The U.S. government announced yesterday (May 22, 2012) that terrorist organizations, like al Qaeda, are looking to launch “electronic jihad” on U.S. networks that are critical to its infrastructures. A video released by the terrorist organization yesterday urged extremists to exploit network flaws in systems related to the aviation and power grid industry, to name a few. This announcement coupled with the FBI public service announcement last week that “corporate espionage” is on the rise, are warning signs that cyber-threats are real and steps should be taken to mitigate against potential risks.
An entrepreneur who chooses to ignore these warning signs, does so at their own peril. So much is said about the small business owner being the “backbone” of American capitalism, and yet most business owners in the SMB space choose to play Russian Roulette as it relates to corporate cyber-security. A small business owner must take into account that however “insignificant” they may perceive themselves to be in the overall economy, issues like the following cannot be ignored: (1) bank failure (i.e. preventing access to cash); (2) payment processor failure (i.e. unable to get paid – Visa, PayPal, et al); and/or (3) shipping channels gridlocked (i.e. unable to ship/receive goods). A small business might be able to survive in the short-term, but a sustainable and prolonged disaster would like debilitate the company into insolvency. Have a plan in place ahead of time, establish policies internally and externally that can mitigate disaster scenarios, and practice a “doomsday” scenario once-a-year.
Cyber-experts will paralyze you with fear and paranoia, making your business and investments sterile – do not allow this to happen. Be proactive. It is in the nature of the entrepreneur to take “measured and calculated” risks. Strive forward with the confidence that you have a plan and policy in place.