According to the FBI’s 2018 Internet Crime Report, cyber attacks are a growing threat to small businesses in the United States. In 2018 alone, the cost of cybercrimes reached $2.7 billion and continues to increase each year. As many small business owners struggle to protect what matters most to them, cyber criminals remain at large. Donegal Insurance Group encourages small business owners to remain educated on the various types of cyber attacks and to take action to prevent them.

Common Types Of Cyber Threats:

Malware or Malicious Software

• Software intentionally designed to cause damage to a computer, server, client, or computer network. Malware can include viruses and ransomware.

Ransomware

• A specific type of malware that infects and restricts access to a computer until a ransom is paid. Ransomware is usually delivered through phishing emails and exploits unpatched vulnerabilities in software.

Phishing

• Emails or a malicious website is used to infect your machine with malware or collect your sensitive information. Phishing emails appear as though they’ve been sent from a legitimate organization or known individual. These emails often entice users to click on a link or open an attachment containing malicious code.