The Most Common Cyber Security Threats Businesses Must Watch Out For

Know the cyber security threats to businesses today

The cyber security space is constantly evolving with new threats and new solutions to these threats. Although these threats continue to grow and evolve, there are some common cyber security threats that businesses must be well-versed with and have a protocol to protect themselves from them. Mobile Computer Services discusses these threats in detail in the blog below. 

Before diving into the cyber security threats, here are some facts:

• Cybercrime breaches are expected to increase by 76% by 2024
• Over 50% of all global data breaches to occur in the United States by 2023
• The average cost of a data breach to a US company is USD 7.91 million
• Cyberthreat complaints increased by 400% in the US amid the coronavirus pandemic

The common cyber security threats

1. Malware

Malware includes various types of attacks including spyware, viruses, and worms. Shorthand for malicious software, malware consists of code designed to cause extensive damage to data and systems or to gain unauthorized access to a network. Malicious software is installed inside a system when a user clicks a “planted” dangerous link or email attachment. 

This malware can prevent businesses from accessing their own network, retrieve sensitive data from the hard drive, and disrupt or render a system inoperable.

The most common types of malware are:

• Viruses—A computer virus is a type of computer program that, when executed, replicates itself by modifying other computer programs and inserting its own code. It replicates itself across networks causing extensive damage to systems and networks.
• Trojans— This is a program hiding inside a useful program with malicious purposes. It is commonly used to establish a backdoor to be exploited by attackers.
• Worms— Worms are often installed through email attachments, sending a copy of themselves to every contact in the infected computer email list. This leads to the overload of an email server and achieves a denial-of-service attack (more about this later).
• Ransomware— This malware prevents the owner of the data from accessing the data and threatens to publish or delete it unless a ransom is paid. Advanced ransomware encrypts the business data, making it inaccessible without the decryption key.
• Spyware— This malware is installed to collect information about users, their systems, or browsing habits followed by sending the data to a remote user. This information can then be utilized for blackmailing purposes or enable further downloads of malicious programs from the web.

2. Phishing

Phishing attacks send massive amounts of fraudulent emails to unsuspecting users who assume that the source of the mails is legitimate. However, the recipients are often led to a malicious file or script designed that grants access to attackers to a device to control it or gather recon, install malicious scripts/files, or extract sensitive data.

Phishers can also leverage social engineering and other public information sources to collect info about the victim's work, interests, and activities. This enables the attackers to appear reliable to the victim. 

The several different types of phishing attacks are Spear Phishing, Whaling, and Pharming. These attacks can also take place via phone calls (voice phishing) and text messages (SMS phishing). 

3. Denial of service attack

A denial of service (DoS) assault is a sort of cyber-attack that floods computers, servers, or networks with massive traffic, making them unable to respond to legitimate requests. A dispersed denial of service (DDoS) attack uses several infected systems to launch an attack. 

4. Man-in-the-Middle (MITM)

This is a situation when hackers insert themselves between two parties and filter and steal sensitive information. A MITM attack is common when a visitor joins an unsecured public Wi-Fi network. The attackers place a barrier between the visitor and the network before installing malware and stealing data.

5. Zero-day Exploit

A Zero-day Exploit occurs when cybercriminals exploit a network vulnerability when it is new and recently announced. They attack during a short window of time when no patch is released and/or implemented. During this vulnerable period, constant monitoring, proactive detection, and agile threat management practices are key for any business.

6. SQL Injection

Structured Query Language (SQL) injection is a cyber-attack wherein cybercriminals attempt to access the database by uploading malicious SQL scripts. Once successful, the cybercriminal can view, change, or delete data stored in the SQL database. 

7. Advanced Persistent Threats (APT)

This is an advanced persistent threat that occurs when a cybercriminal stealthily gains unauthorized access to a system or network and remains undetected for an extended time. This is done to mine highly sensitive data without being detected. 

Businesses must invest in training their employee(s), ensure their software & systems are up-to-date, ensure endpoint security, set up a firewall, back up data, and regulate access to systems.

Since cyber security attacks are rampant and becoming increasingly sophisticated, it makes sense for an organization to outsource their cyber security to the experts such as Mobile Computer Services. 

Why Mobile Computer Services?

Mobile Computer Services is a professional IT services company that works with small and medium-sized businesses in Wake Forest. The services include:

1. Managed IT services - 24x7 proactive monitoring and management of the company's IT infrastructure.
2. Network services: Comprehensive care for the network systems provided by certified technicians.
3. Business continuity planning: Get the business back on its feet swiftly during and after disasters.
4. IT consulting: High-caliber advice from professional consultants to help achieve business goals.
5. Security: Safeguard business from malicious hackers and cyber attacks.
6. On-demand services: Day or night, the dedicated support staff is always available to assist.
7. Office move: Professional office relocation and network cabling services.
8. VoIP: Reduce telecom expenses and improve communications with powerful phone systems.
9. Email Protection: Protect mail systems from spam and malware.

Contact Mobile Computer Services, Inc. at Wake Forest today at (919) 230-2900 for IT support, services and solutions.