4 Biggest Business Cybersecurity Threats Today
Cyberattacks have become increasingly prevalent over the last few years. In fact, 2021 showed a 50% year-over-year increase from 2020. Organizations are constantly at risk from attacks from a variety of sources. Unfortunately, no business is completely safe from an assault, regardless of the size.
The majority of cyberattacks are aimed at business organizations in order to steal or sabotage their data. This trend has led to big headlines about prominent corporations being hit by ransomware attacks and being forced to temporarily shut down operations. Businesses have been disrupted, data and revenue have been lost, and infrastructure has been damaged because of these attacks.
That is why it is so important that businesses take the necessary steps to secure their networks across endpoints, servers, and devices in the organization. To help in that regard, this article will discuss the four biggest cybersecurity threats businesses are facing today, along with strategies for mitigating them.
5G Vulnerabilities
Cyberattacks are increasingly likely to occur in new technology as they typically offer more areas to exploit early on. As an example, 5G is a prime target as the technology is still in its early phase of deployment and use.
In an effort to preserve bandwidth, cellular companies are shifting more calls and data to Wi-Fi networks as 5G becomes more widely used. However, due to the quick expansion, the technology employed to secure the handover isn’t yet advanced enough to ensure a smooth transition. These vulnerabilities give cybercriminals the opportunity to attack any device on these networks.
To avoid falling victim to these types of attacks, organizations should try to limit exposure by only utilizing networks set up by themselves. Unfortunately, that’s not always possible, in which case utilizing encryption software, VPNs, and other security measures can help protect data.
Malware Attacks
Malware is still a huge threat. It is typically used to steal important data, which can then be utilized in unethical ways which may be disastrous to a business organization.
These attacks are deployed in many ways. One method is to use outdated and rehashed malware that is undetectable by modern antivirus software. Another method involves the use of Ransomware – a type of software that encrypts data storage disks and prevents anyone from accessing them until a ransom is paid. If there is a refusal to comply with such a demand, the attacker may destroy the encryption key, resulting in the organization’s data being lost permanently.
The best way to combat malware is by having up-to-date firewalls and security software on all company devices. Additionally, networks can have security filters that can help prevent unsuspecting users from downloading malware.
Phishing
Similar to malware, phishing has become an even bigger threat. It is a type of social engineering attack that most commonly involves email fraud. It’s frequently sent as an email claiming to be from a real or trustworthy source. The email exploits unwary personnel into divulging important company information such as passwords, credit card information, and account credentials. The email might also ask the user to change or verify their password by clicking a link included in the email. The link redirects to a website that installs malicious software on the user’s computer, resulting in a data breach and system compromise.
A good email security filter service can prevent the majority of these emails from even making it to an inbox. However, the 1% that do make it through can be detrimental if employees are unaware. One of the most effective ways of combating phishing is by educating and training employees on what to look for in a potential scam. This ensures they are always on the lookout for potential issues and feel comfortable challenging a potentially malicious email.
Cloud Jacking
Cloud jacking refers to the act of a malicious third party infiltrating an organization’s cloud computing. When the hacker gets access to the organization’s cloud, they may attempt to change the cloud code in order to corrupt critical data, spy on employees and corporate conversations, and expand their reach in order to seize control of the entire cloud.
Cybercriminals can also take advantage of this to construct phishing scams. They can upload bogus notes, instructions, or other data to the corporation cloud in these instances. Employees download harmful files or follow fictitious instructions, assuming the contents have been approved by the firm. This can lead to a variety of outcomes, including employees providing hackers more access to the organization, the release of critical data, and the transfer of corporate revenue to dubious accounts.
Organizations can best prevent this type of attack by ensuring they have adequate security coverage between the cloud host and their own solutions.
Business IT Security
Learning about the biggest IT security threats is just the first step toward safeguarding sensitive data. The cybersecurity landscape is continuously changing as new exploits and vulnerabilities are discovered. Having a comprehensive security strategy is integral for any company looking to thrive in this data-driven world.
Outsource IT is an IT company that provides a comprehensive selection of services to fulfill the IT security needs of any organization. We also offer complete IT management services including Co-managed IT solutions and our unique SecurePlus offering to layer on security best practices and tools. Get in touch with an Outsource IT account manager to learn about our cost-effective managed IT services and IT security offerings.
