Photo by Rodeo Project Management Software on Unsplash
With 71% of businesses worldwide owning their own website and a new site built every three seconds, it’s safe to say that the Internet has become an integral part of basically all industries. Despite this reliance on technology, plenty of businesses still leave the online portions of their operations inadequately protected and, therefore, susceptible to cyber-attacks.
Hackers are constantly developing new malware to steal information, disrupt operations and infiltrate private networks, so any business which operates online must know about the threats they face and how to get rid of malware on your computer.
In order to deal with security threats effectively and efficiently, many businesses work with an exterior cyber security company. Investing in the expertise of these companies helps form added layers of cyber security. Though this is an effective way of protecting a business’s online assets, every owner also must have an in-depth knowledge of their company’s online threats and how to defend themselves. As such, here is an introduction to cyber security attacks, how they work, and protection methods against them.
Phishing: Threats in Disguise
Phishing is a method of cyber attack when the attacker tricks unsuspecting users or employees into giving away confidential information or clicking malicious links. It is worth knowing that phishing is rife across the Internet, with schemes ranging from the amateurish to the highly elaborate.
Any business owner should always seek to eliminate complacency at its roots because even the most aware technology users sometimes fall victim to phishing scams. Some of the most common forms of phishing include:
Email Phishing
When you think of phishing, this type is probably the first your mind goes to. In this form of phishing, hackers commonly create fake domain names to disguise themselves as reputable companies, like Amazon, for example.
Spear Phishing
This type is a more evolved form of email phishing. These are when the hacker sending the email either has the recipient’s place of employment, email address, or details of theur person’s job role.
These are more difficult to spot as the emails are more personalized to the recipient.
Whaling
These are even more personalized to the recipient. Whaling refers to phishing emails targeted at high-ranking members of companies. In this form of phishing, hackers often take on the role of a busy CEO, sometimes asking an employee a favor or assigning them a task.
Angler Phishing
A relatively new way of attacking employees is through avenues opened up with social media. Angler phishing is particularly hazardous, as new methods of masking identity via social media are constantly being discovered.
These include fake URLs, cloned websites, false profiles, posts, DMs, and tweets. People become susceptible to attacks on social media as they often see their Facebook and Instagram feeds as safe zones detached from work. Employers should teach employees that everything they post can be exploited and used against them. As with all forms of online communication, employees should conduct themselves cautiously.
If a business wishes to safeguard itself against deceptions via phishing techniques, employee training on the telltale signs of phishing emails is essential. Characteristics of emails and messages from hackers include but are not limited to the following:
- Suspicious sender addresses
- Grammatical errors
- Urgent requests for sensitive information
- Deceptive URLs
Businesses should also Implement robust spam filters, two-factor authentication, and regular security awareness training to fortify their defenses against sly predators online. Phishing is rife in the electronic world; ensure you are not susceptible to these threats.
Ransomware: Digital Extortionists
Ransomware refers to malware designed to force its way into a computer system and then block entry to the breached software until a ransom is paid. This form of digital extortion can paralyze businesses and cause significant financial and reputational damage.
Thwarting the success of this malware requires a company to take sensible proactive measures.
Luckily, however, a lot of these measures are not too difficult to implement:
- Ensure software and operating systems are regularly updated to patch any exploitable vulnerabilities.
- Frequently back up sensitive data and make sure it’s stored securely.
- Invest in robust endpoint solutions and intrusion detection systems.
Finally, once again, any business’s first point of protection comes with its staff. Staff training should include tips on exercising caution while downloading files and visiting unfamiliar websites. Ransomware is incredibly damaging. Make sure your employees are aware of the threats posed.
Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS): Digital Stampedes
This is a cyber attack that has become more popular in recent years and involves overwhelming a website or online service with a flood of traffic in order to bring it to its knees.
DDoS mitigation techniques
To fully protect themselves against DDoS attacks, businesses often invest in cloud-based providers, who are experts in everything cyber security. These external companies can provide a business with plans to prevent DDoS attacks along with protection and intervention if the company becomes targeted.
As Well as hiring experts, a business should regularly monitor their network for anomalies and develop an incident response plan to minimize the impact of an attack. Remember, resilience is your armor against these unpredictable hordes.
The Trojan Horse: Threats Inside
Named after the famous ancient Greek story, when Odysseyus designed a giant wooden horse to break into the city of Troy, this type of virus damages the system’s security within the confines of its walls.
Furthermore, along with the story, the trojan horse is one of the oldest forms of malware out there, first implemented in the 1990s when the Internet was still in its infancy. Despite the age of this technique, it is incredibly proficient in breaching and damaging online empires.
Most types of Trojan malware aim to take control of technology in order to steal data and download and infect the data contained within with more malware.
Once again, here, employee training is vital for protection. Almost all trojan viruses are accidentally introduced to the system as a result of an unsuspecting employee. However, some other protective measures against trojan horses include:
- User monitoring behavior analysis systems: These can be used to detect any suspicious activities in the rare event that an employee aims to download a trojan virus intentionally.
- Keep security software up to date: Invest in high-quality antivirus protection and keep it updated. These can be your final wall of defense against any downloaded virus.
Never download software from unknown sources: Most trojan viruses mask themselves as beneficial or even protective software. Make sure you only download from reputable sources.
Finally, foster a culture of trust while maintaining vigilance, as even the most trusted individuals can unwittingly fall victim to external coercion or manipulation.
Navigating the Online World Safely
As the years go by, businesses have become more reliant on technology, such as using FaxBridge to transmit important documents securely. Expect this dependency only to increase as we progress further and expect the amount of malware on the Internet to grow with it.
Remember that preparedness is your strongest ally against any form of vicious malware. Always stay updated on the latest security practices and the most recent breakthroughs made by your opposition, the hackers. Doing so will help to spot any malware and any other suspicious activity.
The digital wilderness may be filled with cunning predators, but with the right tools and mindset, you can protect your business from their insidious intentions. Becoming complacent is the most frequent and often damaging mistake businesses make.
On a side note, if you own a business and are looking for ways in which you can improve and open up your lines of communication, we have a few tips for you here.
Caroline is doing her graduation in IT from the University of South California but keens to work as a freelance blogger. She loves to write on the latest information about IoT, technology, and business. She has innovative ideas and shares her experience with her readers.
