Hackers now have more opportunities to exploit vulnerabilities due to new technologies. But
what are the most typical security risks that organisations must face nowadays? The top 10
security risks that enterprises should be aware of:
Phishing
Attacks involving phishing are getting increasingly frequent and complex. Data breaches,
malware infections, and even identity theft can result from phishing campaigns. Hackers are
becoming more adept at making their phishing emails appear to be from a reliable source. They
are tricking people into clicking on infected links or attachments using more advanced social
engineering techniques. Even if phishing emails are getting more sophisticated, you may spot
them by looking for specific indicators. A generic greeting is one typical indication (“Dear
Valued Customer”). Grammar and spelling errors are another.
Additionally, unexpected attachments or website URLs are frequently included in phishing
emails. Be wary if the sender sends you an attachment when you weren’t expecting it. Only click
the link if you are familiar with the website it leads to. Lastly, be sceptical of any email that
conveys a sense of urgency or requests personal data. When in doubt, contact the business to
verify an email’s veracity.
Malware
All sizes of organisations struggle with malware. Hackers use malware to access computers,
manipulate them, and even take down entire networks. Phishing emails, hacked websites, and
even malicious advertising can spread malware. When it is in the system, it is very challenging to
remove. To protect your business from malware, ensure that:
1. A robust anti-malware solution is in place.
2. Employees have been trained in cybersecurity best practices.
3. The software is up to date
Ransomware
Ransomware encrypts your data and demands payment to unlock it. Attacks by ransomware can
be disastrous, particularly if you don’t have a recent data backup. Even with a backup, recovering
your data can be expensive and time-consuming.
Additionally, you must exercise caution while opening documents or clicking on links from
unidentified sources. You should have a strong security system, including anti-malware software
and a backup solution, to safeguard yourself from ransomware.
SQL Injections
An exploit known as SQL injection enables hackers to run harmful code on your database server.
They might access delicate information like a private client or proprietary business information.
SQL injection attacks are frequently simple to identify. These could happen when user input is
added directly into a SQL statement without being appropriately screened first. As a result, the
attacker might insert incorrect SQL code into the statement, allowing access to or modifying
database data.
You must ensure that your database servers are correctly set up and secured if you want to
safeguard your company against SQL injection attacks. Additionally, you need to install a robust
firewall. A firewall can defend your company from SQL injection attacks by preventing
unauthorised users from accessing the database server. It can also aid in preventing the server
from running malicious programmes.
Denial of Service (DoS) Attacks
Users cannot access a website or service due to a denial of service (DoS) attack. DoS attacks
target smaller firms and are frequently employed to target well-known websites or services. They
can be costly to fix and result in significant disruptions.
You need a robust firewall in place if you want to defend your company against DoS attacks. A
firewall can protect your company from DoS assaults by filtering outbound traffic from unknown
sources. Doing this can help stop attackers from saturating your network with traffic and
overloading your systems to the point where they break. A strategy for how to react if your
website or service is attacked is also necessary.
Distributed Denial-Of-Service (DDoS) Attacks
A distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack uses multiple computers to flood a website or
service with traffic, preventing users from accessing it. Typically, botnets—networks of infected
computers under a malicious actor’s control—are used to carry out DDoS attacks.
DDoS assaults are incredibly destructive and frequently target well-known websites or services.
DDoS assaults, however, can also target less popular, smaller websites or services. These
websites or services might occasionally lack the resources necessary to protect themselves from
a DDoS attack, which could result in their removal.
Use a web application firewall (WAF) to restrict malicious traffic to safeguard your company
from DDoS attacks.
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
An attack known as cross-site scripting (XSS) enables hackers to insert harmful code into a
website. They may be able to steal private information like login credentials or client
information. XSS attacks can also be used to rob accounts and hijack user sessions.
Your website needs to be appropriately coded and secured if you want to defend your company
against XSS attacks. This entails implementing filters that can prevent the execution of harmful
code and using secure programming techniques.
Again, a web application firewall (WAF) is another tool you may employ to protect your website
from potential assaults. It’s crucial to teach your staff how to recognise XSS attacks and what to
do if one arises.
Insider Threats
Employees or contractors who are permitted to access your company’s systems and data but
abuse that access for malevolent intentions are considered insider risks. Insider threats can
seriously harm your company since they can steal confidential information or compromise vital
systems. Since insider threats frequently possess valid credentials and access, they might be
challenging to identify.
It would help if you implemented effective access control measures to safeguard your company
from insider threats. This contains techniques for password security, authentication steps, and
logging data. Using security guards or CCTV cameras is one way to limit physical access to
systems and data.
Man-In-The-Middle Attacks
A man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack occurs when a hacker eavesdrops on two parties’
communications. This allows the hacker to listen to the chat or manipulate the transferred data.
Data theft or fraud may result from dangerous MITM attacks.
All client and staff communications must be encrypted if you want to safeguard your company
from MITM attacks. The use of SSL or HTTPS is one well-liked choice. This will guarantee that
any information exchanged between the two parties is encrypted and inaccessible to third parties.
A VPN can establish a secure channel between your staff and clients. This will protect their info
from snoopers. Using two-factor authentication is another technique to defend your company
against MITM assaults.
Credential Reuse Attack
When a hacker uses stolen credentials to access another account, it is known as a credential reuse
attack. This may occur if a worker uses the same password across several accounts or if a user
credential database is compromised. Attacks that use reused credentials can cause significant
damage, such as fraud or data theft.
You must ensure that your employees are using strong passwords and not reusing them if you
want to safeguard your company from credential reuse threats. Additionally, you must have a
strategy for what to do if your systems are compromised.
Conclusion
Due to the complexity and constant change of the modern business environment, staying
informed about the most recent security threats is challenging. Ensure your business is aware of
the most common threats that exist. Also, teach staff how to identify and react if ever under
threat.
The most crucial thing is to have a fundamental grasp of the different threats and to keep up with
the latest news so that you may be ready for anything.
