Cyber threats and businesses have always been locked in an eternal arms race. While your company locks their gates to keep external attacks at bay, it won't be long until they find other, more sophisticated methods to breach your network security. This year is no different. Hackers have already been launching increasingly effective cyber attacks to get their hands on crucial company data. And with new technologies being introduced into the office and lax security measures, small to medium-sized business could be in trouble.
We here at Onsite Computing think that the first step to prevent these attacks is to be informed, so here is our take on the potential threats you should be on the lookout for.
Ransomware
Many security experts believe that ransomware, the malware that blocks access to infected systems until a ransom is paid by Bitcoin, will continue to be the most used attack by hackers. For instance, in 2015, CyrptoWall 3.0 extorted over $325 million from users worldwide. What's more, the malware hasn't shown any signs of disappearing anytime soon. Copycat software with similar functions are regularly being invented, making ransomware very difficult to track and even harder to get rid off.
Some IT researchers also believe that the function of ransomware will evolve, with attackers threatening to release company sensitive data to the public rather than keeping it hostage. These types of extortion hacks prey on your company's deepest fears of revealing trade secrets, customer information, and other crucial company data that will cause lawsuits and loss of company reputation. Last year, we witnessed some of this occurring at larger companies like InvestBank in the United Arab Emirates, which resulted in millions of customers having their personal information exposed.
Ghostware
Hackers are developing more intelligent malware that can breach your networks, steal information, and hide its tracks as if it was never there. In other words, Ghostware makes it difficult for cyber investigators and simple antivirus software to detect that systems have been compromised. As if that wasn't scary enough, blastware - a variation of ghostware - destroys or disables security systems if they are ever detected. Think of it like a calling card left behind after a heist.
Data manipulation
Another way hackers are avoiding detection is by penetrating the network and simply altering corporate data. This sort of attack plans to compromise the integrity of your organization rather than steal from you. Though it may not look it, a small data alteration can have enormous consequences for your company. For example, hackers can infiltrate your business's financial data, manipulate figures (depending on their aim), consequently change how your company operates, and no one will be the wiser.
Mobile security threats
Bringing you own mobile device to work provides greater business flexibility. But believe it or not, smartphone security can easily be exploited by cybercriminals and will allow them to infect your network. Malware can usually infect mobile devices, which is distributed from apps, emails, and suspicious websites, granting them access to your servers from an employee's mobile phone. Many also have the misconception that smartphone operating systems are secure and don't require additional security software. However, this is far from the truth, Android and iOS vulnerabilities are constantly being revealed and, if left unchecked, employees can be putting their business's network in jeopardy.
Cloud hacks
With over 50% of US companies leveraging the cloud in some way, hackers are sure to follow. Since the cloud is usually used as a warehouse to store a large amount of business confidential information, these services, if exploited, could compromise business strategies, portfolios, financial records, personal information, and other company sensitive data. If there's anything we've learned from how easily celebrity photos were leaked from iCloud in 2014, it’s that businesses need to reassess the strength of their passwords, implement two-factor authentication, and constantly monitor their cloud service activity.
Phishing
Phishing scams are a constant nuisance won't disappear anytime soon. This is usually when a supposed organization sends you an email or popup link that will lure you into authentic-looking websites and request personal information for "verification". These scams will usually try to play at your emotions by saying that you need to urgently fill in a certain form or by offering you rewards that are too good to be true like completing a survey and instantly winning a free iPhone. The best way to protect you and your employees from these threats is by simply being critical of every email or popup that you receive.
Wearable security
Although your smartwatch or Fitbit might not hold valuable corporate data that hackers are looking for, it is connected to other devices containing data worth stealing. If not, cybercriminals can also gain a mountain of information about you based on your activities with the smartwatch, leading to more targeted and convincing spear phishing attacks.
Internet of Things hacks
IoT devices are vulnerable entry points for hackers and constantly being introduced into the workplace. Similar to wearable devices, malicious software can take control of IoT networks gather information about you, and infect onsite servers. What's more, IT departments will have to account for several entry points if multiple IoT devices are installed into the business network.
Outdated technologies
Perhaps the biggest threat to companies is when they don't patch their outdated technologies. For example, some businesses still frequently use Windows XP, which may seem adequate for office related tasks but the overall security leaves much to be desired. This is because Microsoft is no longer supporting and creating security patches for this OS, which leaves companies too vulnerable to advanced cyber attacks. That's why it's important to always keep an eye out for the latest updates with all your systems and technologies to ensure that your business is not leaving any security holes unplugged.
Lack of skilled protection
Now that the frequency and capabilities of cyber attacks is ever increasing, the need for skilled IT technicians is crucial now more than ever. However, the recent problem businesses are facing is the scarce amount of IT security talent in the job market. Either they are hired by someone else or their network security knowledge is limited. Without a skilled IT expert to handle your security your business is just as vulnerable as having no firewalls.
With the growing sophistication of attacks, you need something that will help you fight fire with fire. You also need IT experts that can stay one step ahead of the hacker to fully protect your business. With Onsite Computing as your network security service provider you can keep your business safe from the cyber attacks that threaten your business. Call us today to learn more about the latest cyber security threats and what we can do for you.
