Due to the digital revolution and the ongoing pandemic, many businesses have adapted their work methodologies, leaning towards more online solutions. Irrespective of the nature of operations, each entity manages substantial volumes of digital data. It is crucial to be cognizant of the potential dangers that lurk on the Internet.
This article aims to shed light on the most common threats to data on the Internet.
What is Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity, by definition, is a combination of techniques, practices, and technologies designed to protect IT networks, digital data, and programs from attacks or unauthorized access attempts. Cyber threats have the potential to impact every facet of a company’s operations, including sales, marketing, customer service, human resources, and finance. Special attention must be given to systems, applications, and employee actions, often referred to as user errors, such as unintentionally disclosing passwords to others. Cyber-attacks can be categorized into those originating outside and inside companies. External threats include hacker attacks, while internal threats involve the disclosure of sensitive data by company employees.
Types of Cybersecurity Threats
The most prevalent cybersecurity threats include:
- Phishing: A widely-used method for data extortion involving the sending of deceptive emails that appear to be from legitimate sources, often mimicking those received from trusted business partners or institutions.
- DoS (Denial of Service): This entails flooding servers with a substantial amount of data, queries, and information from computers worldwide, leading to an overload and subsequently rendering servers unavailable.
- Brute-force: Based on hackers utilizing specialized programs to crack employee passwords, this method is most successful when employees use weak passwords.
- Ransomware: Aiming to encrypt as much data as possible, ransomware seeks to extort a ‘ransom’ for unlocking the data.
How to Prevent Cyber-Attacks on Your Company?
In the current landscape, relying solely on antivirus programs is not a foolproof strategy for online safety. Cybersecurity is a comprehensive process that requires consistency. Key components of IT safety include:
- Security of databases
- Optimal systemic-server architecture
- Appropriate technical security of the company network
- Establishing an efficient backup system
- Regular training for company employees
Fundamental practices for IT security in your company should encompass:
- Utilizing a VPN during connections to public networks
- Providing anti-phishing training
- Ensuring the use of strong passwords
In order to ensure the safety and well-being of your company, it is imperative that one of the primary objectives guiding your operational endeavours revolves around the assurance and proactive prevention of potential cyber-attacks. Donโt disregard this topic.
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