Cyber security has become an integral part of any healthy business, and that isn’t changing anytime soon. With the rapid rise of cloud computing and digitization, not to mention the popularity of remote working environments post-pandemic, a business’ IT infrastructure is more vulnerable than ever to cybersecurity threats. Without a practicable cyber security strategy, businesses run the risk of losing profits and potentially even their reputation.
While all this can seem scary, SORA Technologies exists to help. We know how to get in the head of hackers and set up systems of protection to ensure you and your employees are protected from cyber threats. Learn from our experts about why cyberattacks are so threatening, the different types of attacks, and what you can start doing today in order to stay prepared and vigilant.
Why do Cyberattacks happen?
Monetary gain is typically the motive behind cybersecurity threats. While any individual or company that uses the internet (read: anyone) is technically vulnerable to attack, the people responsible for these attacks typically target web apps and systems with weak security measures.
This is part of the reason why companies with many remote employees are at a higher risk. With multiple devices connected to the internet in different locations, it is more difficult to enact the same security measure for each device that is used when working in the same office location.
No matter why or how they get in, hackers use their access to your organization’s information to sell on the dark web or hold it “hostage” until business owners are willing to buy it back.
How many kinds of cyber security threats are out there?
A lot. As time goes on, cyber security threats continue to get more complex. However, there are 9 kinds of threats that you should be aware of as they are the most common.
- Denial of Service (DoS): Hackers flood your network, preventing it from functioning, thereby disrupting a company’s ability to perform routine tasks. In this type of attack, no data is lost or stolen. But it does cost the organization in terms of time and resources from the effort to restore operations.
- Malware: The most common type of cyberattack, malware is a hidden code or program that, when accessed, can do harm to a computer, network, or server.
- Phishing Attacks: You have most likely received a suspicious email before. Phishing attacks utilize email, text, social media, and other communication to get employees to share sensitive information or download a virus.
- Identity-Based Attacks: In this type of attack, hackers steal a legitimate user’s identity, using their credentials to access essential information and otherwise wreak havoc on a company’s system. Identity-Based Attacks are hard to detect because it will appear to come from a valid member of your organization.
- Insider Threats: Similar but less common to Identity-Based attacks, Insider Threats take the form of current of former employees that have legitimate access to a company network and sensitive data but use that access for malicious ends.
- Spoofing: This type of attack occurs when a cybercriminal disguises themselves as a known or trusted source outside of the organization. Perhaps your organization outsources their HR; hackers might use a spoofing attack to pretend to be your HR partner.
- Code Injection Attacks: When a cybercriminal injects malicious code into a vulnerable computer or network. Some common tactics are SQL Injections, XSS, and Malvertising from a third-party server.
- DNS Tunneling: Hackers use system domain queries and responses to override the system’s security measures, creating a “tunnel” into the system from which they can transmit malware and other malicious attacks from the inside.
- IoT-Based Attacks: In this type of attack, cybercriminals gain access to one device (often a mobile device) that is connected to a network of other devices and uses the network to spread malware. It can also lead to a DoS attack.
Protect Yourself and Your Organization
With so many types of attacks, there is good reason to be wary. However, there are things that you can do to decrease the likelihood that your organization will be the victim of a cyber security threat.
- Keep software/hardware up-to-date.
- Use an encrypted file-sharing solution.
- Use a VPN to privatize your connections.
- Ensure you and the members of your organization select strong passwords.
- Enable 2-Factor Authentication.
- Be aware of HTTPS on websites.
- Don’t use public networks.
Protect Each Other
The best way to protect your business or organization from cyber security threats is to have the mentality of being in the fight together. Things like staff awareness training that get you and your employees on the same page about what to watch out for can go a long way. Especially if any or all your employees work remotely, it is important that they know the security procedures and best practices.
SORA Technologies Managed IT Services wants to be all in this with you. Our IT experts can help you make a security plan that fits your organization and frees you up to do great work, without having to worry about attacks. We also provide training that can take you through security basics all the way to advanced security protocols. This can be done through webinars or onsite—whatever is most helpful to you.
Sora also has many cybersecurity solutions from a hosted phishing software that tests your employees’ phish-rate along with performing security audits, disaster planning, and penetration testing. Contact Sora Tech today for a free assessment and quote!
