A cyberattack targets a business every 39 seconds—and small businesses are often the hardest hit. With limited IT staff, smaller budgets and fewer security safeguards, a single scam or phishing attempt can compromise customer data, drain funds or shut down operations.
From fake voices to AI-generated malware, the digital world is a minefield—and Reliable Technology helps companies navigate it safely.
A new wave of threats
Cyber threats used to be easier to spot. Today’s attacks are more advanced, using AI, automation and stolen data to imitate real people, companies and conversations. Common modern threats include:
- Voice deep fakes: AI-cloned calls that sound like a real executive or manager urgently asking staff to wire money or share secure access
- AI-generated malware: Hacking software created from a simple prompt to scan, probe and break into business systems
- Ransomware as a service: On-demand hacker networks that launch attacks for hire and demand large ransom payments to restore locked company data
- Phishing emails: Realistic messages posing as banks, vendors, Microsoft or internal leaders, pushing employees to click links, reset passwords or send payments
- Credential reuse attacks: Stolen passwords from unrelated breaches used to log into company email and platforms when employees reuse the same credentials
The high cost of being hacked
Ignoring cybersecurity can devastate a business financially and reputationally. Data shows about 60% of businesses that face a serious cyberattack never fully recover. Companies often lose clients, employees and critical data in days, not months, as trust erodes and operations stall.
The financial impact can be severe. Average ransom demands and recovery costs often exceed $1 million, and without the right protections or coverage, business owners are left to shoulder those costs.
“Many organizations wait until after a hack to act, but prevention is faster and cheaper than recovery,” Denton said. “One company we advised declined a modest monthly security plan for several years. When it was attacked, the business was down for three weeks and lost 20% of its clients and 10% of its staff.”
Steps businesses should take
Reliable Technology provides comprehensive IT services—including cybersecurity, data backup and managed IT support—giving businesses a defense foundation before a problem starts.
If an incident occurs, the company provides full recovery support to help organizations restore systems and resume operations quickly. Beyond working with a managed IT partner, companies can take practical steps to reduce their risk, including:
- Use strong, unique passwords for each platform
- Enable multi-factor authentication
- Provide regular cybersecurity training for employees
- Invest in enterprise-grade security protection plans
- Keep systems and software up to date with the latest patches
With nearly 20 years of experience and more than 250 businesses supported, Reliable Technology has the expertise to safeguard companies of all sizes from evolving cyber threats.
“Our goal is to protect businesses so they can focus on growth, not worry about the next cyberattack,” Denton said.
They offer a free online business risk assessment to help companies understand their vulnerabilities. Learn more on the website, take the assessment and see how Reliable Technology can protect your business before it’s too late.
The above story was produced by Community Impact's Multi Platform Journalist Chloe Chapel, with information solely provided by the local business as part of its "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.
