example, the infamous Sony Pictures hack in late 2014 brought the production company’s operations to a halt for weeks on end. Thousands of pages of confidential information were leaked, allowing unauthorized access to celebrities’ personal information, including salaries, accommodations, and emails. Although Sony is a multinational corporation, cyber attacks can and do happen to small businesses as well. Anyone who accesses the internet is at risk.

Cyber threats come in many shapes and sizes. The most prevalent breach is Malware: malicious Software which, when present on a computer or network, can wreak havoc for a user. From data erasure to data theft, malware is a problem for all computer users and can be especially catastrophic should it make its way onto a business network.

As a small-business owner or manager, you most likely are trusted with a large amount of confidential customer information, as well as you’re own financial and sensitive internal business data. A network attack can put your business’ reputation in jeopardy. Besides the potential of an ensuing PR nightmare, there are also financial repercussions of picking up the pieces after a cyber attack. Recovering from a network breach, on average, can cost a small business owner over $10,000. Larger businesses cost much more depending on several factors, including industry compliance requirements like HIPAA. This is why it is crucial that all businesses, no matter how small, protect themselves from cyber threats.