There is no doubt that cybersecurity is a big concern for businesses and individuals alike. With so much at stake, it's important to be aware of the biggest threats out there on the internet. As technology progresses, unfortunately, so does the risk of people using it for malicious purposes. However, the technology we use to protect ourselves from said hackers also simultaneously advances alongside, so it’s important to always stay in the loop and use the most updated cyber security protocols to stay one step ahead. Here are five of the most common and dangerous types of cyberattacks that can affect businesses of all shapes and sizes.
Phishing Attacks
Phishing is a type of cyberattack that involves tricking people into giving up sensitive information, such as login credentials or financial information. These attacks are typically carried out via email but can also come in the form of text messages, phone calls, or even fake websites. Do not click on anything that seems even slightly suspicious but instead immediately report it to your IT team to investigate.
Business email compromise/Impersonation
This type of attack is after credentials have been compromised, maybe from a phishing attack or leaked credentials. Business email compromise attacks use legitimate internal email accounts of an organization to send requests for payment from CEO for an invoice, or to further compromise other internal accounts at a more senior level. This could be using a PA (Personal Assistant’s) email account to send a compromising email to the CEO to try and gain access to their email account. Business email compromise can be used to send change of bank details to a supplier, to trick the supplier into paying into a different account leaving the organization in financial loss.
These emails can be very convincing as they are genuine accounts, so it's important to be aware of this type of attack and how to avoid these.
Check out our Cyber Security Training and get in touch to find out how we can help you prevent this.
Ransomware
Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts a victim's files, computer or IT Systems, following encrypting, the software demands a ransom be paid in order to decrypt them. This type of attack can be devastating for businesses, as it can result in the loss of critical data and a lot of money to meet with the hacker’s demands. Many companies have reported than even after paying the ransom, the files are not decrypted or there is corruption. Ransomware attacks are often spread through phishing emails or by visiting a malicious website.
Check out our Anti-Ransomware Protection and 365 Backup to protect your business from these risks.
Compromised Passwords
One of the most common ways that cybercriminals gain access to systems is by using compromised passwords. Attackers will use a variety of methods to obtain passwords, such as phishing attacks, brute-force attacks, or even buying them on the dark web. Once they have a password, they can then try to access other accounts using the same credentials. This is why it's so important to use strong, unique passwords for all of your online accounts, use two-factor authentication for extra security and monitor the Dark Web for compromised accounts.
Check out our Dark Web Monitoring services for your business.
Malware & viruses
Malware is a type of malicious software that is designed to damage or disable computers. Viruses are a type of malware that can replicate and spread themselves to other computers. These types of attacks can be extremely damaging, as they can result in the loss of data or even render a system unusable. Malware and viruses are often spread through phishing emails or by visiting malicious websites.
Check out our Managed Anti-Virus solution to protect you from these threats.
These are just a few of the most common and dangerous types of cyberattacks. By being aware of these threats, you can help protect your business from becoming a victim. If you suspect that your business has been the victim of a cyberattack, it's important to act quickly. Contact a reputable cybersecurity firm for help in assessing the damage and taking steps to protect your business. Furthermore, cybersecurity is a complex and ever-evolving field. Staying up to date on the latest threats is critical for keeping your business safe.