Modern technology provides many benefits that significantly improve efficiency and competitiveness.
However, along with those benefits, comes a series of threats to your data that can’t be ignored. Here are four modern cyberthreats that are after your company’s data 24x7x365.
Ransomware
Ransomware is a dangerous phishing attack that is typically installed onto a victim’s computer through emails and exploitable software.
Once this form of malware makes its way onto a system, it encrypts data files and locks users out of the system. They only regain access to their data if they agree to pay a hefty ransom.
Depending on the severity of the ransomware, batches of data can be heavily corrupted or destroyed if payment is delayed. The best way to protect yourself from this attack is to keep critical systems up to date and train staff members how to correctly identify phishing emails.
Deploying emergency backup and recovery solutions is also a great way to ensure your business stays protected.
FYI: Protect your data from ransomware with this data backup solution.
SQL Injections
A typical web attack mechanism used by hackers today is called an SQL injection. This type of code injection targets websites that use SQL databases to insert malicious SQL statements and steal private financial data, online login credentials, and other personally identifiable information.
Due to the countless number of modern web interfaces and applications that utilize SQL databases, SQL injections pose a real risk to personal and professional data security and should be taken very seriously.
Prevention of SQL injection attacks begins with database developers who should utilize parameterized database queries to carefully protect their code from scripted exploits. Ensuring that databases are not duplicated and used across multiple websites and applications can also reduce the likelihood of cross-corrupted systems.
Man-In-The-Middle Attacks
A MITM (Man-In-The-Middle) attack is when a third party can intercept the communication between two systems, including email, social media interactions, and web chat interfaces.
When an outside party can connect with these services, they’re able to eavesdrop on private conversations and be present during financial transactions. They can even send inquiries and responses posing as one of the victims.
Since there are many ways hackers can implement these forms of attack (such as email and session hijacking and Wi-Fi eavesdropping), it’s important that IT administrators deploy secure/multipurpose internet mail extensions (S/MIME) that encrypt all data once it’s in transit.
Also, by using Certificate-Based Authentication on all staff computers, it makes it virtually impossible for anyone to access your system outside of your trusted network.
Zero-Day Exploits
The term “zero-day” is used when describing vulnerabilities that are discovered shortly after new system software is released.
The name is intended to express urgency. Developers must address these issues quickly because it doesn’t take long for malicious parties to discover the vulnerabilities and exploit their weaknesses.
Once a software vulnerability is discovered, hackers can utilize the shell of the downloaded software to take control of critical systems and steal sensitive data.
By leveraging layered security solutions and partnering with a managed security provider, you can protect yourself from vulnerabilities (and typically avoid them altogether). Updates are automatic; security measures are intelligent, and monitoring is constant.
FYI: Looking for a managed security provider in Detroit? Check this out.
Final thoughts
Unfortunately, there is no shortage of cyber threats targeting your data and critical business systems.
However, by staying informed on the latest risks and ensuring your business follows cybersecurity best practices, your data will be kep safe from persistent and ever-evolving cyberthreats.
Want to keep reading? Check out 4 ways successful companies use technology.
