The threat to small businesses by computer hackers is growing, experts say. One source says that 60% of all online attacks were on small and mid-size businesses, according to an article in The New York Times.

“Small businesses are easier to hack,” says Clay Calvert, director of security at MetroStar Systems, a Virginia-based firm. They don’t have the resources to set up protective barriers.”

One of the latest threats is “ransomware,” where a hacker holds your data hostage for money.

Strengthening security can be inexpensive and simple — such as strengthening passwords, adding firewalls and educating your employees about how to be safe online.

One expert’s warning: “If you’re not deploying some level of security, you’ll go under. You have to make time for quality control. The worst thing you can do is nothing.”

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