Regardless of the size of your business, cybersecurity is a growing concern. The impacts of cyberattacks can range from financial losses to reputational damage, compromised privacy and severe legal liabilities.
Prevention is the best medicine when it comes to protecting your company against cyberattacks. And the best prevention starts with knowledge.
Some common attacks and how to combat them
Ransomware
Ransomware attackers use sophisticated techniques to not only encrypt data, but also steal it, and then demand ransom, usually in cryptocurrency. Your best defense is to maintain backups of important files, use anti-virus software and firewalls, and be vigilant against phishing and other malicious or suspicious activity.
Social Engineering Attacks
These occur when attackers gain access to systems and steal sensitive information. They often use phone calls, email, or social medica to trick people into divulging that info. Be sure to educate employees about common tactics used by attackers and implement policies for verifying requests for information. Also, use multi-factor authentication, as well as spam and web filters.
Cloud-Based Attacks
As more businesses move their operations to the cloud, attackers increasingly target its infrastructure and services. Cloud-based security attacks stem from using cloud services that are not adequately secured.
Malware
Malware is software designed to harm or exploit computer systems, networks and devices. It can be used for a range of malicious activities including stealing data, disrupting operations, or causing system damage. To prevent malware, keep your antivirus software updated, avoid downloading anything from untrusted sources, and be cautious about opening emails or questionable links.
Denial of Service (DoS) Attacks
In these attacks, systems or networks are flooded with traffic, which overwhelms them and renders them unavailable. Be sure to use firewall protection and configure your networks to handle large volumes of traffic. As further protection against DoS attacks, use traffic filtering, rate limiting, and anti-DoS software and services.
Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs)
APTs are sophisticated, long-term attacks designed to gain unauthorized access to systems or networks, steal information, or install malicious software. They can be difficult to detect as they are highly targeted and used advanced detection evasion techniques. Use advanced threat detection and response technologies, implement techniques like patching and network segmentation, and thoroughly train your employees in security awareness, to avoid these attacks.
Insider Threats
These threats originate from within an organization from anyone who may have access to sensitive information, such as current or past employees or contractors. They may come from a well-meaning worker who accidentally exposes data or systems. Be sure you have robust security controls in place, monitor your network for any suspicious activity, and watch for any signs of security policy violation.
Confidence in Your Cybersecurity
Having the right experts in place is among your best safeguards against potentially devastating cyberattacks. To learn more or to build your IT and cybersecurity team, consider partnering with Venteon. As one of the top staffing agencies in Michigan, we provide top-shelf candidates and resources to help ensure that your business is protected, competitive and successful.