Computer network attacks have the potential to severely disrupt business operations and cause losses. Any size company needs to take the necessary safety measures to protect its networks, systems, and data. Before you can begin compiling an exhaustive list of prospective cyber defense services, information about cyberattacks, and specifics on how NetWitness helps enterprises preserve their data, you must first fully understand the various types of cyberattacks that are now being deployed. The following are some examples of the kind of hacks that businesses should be aware of:
Cryptovirus
Ransomware is a type of harmful software that cybercriminals can employ to take over your laptop and encrypt its contents. The data will be encrypted by the attacker, who will then demand payment to decrypt it. Malware is usually distributed via malicious URLs and email attachments, however unprotected operating systems can also be an attack vector.
A type of malware called ransomware can do significant damage to your business by interfering with regular operations and requesting a large payment. Using the most recent software updates and maintaining good online hygiene are essential. One thing you may do is refrain from clicking on links that you receive from senders you do not know. Moreover, the likelihood of data recovery in the event of an assault is increased with a dependable backup system in place.
Scams and Fraud
Phishing is a kind of cyberattack that aims to trick a target into providing money or divulging personal information. A cyberattack type that exists is the phishing scam. When contacting the victim by email, text message, or any other means, the attacker usually assumes the identity of a reputable company, bank, or government body. This was a common tactic employed by the attacker. The email may link to or be associated with risky, hazardous, or dangerous websites.
You’ll be secure if you don’t open any file attachments or click on any dubious URLs in the discussion. As soon as you can, contact the corporation by phone or through their official website to verify the source of the communication.
Never send private information by text or email, including your password, bank account number, or Social Security number. Any passwords that may have been used are also necessary. Any connections that raise red flags ought to be reported to your company’s information technology (IT) or security department. Phishing scams can be avoided by being cautious and keeping up to date on the latest information on internet dangers.
Misbranding
Malvertising is a type of cyberattack when malware is distributed on computer systems through malicious advertising. This is achieved by targeting specific websites with malicious software. These potentially harmful advertisements could appear on websites that appear trustworthy but are actually malevolent. If someone clicks on this advertisement without employing cyber defense services, they run the risk of installing dangerous software on their computer. The two most prevalent kinds of malware are viruses that cause extortion and keylogging.
Since malvertising attempts typically aim to deceive multiple people at once, they can be challenging to identify. It is possible to safeguard oneself against potentially hazardous advertising by updating the security components of your computer software and exercising caution while clicking on online advertisements. It’s crucial to look into a website before visiting it to ascertain its reputation and level of trustworthiness. By closely following these safety precautions, you can protect yourself from deceptive advertising and other online threats.
A Breach of Information
One of the most common risks that modern consumers and businesses face is the possibility of a data breach. When personal information is taken from networks or systems, it is called a data breach. This type of illegal action usually originates from the use of risky software or vulnerabilities in computer networks. Trade secrets, intellectual property, and financial and consumer data are a few types of data.
A data security breach may cause financial loss, potentially significant financial loss, as well as harm to a company’s reputation. Any of these events could occur concurrently. Data breaches may lead to identity theft and other types of cybercrime, with potentially dire consequences for the victims.
Consequently, individuals and institutions must exercise caution while implementing security protocols to safeguard confidential information and must be uncompromising in their efforts to maintain cybersecurity. Using strong passwords, two-factor authentication, regular system maintenance, and purchasing cyber insurance are examples of preventative actions. Preparation is required to minimize the harm that will be done in the event that the assault is successful. Examples include data encryption, disaster recovery plans, and routine data backups.
Making Use of the Internet of Things
The hazards linked with the Internet of Things pose a serious threat to businesses worldwide. By 2020, it is anticipated that there will be more than 20 billion connected Internet of Things devices worldwide. An environment that is ideal for criminal conduct has been created by the widespread use of linked devices and equipment.
While there are many different ways that attacks on the Internet of Things can manifest themselves, their primary objective is always to get access to networks that are either weak or open. Hackers may be able to get hold of private information held by a business or take over the equipment that has access to it if insufficient security measures are in place. There may be system failures, data breaches, or device damage thereafter.
While working to protect their networks, organizations need to be aware of the risks posed by attacks arising from the Internet of Things (IoT). This means determining the system’s vulnerabilities—such as out-of-date software or easily guessed passwords—and ensuring that the appropriate security measures are in place to safeguard it. Businesses should also check any external entry points for indications of unlawful activity. Their vulnerability to an Internet of Things assault would be reduced if they implemented this protection precaution.
Attacks Employing a Variety of Social Engineering Techniques
Social engineering attacks employ guile and deceit to obtain access to computer networks or private information. Usually, the perpetrators of these attacks assume the identity of another individual, such as an IT specialist or a customer support agent. If they are successful, they will obtain a variety of credentials, including credit card information, login credentials, and so forth. They might even post fictitious updates on social media that appear to be urgent or send “phishing” emails that contain potentially dangerous links or files.
Individuals are often conned into disclosing personal information, including financial information. It is advisable that you educate yourself on the many forms of attack and take the necessary safety measures to keep yourself safe. Make sure the person asking the information is who they say they are before opening any files or downloading anything from a website you weren’t expecting to see. This includes seeing email attachments. Watch out for communications that ask for personal information or are bothersome.
Network security evaluation is NetWitness’s area of expertise. Our company offers a number of services, ours being only one of them, all aimed at helping your company keep your important data as secret as possible.
If you want to prevent unauthorized access to your data, you need to implement stringent network security procedures. As far as security measures go, installing firewalls and anti-malware programs ought to be priority one. The next step is to ensure that every one of your systems and devices has the most recent security updates installed. It’s also a good idea to routinely monitor network traffic for any possibly harmful behavior or illegal attempts to access the system. This is done to identify any potential risks that might be present.
