Private data, including client and customer information, had the opportunity to be retained online on cloud storage services like Dropbox or Google Drive due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, in the present society, cyber threats have caused problems for both big and small businesses. With the apparent increase in cyberattacks, businesses have had to rely more on a variety of technologies to bolster their defenses, making cybersecurity crucial.
Cybersecurity is a set of technologies, processes, and practices that are designed to protect a system from cyber attacks. It is also known as information technology (IT) security and plays a critical role in preventing the damage that hackers can cause to a company’s operations. High levels of cybersecurity can assist you in maintaining control over your network resources and advancing your business objectives without hindrance.
7 COMMON CYBER ATTACKS
It is essential to know the various types of cyberattacks, it becomes easier for us to protect our networks and systems against them. Here is a list of some of the common cyber attacks;
1. Malware
The term “malware” describes nefarious software variations, such as worms, viruses, Trojan horses, and spyware, which grant illegal access or harm a computer system.
2. Ransomware:
It is a virus that encrypts files, data, or systems and the perpetrators demand payment before they can unlock the system, remove or destroy the data.
3. Phishing:
Phishing is a type of social engineering in which users are tricked into providing sensitive information. Phishing scams involve emails or text messages that appear to be from a legitimate company and request sensitive information such as credit card information or login information.
4. Insider threats:
This could be current or former employees, business partners, contractors, or anyone who has previously had access to systems or networks and abuses their access permissions.
5. Distributed denial-of-service attack:
A DDoS attack tries to bring down a server, website, or network by flooding it with traffic from multiple coordinated systems. DDoS attacks disrupt enterprise networks by using the simple network management protocol (SNMP), which is used by modems, printers, switches, routers, and servers.
6. Advanced persistent threats (APTs):
An APT involves an intruder or a group of intruders infiltrating a system and remaining undetected for an extended period. The intruder leaves networks and systems intact to spy on business activity and steal sensitive data without triggering defensive countermeasures.
7. Man-in-the-middle:
A man-in-the-middle attack occurs when a cybercriminal intercepts and relays messages between two parties to steal data. For example, an attacker can intercept data being passed between the guest’s device and the network.
BEST PRACTICES TO PROTECT YOUR BUSINESS FROM CYBERATTACK
The following best practices and technologies can help your business implement strong cybersecurity that reduces your vulnerability to cyber-attacks and protects your critical information without intruding on the user or customer experience:
1. Basic Data Backup
Backing up data is one of the most cost-effective ways to ensure information recovery in the event of a cyber incident or computer problem. Backed-up data should also be checked regularly to ensure that it is operational and recoverable.
2. Network and data security
Operating systems and security software should be automatically updated to fix security flaws, so users should never ignore update prompts. Firewalls, which act as “gatekeepers” for all incoming and outgoing traffic, should also be installed. It would also be beneficial for businesses to enable spam filters to reduce the amount of spam and phishing emails they receive — a common tactic used by hackers to infect devices and steal confidential information.
3. Data encryption
Encryption is converting data into a secret code before it is transmitted over the internet. Businesses must enable network and data encryption when storing and sharing data. This can be enabled via router configuration or by installing virtual private network (VPN) software on computers and other devices.
4. Multi-factor authentication
Another common practice for data security is the use of multi-factor authentication (MFA). This verification process requires users to provide two or more forms of identification to access their accounts, which adds another layer of security.
5. Use Passphrases
To secure access to your devices and networks that contain vital business data, use pass-phrases rather than passwords. Passphrases are passwords that consist of a phrase or a group of words. They are easy for people to remember but hard for computers to figure out.
6. Implement security policies and training
Employees can serve as both the first and last line of defense against cyber threats. This is why it is critical to educate them on how to recognize, avoid, and deal with a cyber threat. Businesses should also have clear cybersecurity policies in place to guide employees on what is acceptable in terms of data sharing, computer and other device use, and website access.
7. Strict monitoring
A business should keep track of all the equipment and software it employs. It should remove sensitive data from any device or software that is no longer in use and disconnect these devices from its network. Similarly, businesses should deactivate access for former employees as well as those who have changed roles and no longer require access.
8. Stay Updated
Keep up with the latest scams and security risks that can threaten your business.
9. Ensure customer safety
It is also critical for businesses to safeguard their clients’ personal information. In line with this, they should be able to provide a secure online environment in which to conduct transactions.
In essence, automating your activities is a good way to reduce cyberattacks.
Companies that fully comprehend cybersecurity and its countermeasures against cyberattacks will be better positioned to take advantage of appropriate business automation. Learn ways to automate your processes to lessen cyberattacks. By reading this piece on business automation.
