What 10 cybersecurity threats should companies monitor
With new technologies, hackers are presented with more avenues to exploit vulnerabilities. So, what are the prevalent security challenges faced by organisations today?
Excelien explores the top 10 security threats that every company should be conscious of:
Phishing
Phishing attacks are becoming more frequent and intricate. These schemes can lead to data leaks, malware outbreaks, and identity theft. Cybercriminals are perfecting their phishing methods, making their emails seem more legitimate.
People are often lured into clicking malicious links or downloading harmful attachments through sophisticated social engineering tactics. Signs of phishing include generic greetings like “Dear Valued Customer” and glaring grammatical mistakes.
Suspicious attachments or unfamiliar website links are often red flags. Always be sceptical of urgent emails or those asking for personal details. If unsure, always verify the email’s legitimacy with the supposed sender.
Malware
Companies, regardless of size, grapple with malware issues. Cybercriminals deploy malware to infiltrate and control computer systems and sometimes disable entire networks.
Malware can be disseminated via phishing emails, compromised websites, or malevolent ads. Once embedded, eradication is tricky.
Defence against malware includes a reliable anti-malware system, continuous employee cybersecurity training, and regular software updates.
Ransomware
This malicious software encrypts user data, holding it hostage until a ransom is paid. Ransomware attacks can be crippling, especially without updated backups.
Exercising caution with unfamiliar links and documents is vital. Employ robust security tools, including backups and anti-malware utilities, to fortify defences against ransomware.
SQL Injections
SQL injections allow cybercriminals to execute harmful database commands. This potentially exposes sensitive client or proprietary details. Directly incorporating unscreened user input into SQL queries can lead to these vulnerabilities.
Defend against these by properly configuring and shielding your database servers and deploying a reliable firewall.
Denial of Service (DoS) Attacks
DoS attacks prevent users from accessing a particular site or service. Often targeting high-profile or smaller sites alike, these attacks are costly in terms of finance and downtime.
A robust firewall can thwart these by screening suspicious traffic preventing system overloads.
Distributed Denial-Of-Service (DDoS) Attacks
DDoS attacks harness multiple computers to overload a service with excessive traffic. Often executed using botnets, they primarily target renowned services, but smaller entities must be immune. Employ a web application firewall (WAF) to deter malicious traffic.
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
XSS attacks allow hackers to inject harmful code into websites, potentially hijacking sessions or stealing user data. Defend against these by ensuring your website is securely coded, utilising security filters, and adopting a WAF.
Insider Threats
These are threats from within—employees or contractors who misuse their access rights. Given their legitimate access, they’re often hard to detect. Effective access controls, stringent password policies, and secure physical access are essential.
Man-In-The-Middle Attacks
In MITM attacks, cybercriminals intercept communications between two entities. Such interceptions can lead to data theft or fraud. Encrypting all communications using methods like SSL or HTTPS and deploying VPNs can thwart these attacks. Also, consider two-factor authentication for added security.
Credential Reuse Attack
These occur when stolen credentials from one platform are used elsewhere. The repercussions can be dire, leading to fraud or data breaches. Encouraging strong, unique password practices among employees is crucial.
Conclusion
Staying abreast of the ever-evolving threat landscape is a formidable challenge. Organisations must be vigilant about familiar threats and train employees to recognise and respond to potential dangers. Fundamental understanding and continuous learning are vital to staying one step ahead in cybersecurity.
Our Security Advisory Team has a comprehensive perspective, serving on both the vendor and client fronts. This unique vantage point has endowed us with unparalleled market acumen. Engage with our experts to fortify your cybersecurity posture.
