Why Do Big Companies Keep Getting Hacked?
As a business owner, it cannot have escaped your attention that hacking seems to leave no company alone. It doesn’t matter how big a fish the company is, they can fall victim to hacking, as evidenced by some of the most prolific global companies suffering from huge data breaches.
When you’re running a small company, the new reality of hacking can make you feel very nervous indeed. If the big guys can’t avoid the possibility of being hacked, how can you? Surely they have huge systems, spending millions of dollars on security, how can you possibly compete?
First and foremost, you don’t have to compete. Just because giants like Uber and Sony can be hacked doesn’t mean that you will inevitably be hacked. In fact — odd as it sounds — big companies are more likely to be hacked than your small or medium sized business.
Why Big Companies Are The Target
When hackers look for a target, they’re aiming for one of two goals:
- A payday, usually in the form of ransomware. Ransomware blocks access to a company’s files; the company has to pay the hacker to release the files back into their usage. Alternatively, hackers may threaten to leak stolen data unless a ransom is paid.
- To cause maximum disruption. Some hacks are not financial in their motivation; targets are chosen based on the ability to disrupt normal services. Targets may be political in nature, or just based on the hacker wanting to cause disruption for no other reason than the enjoyment of creating chaos.
So, say you’re a hacker looking to achieve one of those aims: would you attack the small business that only has a few hundred regular customers? Or would you attack the big fish, the global enterprises with millions of staff members and customers?
Of course you’d go for the latter; that’s why big companies are more common targets than small or medium businesses– so you can breathe easy. For a moment at least…
Complacency Is Dangerous
Of course, when you read through the above, it’s tempting to just dismiss the possibility of your company being hacked altogether. For once, you think, you have a reason to be glad your company is on the smaller side!
However, you do still have to be extremely careful with your cyber security. You have to use firms like Qoverage for your network and data security; you have to be vigilant when it comes to setting passwords and maintaining technology. The reason for this is simple; while you’re less likely to be a victim of a hacker, it’s not impossible that you will be targeted. Remain vigilant; prepare for the worst, but hope for the best.
In Conclusion
It’s undoubtedly reassuring to realize why big companies get hacked, and to know that your small enterprise is a less likely target. However, it’s important to remember to always practice excellent cybersecurity, just in case– this is definitely a scenario in which you can never be too careful. Take the reassurance, but continue to do the work in the background just in case.