Hackers Are Targeting Small Oregon Businesses, Especially Those With Frequent Invoices
From 2023 to 2024, cyber-attacks on small and medium-sized businesses have skyrocketed, and businesses along Oregon’s I-5 corridor are no exception. Companies in industries like construction, manufacturing, and even non-profits that handle numerous invoices and vendor interactions are being targeted. According to Kroll’s 2024 Cyber Threat Landscape report, attacks on these sectors doubled, with smaller companies particularly vulnerable.
Why? It’s the very nature of how business is done today. Between dealing with multiple suppliers, remote work on mobile devices, and high-pressure environments where security can sometimes take a back seat, hackers see smaller businesses as ripe for exploitation. If you rely on a trusted network of vendors or deal with frequent invoices, your company could be next.
Why Small Businesses Are Prime Targets for Hackers
For companies that lack the robust security measures of larger firms, there are several key factors that put them at risk:
- Vendor Vulnerabilities: If you’re like most businesses along the I-5 corridor, you rely on a variety of vendors and suppliers to keep operations running smoothly. However, each of those vendors could be an entry point for hackers. If one of your vendors falls victim to an attack, hackers could gain access to their email and send fake invoices that look legitimate. This could result in your company unwittingly transferring money directly into the hands of a hacker. Imagine the fallout if that happens multiple times.
- Mobile Convenience = Security Risks: Whether you’re managing operations from Portland or Eugene, your employees are likely signing into accounts from their mobile devices. While mobile access is convenient, it also presents greater security risks. Hackers know that phones are often less secure than desktop computers, and they exploit that vulnerability, especially when businesses are stretched thin and mobile security isn’t a top priority.
- Rushing Through High-Stakes Work: In high-pressure environments like construction, manufacturing, or non-profit operations, delays can cost both time and money. In the rush to process invoices or get work done, employees might skip essential security checks, unintentionally opening the door to cyber-attacks. Hackers thrive on this urgency, and that’s exactly when they strike.
It’s Not Just Construction—Your Industry Could Be Next
It’s not just construction companies that need to worry. Small businesses in Oregon’s manufacturing, healthcare, and non-profit sectors are all seeing a rise in attacks. What these industries have in common is a heavy reliance on multiple vendors, frequent invoicing, and a need to move quickly to avoid disruptions. Unfortunately, this combination is a hacker’s dream. You could be the next target if your business falls behind on cybersecurity.
How To Protect Your Oregon Business From Cyber-Attacks
Here are four key steps to help your business protect itself:
- Use Multifactor Authentication (MFA)
MFA requires more than just a password to access sensitive information. Adding an extra layer of security—like a code sent to a mobile device—drastically reduces the risk of a breach. According to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, accounts with MFA are 99% less likely to be compromised. - Always Verify Supplier Information
It may feel tedious, but verifying the authenticity of every invoice is crucial. Establish a process where your employees double-check all financial transactions directly with suppliers using known communication channels, like a phone call. It’s a simple measure that could save your business from a costly mistake. - Regular Employee Training
Your employees are your first line of defense. In smaller businesses, where everyone is often juggling multiple roles, it's easy for someone to fall for a phishing email or social engineering attempt. That’s why regular cybersecurity training is essential. Keeping everyone up-to-date ensures that your team knows how to recognize and respond to threats. - Maintain Strong Cybersecurity Practices
Hackers love outdated software. Keeping your systems and software up-to-date closes security gaps that cybercriminals might exploit. Investing in robust antivirus and anti-malware software helps detect threats early, often before they can cause damage.
Your Business May Be a Target, But You Don’t Have to Be a Victim
It’s an unsettling truth that hackers increasingly target small businesses in industries like construction, manufacturing, and healthcare. However, you can protect your business from becoming an easy target by taking proactive steps—such as implementing MFA, verifying supplier information, and ensuring your team is trained and your software is current.
At 10D Tech, we understand the unique cybersecurity challenges businesses face along Oregon’s I-5 corridor. Our personalized, proactive approach ensures that you can focus on running your business, knowing your IT systems are secure and compliant. Don’t wait until it’s too late—let’s protect your business today.
This version speaks directly to the fears and vulnerabilities of small businesses in Oregon while emphasizing practical solutions, positioning 10D Tech as the trusted partner to help safeguard their operations.