Cybercrime is on the rise, costing businesses billions of dollars every year.
There are many problems that are facing businesses today. One of these problems is the lack of tools, training, and knowledge. Of how to protect the business.
One of the most important things that small business owners should know. Is how to protect their company from cybersecurity threats. Remember – There are many types of cybercriminals. But they all have one thing in common—they want to steal confidential information.
How to prevent cyber crime?
To protect your business. It’s important to be aware of the most common cybersecurity threats that are out there. In this blog post, we will talk about The Top 5 Cybersecurity Threats Businesses Face Today.
What is Ransomware?
Ransomware, is a type of malware that encrypts your data and holds it, hostage until you pay a ransom. Ransomware attacks have been on the rise in recent years. It’s estimated that businesses lose $5 billion to ransomware attacks every year.
There are a few things you can do to protect your business from ransomware attacks:
- Invest in Cybersecurity Software and Training. Ensure you have a good antivirus/anti-malware program installed on all your devices.
- Train employees on how to spot and avoid phishing emails, fake websites, and other scams.
- Back up your data. If you are unfortunate enough to fall victim to a ransomware attack. Having a recent backup of your data will allow you to recover without paying the ransom.
- Keep your operating system and software up to date. Many ransomware variants exploit known security vulnerabilities in outdated software. By keeping your software up to date, you can reduce your chances of infection.
Phishing attacks are one of the most common and effective types of cyberattacks.
Phishing attacks are when cyber criminals send fraudulent emails or texts. Purporting to be from a legitimate source, such as a bank, credit card company, or even an employer. The email will often ask for personal information. Such as your username and password, or ask you to open an attachment or click on a link.
Phishing attacks are so common because they’re incredibly effective.
A study found that 91% of all cyberattacks start with a phishing email. And, according to the FBI. Phishing victims lost an average of $5,000 per incident in 2016 alone. That’s why it’s so important to recognize a phishing email when you see one. The best way to do that is to familiarize yourself with the common signs of a phishing attack.
The most common signs of a Phishing Attack use:
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Urgent or threatening language – Did you know that phishing emails? Often use urgent or threatening language to scare you. For example, they may say that your account will close if you don’t act immediately.
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Request for personal information – One of the most common tactics used in phishing attacks is. To ask for personal information. Such as your username, password, or social security number. The goal is to get you to provide this information. Before you have a chance to think about it and realize that the request is likely fraudulent.
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Poor grammar and spelling – Phishing emails often have poor grammar and spelling. Which is a telltale sign they may not be legitimate. Remember, legitimate organizations are careful with their language. And they will take the time to make sure their emails are correct when written.
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Links or attachments – Phishing emails often include malicious links or attachments. All of which can infect your computer with malware if you click on them. So be very careful about clicking on links or downloading attachments from emails. Especially if they come from sources that you don’t know or trust. (Pro Tip: If you doubt the email, call the person who sent it and ask if it was them who sent it).
Unsecured Networks and Devices
A recent study found that more than half of all data breaches in 2021. Are because of insider error, malicious insiders, and compromised credentials. This is why it’s important to ensure that our information is safe and secure. We need to be vigilant about unsecured networks and connected devices. Because these are often the easiest targets for cybercriminals.
Remember to keep our information safe from these insiders. You need to have a solid security system and procedures in place. We need to be mindful, as not all insiders are acting with the best intentions. There are some people who may want to take our data and use it for evil purposes. If those people have access, it will make it easier for them to get what they are after.
Poor Password Management
Poor password management is one of the top cybersecurity threats facing businesses today. Did you know the most common passwords are “123456”, “password” and “12345678”. These are easy to guess by hackers and can lead to data breaches. Passwords need to be complex, long, and memorable for the user, but difficult for the hacker to guess. It is important for companies to educate their employees about how they should create secure passwords. The type of passwords that are secure, but can be easily remembered by the user.
In order to combat these Cyberthreats. Deliberate preparation is the key instead of waiting for them to happen. Yes, it can seem daunting at first. But by following a few steps, you can improve your overall cybersecurity.
If you need help getting the right security in place, call us at 570-215-8888, or visit us online.
