Cybersecurity risks remain extremely real and prevalent, and nearly every type of organization in any industry can fall prey to these threats. Even the smallest of businesses can be targeted, so it’s always essential to implement effective strategies to protect yourself against these threats, including network security risks and data breaches.
Notable IT Security Risks For Small Businesses
This is especially important because the tactics utilized by hackers and other malicious agents have become more sophisticated, which means the coordinated attacks they launch have also become more complex. Let’s closely analyze five such risks and appropriate ways to protect yourself against them.
Installing Malware Inside The Network
Cybersecurity threats such as viruses and trojans are included in malware. Malware essentially refers to malicious code that attackers create in order to access an organization’s networks and steal (or destroy) information. Spam emails, non-secure website downloads, and connections established with infected devices or computers all frequently lead to the appearance of malware.
According to Verizon, 28% of breaches in 2019 involved malware, and 27% of malware incidents can be attributed to ransomware, which is a form of malware that encrypts a victim’s files. In these cases, the malicious agent will demand a “ransom” from his/her victim as a way of guaranteeing restored access to the data that was compromised.
Phishing For Your Employees’ Data
Phishing attacks are among the most common types of threats individuals within an organization face today. Phishing is the phenomenon that occurs when a malicious agent poses as a known contact and subsequently dupes a user into clicking on an unsafe link, downloading something malicious, or releasing personal information (contact information, address, account details, income, etc.).
According to Cybint Solutions, 62% of businesses experienced phishing and social engineering attacks in 2018. The company also estimated that 43% of cyberattacks target small businesses. There are several precautions you can take in order to protect yourself against phishing attacks. You can establish a strong email security gateway such as Mimecast, set up post-delivery protection like IRONSCALES, or implement security awareness training.
Lack Of Digital Hygiene & Training
You and all of your organization’s employees should always remain informed about the most recent digital trends and processes. If you are not aware of which strategies are the most effective for combating each type of risk or issue, you will not be fully prepared to face these threats. Therefore, it’s important to introduce cybersecurity awareness and digital hygiene at all levels of your organization.
The simple act of emphasizing practices such as the use of strong passwords and multi-factor authentication technologies can ultimately make a significant difference in your organization’s overall level of security.
Hackers Holding Small Businesses For Ransom
As previously mentioned, hackers can go after businesses via a type of attack known as ransomware. It’s important to develop effective strategies against ransomware, partly because of how dangerous this attack can be. According to the cybersecurity news website CSO, 67% of businesses that have been victims of ransomware have permanently lost part of or all their organization’s data.
The emergence of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ripple, and Litecoin played a part in accelerating the increase in ransomware, given that ransom demands can be paid anonymously with these types of currencies.
Contact The IT Security Experts At SeaGlass
Reach out to the professionals at SeaGlass Technology in New York City to learn more about the different types of network security risks your organization may face. We are an IT security company that is dedicated to providing clients with the most innovative and efficient solutions, which we can customize to meet your unique needs and objectives.
The staff at SeaGlass are highly certified and have extensive knowledge of top OEMs and ISVs. Thus, we can determine which technologies are best suited for each specific case and issue. We can perform a network security assessment to identify any weaknesses within your network(s) that may make your organization more vulnerable to data breaches and other similar attacks if not addressed promptly. Call SeaGlass Technology today at 212.886.0790 or schedule a consultation online for more information about our IT security services.