Why the 1# Vulnerability for Cyber Attacks Will Be Apathy

Everyone has heard of the cyber security attacks on Target (2013), Home Depot (2014), Neiman Marcus (2014), Sony Pictures (2014), and the United States' second-largest health insurer, Anthem (reported February 2015), but have you heard of the security breaches for Aaron Brothers, Evernote (denial of service attack), P.F. Chang's China Bistro, Community Health Services, Goodwill Industries, SuperValu, Bartell Hotels, Dairy Queen, U.S. Transportation Command contractors, and more.

Probably not. Even I hadn't heard of these breaches until I did some research for this article. And these were just some of the larger chains (just not large enough for nationwide media attention).

So it's not just that the massive names and brands are being targeted for cyber security attacks. Instead, it's small- to medium-sized businesses that are receiving the brunt of the attacks. In fact, they are enduring more attacks than the big guys we just aren't hearing about it in the media.

According to Experian's 2015 2nd Annual Data Breach Industry Forecast, "the risk of experiencing a data breach is higher than ever with almost half of organizations suffering at least one security incident in the last 12 months."

So why are so many smaller businesses becoming the target of cyber attacks? It's not because they don't have the right procedures and the right security personnel in place to prevent attacks. Far from it: Experian's data breach report stated that "48 percent organizations [surveyed] increased their investments in security technologies spending" in 2014.

So why as companies understand the need to add features and 24/7 surveillance to their security systems are more and more companies getting hit?

Beefing up your security is a good thing, of course. But it can also lead to a false feeling of security. Spending considerable time and money on technology can lead to apathy. More to the point, it can lead to the perception that all is OK, that you're well-protected, and that you can sleep well at night, every night.

But such an assessment can lead to mistakes. Remember, your job is to run your business. Service your customers. Create great products and deliver terrific services. You need to make sure your bottom line stays healthy. That your employees are engaged and happy.

You have a considerable amount on your plate.

Cyber criminals, however, are focused on one thing only: finding your mistakes.

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Why the 1# Vulnerability for Cyber Attacks Will Be Apathy