Cyber threats continue to expand at a quick rate, intensifying the number of data breaches per year. As the world adapts to digital technologies and accesses limitless clouds, so does the concern and need for seamless and secure functionality, of the information and communication technology infrastructure.
Small businesses are just as likely to face cybersecurity threats, as large businesses. Similarly, sectors such as those that collect medical and financial can be more susceptible to data attacks, than other sectors. Whatever scale or industry, all organizations need to be aware of the risks and place stringent measures that can assist with recovery.
The Common Threats
Maintaining cybersecurity in a constantly evolving threat landscape is a challenge for all organizations. Here are 9 types of cyber threats you should be looking out for:
1 – Network Intrusion
Any unauthorized activity on your network, extracting valuable resources that result in placing your organization’s security at risk. There are several common cyber-attack techniques that makeup network intrusions, including multi-routing, covert scripts, protocol impersonation, and traffic flooding.
2 – Ransomware
Ransomware is an ever-evolving form of malware designed to encrypt files on a device, rendering any files and the systems that rely on them unusable. Malicious cybercriminals then demand ransom in exchange for decryption.
“Ransomware continues to be the #1 threat to businesses and cloud operations”
3 – Insider Threats
Security insider threats occur when someone close to an organization with authorized access, misuses their access, to compromise your company’s data or critical systems. Insiders are not always posed as employees; it could be partners, third-party vendors, and contractors.
“The most difficult aspect of detecting an insider security threat—it begins with humans, not systems.”
4 – Phishing
Phishing is a cyber-attack that uses email as a weapon and point of attack. The goal is to trick the email recipient into believing that the message is something they want or need — a request from the bank, for instance, or a note from someone in their company — and to click a link or download an attachment.
5 – Malware
Malicious software is code designed to gain unauthorized access to a network or cause severe damage to data or systems. Malware is typically delivered in the form of a link or file over email and requires the user to click on the link or open the file to execute the malware.
The How-To: Preparation, Adaption, and Recovery from Cyber Attacks
Being well prepared for your business is being well prepared for your business’ future success. Here’s how you can better prepare for the possibility of a cyber-attack and malware.
1 – Deploy a layered defense tactic
- Assess and manage risks by developing response and recovery strategies. Invest in research and practices that will ensure long-term cybersecurity goals.
- Prepare to function during a crisis. The response of a resilient business is also the ability to adapt and be flexible.
- Learn from and existing plans that you have set in place. Once you have been hit by a cyber-attack, it’s important to identify key threats through analysis.
2 – Keep an eye on channels you do not own
A strong web and social media presence are a necessity for business: companies spend billions to ensure customers can engage easily through the corporate website, Twitter, Facebook, mobile apps, and other channels. Unfortunately, the same visual cues that help customers recognize your brand can be hijacked by cybercriminals. It’s hard to detect or monitor bogus communication on digital channels that aren’t controlled, much less protected, by your traditional security infrastructure.
The Benefits of Implementing Cyber Security Practices
- Business protection against cyberattacks and data breaches
- Prevention of unauthorized user access
- Improved recovery time after an attack
- Protection for end-users and endpoint devices
- Regulatory compliance and business continuity
- Improved confidence in the company’s reputation and trust for developers, partners, customers, stakeholders, and employees.
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