What Should Your Small Business Know About Russia’s War on Ukraine?
Russia’s attack on Ukraine in February, 2022, has had wider implications than people may think. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has been a cause for concern for many international groups, especially countries offering support to Ukraine.
Threats of potentially devastating cyberattacks have been floating around—which could affect businesses globally.
Why Are There Threats of Cyberattacks?
According to the CISA, nefarious cyber activity is nothing new from Russia: “The Russian government engages in malicious cyber activities to enable broad-scope cyber espionage, to suppress certain social and political activity, to steal intellectual property, and to harm regional and international adversaries.”
In fact, this wouldn’t be the first time Russia used cyberattacks as a war tactic, so the threat remains not only possible but probable, according to experts.
For example, during the Russo-Georgian War in 2008, Russian hackers took down several Georgian government websites as a way to disable communications and sow chaos.
Similarly, in 2015, Russia was accused of conducting a cyberattack on Ukraine’s power grid, which temporarily knocked out electricity for 225,000 people.
What Should My Business Do to Protect Itself?
You may be wondering, “What does this global war have to do with my small business in midwestern America?” Well, even if you’re not doing business in or with Ukraine, your business could be a target for Russian hackers.
That’s because many cyberattacks are conducted indiscriminately, without regard for the victim’s nationality, location, or size.
So, what can you do to protect your business? The CISA recommends that you:
- Keep your systems and software up to date with the latest patches.
- Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication.
- Back up your data regularly.
- Monitor your network for unusual activity.
- Work with an expert in cybersecurity to develop a long-term plan.
You should also train your employees on how to spot phishing emails, which are a common way for hackers to gain access to business systems. Human error is the weakest link in any security system, so it’s important to educate your employees on best practices for cybersecurity.
Another tip is to make sure your data is protected by VPNs if your employees work remotely, ensuring your files stay encrypted when traveling via a network.
What’s the Bottom Line?
The bottom line is that even if your business isn’t located in or doing business with Ukraine, you could still be affected by Russia’s war on Ukraine. Cyberattacks can happen to any business, so it’s important to take steps to protect your data and systems.
By keeping your software up to date, using strong passwords, and monitoring your network, you can help reduce the risk of being hacked. You should also educate your employees on best practices for cybersecurity and make sure your data is encrypted when traveling via a network. By taking these steps, you can help protect your business from potential cyberattacks.