Cybersecurity has become a very important issue in the modern world as more and more aspects of our lives are now contained in digital form. Cybersecurity is the process of protecting networks, computer programs, hardware, and data from cyberattacks. To guarantee security, cybersecurity analysts employ different tactics from encryption to deception. So you can be prepared to protect your organization’s critical data, we have put together an overview of the various dangers that exist in a digital world and why it is essential to be vigilant in order to stay safe.
What is Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity refers to protecting your network, device, and digital systems from hacks or data breaches. Cybercrime damages are rapidly increasing, and by the end of 2021 are predicted to reach $6 trillion, so it’s unsurprising that businesses of all sizes are allocating more of their budgets to comprehensive cybersecurity strategies to protect themselves and the millions of people who entrust their data to them.
Failing to plan means you are planning to fail
A cybersecurity strategy can be likened to a map that provides a set of guidelines that will help companies navigate the current cybersecurity landscape. Such guidelines would include knowing how to develop a crisis management plan, understanding how to understand risks and vulnerabilities, and implementing proper measures such as security training for employees. Your cybersecurity strategy should address a number of important things, such as determining what security measures are best suited for your organization, what type of software will be needed to protect your hardware infrastructure from potential vulnerabilities, and identifying where any vulnerabilities might lie within your system.
Types of Cyberattacks
Cyberattacks come in many different shapes and sizes but there are some that are very common. It is important to be aware of these common cyberattacks because the less you know about them, the more vulnerable you are to experiencing them. As a result, it is vital to understand what these cyberattacks look like so that you can better protect yourself from them. Cybercriminals are becoming more and more calculating and clever, and because of this, more people are being targeted by various types of attacks every day. These types could be online scams promising big payoffs or advanced persistent threats trying to steal your passwords and crucial information. Here are a few of the most common cyberattacks which your business could become a victim of:
Malware
Malware is any malicious software that can take over a computer to make it do things the developer didn’t mean for it to do. The aim of malware is to show ads, use the browser as an open gate for other malicious programs, steal personal information, and even show fake messages from institutions. More often than not, malware is automatically installed on endpoint devices through an exposed entry point which comes in the form of a suspicious link in an email or the installation of suspect applications. Once access has been gained, the threat actor can then penetrate the system further and collect your organization’s critical data, which could be used to commit further attacks such as ransomware.
Ransomware
Very much like the name suggests, ransomware means that an attacker holds your critical data for ransom. After penetrating your systems and gaining access to sensitive business data, the attacker will then lock the user out and demand payment for renewed access to the data.
Phishing
A phishing attack is an attempt to steal sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in electronic communication such as email. By using almost identical logos, names, and wording as the legitimate counterpart, a threat actor is able to strengthen the ruse and often persuade the victim to click on links within the communication. Once clicked, the attacker is given access to all manner of personal information which can be taken advantage of.
Social Engineering
This type of attack is focused on manipulating the victim into thinking the attacker can be trusted. While phishing scams do fall under the umbrella of social engineering, social engineering itself is not limited to just phishing. Malicious actors have expanded beyond their confines of being nameless, faceless, and voiceless entities behind an email and are now engaging in scams that use phone calls to influence the victim into divulging their personal data.
Of course, there are many other types of attacks, but these are the primary attacks that businesses will be subjected to with continued regularity.
What can you do to protect your critical data?
Strategize an actionable plan, train your employees, implement policies, rinse, and repeat.
Obviously, the best way to stay on top of your cybersecurity and stop any potential threats before they have a chance to threaten the operation and continuation of your business is by having a multilayered security approach. Therefore, backing up data, using firewalls, installing antivirus software, and training employees to engage in security best practices is a necessity. Failure to implement these processes will almost definitely leave your organization exposed and will undoubtedly cost your business more than just money.
Your cybersecurity strategy could be the make or break of your business, so if you’d like to consult a cybersecurity expert, contact the team at Solzorro to see if your cybersecurity strategy can stop cyber threats in their tracks.
