Security Reality for Small and Medium Enterprises – Why Security Measures for SMEs are Important
With the recent increase in remote work and telecommuting, corporate security issues are receiving increasing attention.
In Japan, cyberattacks using ransomware, a type of ransom-demanding virus, are increasing, and not only large corporations but also small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) need to take sufficient security measures.
As opportunities to take company PCs outside the office have increased, companies and employees must have a stronger sense of crisis management regarding security.
Cyberattacks pose significant risks, such as servers and PCs becoming inoperable or important customer data being stolen.
This article will introduce the importance of security measures, the problems that occur when a cyberattack is received, and recommended security tools.
The Reality of Security Measures for SMEs
First, let’s look at the current state of security measures for SMEs.
The following explanation is based on the results of a survey on cybersecurity measures conducted by the Kinki Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry from October to November 2020, targeting 1,522 SMEs.
Percentage of SMEs Implementing Security Measures
Looking at the graph data below, approximately 80% of SMEs are implementing security measures, while 10% are not.
Reasons for Not Implementing Security Measures
Next, let’s examine the reasons why the 10% of SMEs who responded that they do not implement security measures do not do so.
The following six reasons were given as answers (in descending order of the number of responses):
- Do not handle important information
- Cannot secure budget costs
- Lack of security personnel
- Do not know how
- Other
- No answer
Examples of Security Attacks in the Past
Next, we will introduce examples of security attacks that the 1,522 companies surveyed have experienced.
According to the survey results, none of the companies have never experienced a security (cyber) attack.
In addition, the most common attack that actually affected business operations was “receiving e-mails with virus attachments.”
Why Security Measures for SMEs are Important
From here, we will explain the importance of security measures for SMEs.
Problems that Occur When SMEs Receive Security Attacks
First, let’s look at three problems that can occur when a security attack is received.
- Possibility that PCs and servers will become unusable
- Deterioration of relationships with customers and business partners
- Decline in brand image
As mentioned at the beginning, if you are infected with ransomware, a type of ransom-demanding virus that has been increasing in recent years, there is a risk that not just some but all PCs and servers within the company will be locked.
This is a very serious problem because you will not be able to work and will be asked for money.
Also, receiving a security attack can cause anxiety not only within the company but also to customers and business partners, which may affect future relationships.
If customer data is stolen, many people will stop using your services.
Companies that have been subjected to security attacks tend to have a negative image in the public eye.
This strongly affects the company’s profits and business continuity, so you can see how important security measures are.
Processes that Occur When a Security Problem Occurs in an SME
If you actually receive a security attack, you will need to perform tasks to resolve the problem and perform various post-processing procedures.
In addition to taking technical measures to address the security problem that has occurred, you will also need to report to customers and business partners, investigate the cause, and consider measures to prevent recurrence. There are many different processes that need to be taken.
Because it takes a lot of time and money, you should take sufficient security measures in advance.
Endpoint Security is Becoming Increasingly Important
Finally, we will introduce “endpoint security,” which has become particularly important in recent years.
What is an Endpoint?
In the first place, an endpoint refers to end-user devices such as PCs, smartphones, and tablets that are connected to a network.
Endpoint security is a security measure to protect endpoints from cyberattacks.
Reasons Why Traditional Security Measures are Insufficient and Differentiating Points of Endpoint Security
In traditional security measures for SMEs, it was mainly sufficient to protect servers and desktop PCs in the internal environment.
However, with the spread of remote work and telecommuting, employees are increasingly working from home or outside the office. Most of the devices that are taken out contain a lot of customer data and company information.
Using external servers and the Internet involves security risks, so endpoint security measures are receiving more attention.
By taking endpoint security measures, you can prevent unauthorized access from cyberattacks and promote telework safely.
“EXO Security” is Safe for Endpoint Security Measures
Endpoint security measures are attracting a lot of attention, but when it comes to actually implementing them, you may be wondering which tool to choose.
The endpoint security measure tool that I would like to recommend this time is “EXO Security.”
“EXO Security” can respond to various security threats and is easy to operate, so companies without a security officer can also implement it.
There are five main features:
- Anti-malware function using AI and cloud analysis technology
- Safely protects against new types of ransomware
- Blocks access to malicious sites
- Security measures for remote work
- Easy to install at a low price
In addition to these, there are many other features, and “EXO Security” is recommended because it fully covers the functions necessary for endpoint security measures.
You can try it for free now, so if you are interested in endpoint security measures, please try it.
⇨ Comprehensive Endpoint Security for Corporations “EXO Security”
Summary
This time, we have introduced the necessity of security measures for SMEs and endpoint security.
In order to protect customer and corporate information from the ever-increasing number of cyberattacks, security measures are no exaggeration to say that they are of utmost importance for companies.
Among them, it is important to take measures as soon as possible against “endpoint security,” which is attracting increasing attention due to the rapid increase in telework.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact globalsupport@jiran.com.
