Why Small Businesses Need FIREWALL PROTECTION
The "We're Too Small" Myth
Many small business owners think they're not targets. The reality: 43% of cyberattacks target small businesses, and 60% close within 6 months of a major attack.
You might think: *"We have a router from Comcast/Verizon/AT&T. Doesn't that have a firewall?"*
Yes, but it's extremely basic:
- Only blocks obviously bad traffic
- Can't inspect encrypted traffic (most internet traffic now)
- No protection against modern attack techniques
- Can't identify specific applications
- No monitoring or logging
- Can't stop data theft
- Designed for homes, not businesses
Think of it this way: A residential router is like a home smoke detector. A business firewall is like a commercial fire suppression system. Both detect fire, but one is built for protecting a business.
Real Attacks Hitting Small Businesses
These aren't hypothetical scenarios—these are real attacks happening to businesses just like yours, every single day.
Ransomware Lateral Spread
One employee's computer gets infected with ransomware. In a matter of minutes, the ransomware spreads to every computer and server on your network. Your entire business is encrypted.
Impact on Small Businesses:
Can result in losses of $2 or more
Remote Access Exploitation
Your business uses Remote Desktop (RDP) or VPN for employees to access systems remotely. Hackers find your remote access portal, brute-force attack it (trying thousands of password combinations), and break in.
Impact on Small Businesses:
Can result in losses of $200,000 or more
Malware Command & Control Communication
Malware gets on your network (through email, web download, USB drive, etc.). The malware tries to "call home" to the hacker's command server to: - Download additional malicious tools - Receive instructions - Upload stolen data - Coordinate with other infected machines
Impact on Small Businesses:
Can result in losses of $1 or more
Unauthorized Application Usage
Employees use risky applications or services that violate your security policy or compliance requirements. Examples: - Uploading confidential files to personal Dropbox - Using unauthorized remote access tools - Visiting infected websites - Running peer-to-peer file sharing - Using vulnerable messaging apps
Impact on Small Businesses:
Can result in losses of $1 or more
What This Costs Your Business
Average costs by incident type:
- Data breach via network: $150,000-$400,000
- Ransomware with lateral spread: $200,000-$2M
- Stolen intellectual property: Incalculable (loss of competitive advantage)
- Compliance violation (HIPAA, PCI): $100,000-$5M in fines
Operational disruption:
- 15-30 days average downtime for major breach
- $50,000-$150,000 per day in lost revenue
- Productivity lost while systems are down
- � Customer orders can't be processed
- � Can't respond to customer inquiries
Long-term damage:
- 40-60% customer churn after major breach
- � Loss of key contracts/partnerships
- � Inability to win new business (reputation damaged)
- Cyber insurance becomes unaffordable/unavailable
- Ongoing legal battles and settlements
The Bottom Line
The average small business data breach costs $200,000—but 60% of small businesses that suffer a major attack close within 6 months.
How the Right Solution Protects You
Not just a basic firewall—needs modern threat prevention
Deep packet inspection
Application awareness and control
Intrusion prevention system (IPS)
These are standard in business firewalls now
Real-time threat feeds
Additional Benefits:
- •Automatic signature updates
- •Benefits from global threat detection
Free Personalized Assessment
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