IT Security

Cybersecurity Threats: What Every Business Needs To Know

Cybersecurity is not only a significant concern for small businesses, but the US economy has seen cybercrime cost businesses up to $2.7 billion in 2020 alone. It is easy to assume that cybersecurity threat is only large businesses but, is that the case? Small businesses are a significant target for cybercriminals due to vulnerabilities in their security infrastructure. If you are among the 88% of small business owners who feel their systems are exposed to cyber-attacks, it is vital to know your business vulnerabilities and take the proper steps to improve them.

Top 10 Ways Your Business Can Be Attacked

Web-based attack

Web-based attacks are also known as application-layer attacks. Hackers exploit coding vulnerabilities to access your server or database. This can affect your business, especially when clients trust that their sensitive data will be kept safe and private.

Phishing or social engineering

Phishing attacks are the most damaging and widespread cybersecurity threat to small businesses. These attacks account for 90% of organizational security breaches. Statistics show that in 2020 these attacks increased by 65%. The criminal pretends to be a trusted source during such an attack to entice users to click or access the source. However, by doing so, the user gives the attacker access to sensitive data.

General malware

Malware is considered the second biggest cybersecurity threat to small businesses. It involves several cyber threats, including viruses and Trojans. Malware is malicious code used by hackers to gain unauthorized network access to steal and destroy the computer and network data. These hackers deploy malware attacks through spam emails, malicious site downloads, or connecting to infected devices and computers.

SQL injection

SQL injection is a web security vulnerability that allows hackers access to interfere with data-driven applications. SQL injection is a type of cybercrime orchestrated using SQL code to access potentially valuable company information. Sony Pictures and Microsoft are two major companies that have been victims of SQL injection.

Compromised/stolen devices

Your lost or damaged external hard drive can contain sensitive data. Unsuspecting individuals or criminals can unlock or unencrypt your laptop or storage devices to access your vital information without your knowledge.

Denial of services

This is a cyber-attack form where hackers render your networks and computers inaccessible by disrupting your internet-connected services. An attack is carried out by flooding your network systems with traffic to cause a crash.

Advanced malware/zero-day attacks

This is a recently discovered vulnerability hackers use to attack businesses. For this form of attack, hackers quickly learn about a flaw in the company’s new network or systems and allow developers less time to address them.

Malicious insider

This attack can be caused by present or former employees, associates, or business contractors. These individuals can access your sensitive company data and use it to cause harm either through greed, malice, ignorance, or sheer carelessness.

Cross-site scripting

A typical example of Cross-site scripting is where a hacker stores malicious script data sent from a company’s contact form or search. To carry out cross-site scripting, attackers inject codes into what should be a trusted website.

Ransomware

Thousands of businesses suffer ransomware attacks every year. Ransomware has become a lucrative cyber-attack that involves rendering company data useless or inaccessible. Some attacks may require organizations to pay considerable ransoms to regain access to their data.

5 Best Ways to Protect Your Business from a Cyberattack

Use antispyware and antivirus software.

It is common knowledge that you must safeguard your computers with antivirus and antispyware software. However, to ensure you get as much protection as you need, it is vital to update your antispyware and antivirus software regularly.

Utilize strong passwords

You can improve your business cybersecurity by using strong passwords. It is common to see people using the same password for all the accounts. This practice can be costly when one system or account is compromised. Need help creating a strong password? Ensure to use more than ten characters. Include at least a number and use a blend of lower and uppercase letters. You can also have one unique character to make your password difficult to guess.

Secure your networks used to access the internet

Use firewall and data encryption to secure yourself against an attack when you are connected to the internet. In addition to using a strong network password, you can also make it hidden to avoid broadcasting your network name.

Control access to sensitive data

Prevent unauthorized access or use of some computers. For instance, laptops are easy targets for data breaches or theft. For this reason, it is essential to keep it locked if you are leaving your desk or office. Likewise, you should create separate user accounts for every employee and trust only your crucial staff or IT personnel with administrator privileges.

Don’t forget mobile phone security.

Hackers target smartphones to compromise or steal your data using fake APKS, malicious SMS, rooting, and others to access your phone. Establishing a mobile usage policy and segmenting your mobile users into function-based roles with varying privileges to protect your system is vital. You can also install software security on mobile devices and reduce visibility into devices with access to your company network.

Why Choose ExterNetworks

ExterNetworks offers top-notch cyber threat monitoring services tailored to meet your business’s specific needs. With our team of experienced cybersecurity professionals, we provide round-the-clock monitoring and analysis to ensure that your network is protected from any potential threats.

Our advanced technology and proactive approach allow us to quickly detect and respond to threats, minimizing any potential damage to your organization. By partnering with ExterNetworks, you can rest assured that your business is in good hands and that we will work tirelessly to keep your network secure.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact ExterNetworks today to learn more about our cyber threat monitoring services and how we can help protect your business from any potential threats. Trust the experts at ExterNetworks to safeguard your network and ensure peace of mind for you and your team.

Contact us now to schedule a free consultation and take the first step towards a more secure future for your business.