What Are the Biggest Cyberthreats Facing Your Business?

What Are the Biggest Cyberthreats Facing Your Business?

As the digital threat landscape continues to evolve, every business needs to take a proactive approach to security by preparing for the worst. A digital security strategy starts with identifying the threats facing your organization and includes training your employees accordingly. After all, we humans are the weakest link in almost every successful cyberattack.

Unfortunately, everyone is a target when it comes to cyberattacks, but smaller organizations are often the favorite targets for hackers. Furthermore, hackers can attack any device that uses the internet, whether it’s a smartphone, tablet, laptop, desktop, or cloud-hosted server. With that in mind, let’s explore some of the major threats facing today’s businesses.

#1. Ransomware

Ransomware is a form of extortion that works by encrypting a victim’s files so they’re inaccessible until the victim pays a ransom. Although ransomware became a public sensation with last year’s WannaCry and Petya attacks, it has been around for much longer. Even more disturbingly, this threat is rapidly evolving and attacks are being carried out by organized criminals who recruit others through the dark web.

Having the latest antivirus software installed on your computer should generally keep you protected from ransomware, but it’s critical that you also keep your operating systems and other software applications up to date.

#2. Phishing

Phishing attacks are typically made via email, but they may also use other methods like compromised websites, phone calls or even SMS messages. Phishing attacks try to trick unsuspecting employees into essentially harming themselves, such as by disclosing confidential information or downloading malicious software. It is the most common type of cyberattack of all and many target specific individuals.

Although many phishing scams are blatantly obvious, characterized by poor English and ridiculous claims, others are far more sophisticated. Some are carried out after the hacker has conducted extensive research into a company and appear as if they have been sent by the CEO or another top official.

#3. APT Attacks

Advanced Persistent Threat attacks (APT) are among the most dangerous attacks of all, and almost invariably target businesses. They are carried out by highly skilled hackers and involve a coordinated attack against a specific target, which is typically performed over multiple phases to reduce the chances of being detected. APT attacks are highly sophisticated and are often used in corporate and government espionage, too.

While no single technology solution can protect your business from an APT attack, implementing multiple layers of defense and round-the-clock monitoring can help keep your systems safe. As always, a proactive approach to security will place you in a much better position.

#4. DDoS Attacks

Distributed Denial of Service attacks (DDoS) tend to be more disruptive than dangerous. They involve overwhelming a server with requests to dramatically reduce performance and even crash the system. DDoS attacks may be used to take down websites or specific online services, and they’ve been used to disrupt everything from political websites to video games and major payment systems.

DDoS attacks may be carried out to disrupt a competitor’s website or to draw attention away from a far more serious attack, such as an APT. To prevent such attacks, you should always use DDoS protection services to protect your mission-critical online systems.

#5. Network Probes

Network probes involve an attempt to gain access to a system by exploiting possible weaknesses in the infrastructure. While they are not necessarily an immediate threat and may not even intend to do harm, they can indicate that someone is exploring your network for possible entry points. There are also legitimate uses for probing a network, such as when you conduct your own security tests.

To prevent would-be hackers from spying on your digital assets for weak points, you’ll want to implement a 24/7 monitoring system that logs every attempt to access your network. That way, if you identify any suspicious activity, you’ll be able to block the offender.

No matter the size and scope of your business, you absolutely must have cutting-edge, enterprise-grade security on your side. OC-IT offers you peace of mind with cybersecurity plans tailored to the needs of your company. Call us today to get started with your free assessment.