In a world where people rely on technology to store and transmit much of their sensitive information, it is critical that internet users are aware of the possible risks associated with technology. The internet is always evolving, thus making it critical for our knowledge of safe cybersecurity processes to be constantly growing and evolving with it.
Here is a list of some of the most common cybercrimes to look out for:
- Phishing
- Ransomware
- Internal Attacks
- Unpatched Vulnerabilities and Bugs
- Cyber-physical attacks
- IoT attacks
Cybercrime can cost your business a lot of money and time by maliciously accessing your personal and business information. A simple mistake, such as ignoring a software update, can pose large risks to your network’s business. Taking advantage of simple preventive measures can make all the difference.
Phishing
Phishing is sending emails or messages to unknown targets to collect crucial information. It is a cyber-crime that can result in theft or fraudulent activities. In order to avoid the negative impacts of phishing, you must know how to identify it.
A phishing email often contains hyperlinks, urgency, unclear attachments, and lucrative deals. These emails will try to lure you into opening them. To protect yourself from phishing,
- Make sure you analyze any links or URLs you receive.
- Regularly change your passwords to avoid repeat attacks.
- Use spam filters to weed out any possible malicious emails.
- Managed security services can also install monitoring software to watch for phishing emails.
- Creating phishing awareness campaigns and training through in the office and social networks
Ransomware
Ransomware is a type of cybercrime where malicious software is installed in your computer via email fraudulent links. This software encrypts and locks your storage system with a password. The malware then demands payment through a display message to restore the system.
Here are some precautions you can take against ransomware
- Use proven antivirus software.
- Avoid mistrustful email messages.
- Be keen on controversial websites.
Internal Cyber Attacks
Internal attacks are directed attacks by a current or former employee who seeks to gather business or personal information for malicious use. These employees misuse the information privilege that they have/had to target the company.
To protect your business against internal cyber attacks:
- Ensure your prevention kit is well equipped: antivirus, firewalls, information encryption, email security, etc.
- Ensure both hardware devices, as well as the software, are protected with passwords.
- Limit the information access that you give employees according to their ranks
- Consult managed security services for regular network check-ups
Unpatched Security Vulnerabilities and Bugs
Having unpatched vulnerabilities is a result of ignoring updates. Updates are essential for any computer software or system. They ensure that your computer and network are protected from the latest malware.
Your IT team should ensure that all devices and software are regularly checked for updates and that you are using a quality software system to avoid huge business losses through cybercrime.
Cyber-Physical Attacks
Cyber-physical attacks involve IoT devices. The menace they are creating is on the increase. These attacks originate from IoT devices connected to a network. Hackers then connect their malware to devices such as scooters and tamper with the settings to cause accidents.
The continuous evolution of the internet, especially in this IoT regime, has increased opportunities and threats for users. You should install high-security systems from managed security services to ensure cybersecurity.
IoT (Internet of Things) Attacks
The introduction of the 5G network has birthed IoT devices. Having numerous ‘smart devices’ connected to the internet or other devices through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth poses a risk to a business network.
These devices are not protected, yet they form part of the public network at work. As a result, it exposes the business data and information as the hackers and data hijackers might utilize one of the ring devices to gain access to the business information.
Companies need to acquire managed security services to account for and protect all devices that can access the network. Protecting yourself or a company from cybercrime is a collective effort from the employees and society.
IT firms have more complex systems to protect the business networks and individual computer systems against cybercrimes. Proper sensitization of cybercrimes in your business is necessary to ensure collective effort from the employees.
Educate yourself on cybercrime and be on the lookout for any suspicious activity. In order to take charge of your network, remember that knowledge is power. Working with a trusted provider like Stasmayer allows organizations to create strategies tailored specifically to their needs in order to protect their organization from cyber threats. Take the first step today and contact Stasmayer to discuss your security needs.