6 Ways to Overlook Security Threats to Businesses

IT security management is a strategic activity, as there is always a new security issue to stress about. It is difficult to keep track of every factor that puts businesses at risk. However, a pragmatic approach helps in reducing liability and visibility which enhances the security of an organization.

We cannot escape the reality that cybercriminals will strike. Hackers spread Malware and steal user credentials using existing mechanisms like Malvertising. Cybercriminals are more aggravated to exploit the Internet of Things (IoT).

Although, we have a shortage of skilled cybersecurity experts around the globe; every cybersecurity specialist has a different opinion on which cyber threat to be taken seriously by a business and which ones are a lesser threat to the business. This aspect leads to many businesses letting their guard down when it comes to certain cyber threats.

1. Malware spread via ads –

A malicious cyber tactic that attempts to spread malware via online advertisements is known as Malvertising. Cybercriminals were targeting high-profile social media websites with Malware sort of putting them in the limelight. However, the hackers changed their strategies and focussed mainly on less popular websites, file-sharing websites, and so on. Malvertising became the most reliable revenue generator for cyber attackers. Spreading malware via online adverts helped the hackers gather user identities and gain unauthorized access to the devices. Malvertising can be reduced using ad blockers and patch systems, thus increasing your business's IT security.

2. Internet of Things (IoT) –

I believe that businesses are aware to a certain extent that IoT devices are putting their data and brand reputation at risk. Now, let’s say your employee is working remotely and your employee has IoT appliances in his home, then your business is at risk if the employee’s home is not secure enough. A hacker gaining access to one of the IoT appliances in your employee’s home and if the work laptop is connected to the same network then how can your business be safe? Every employee in any business should be provided adequate training and awareness regarding the cyber security measures overall.

3. Weak data encryption –

Organizations are attempting to implement their encryption policy. Many companies put forth the right encryption methods for a data in-transit but those do not work when it comes to securing the data in storage. IT security is the core of a business. When the data encryption is not secure then the business is at critical risk. Also, the encryption keys are stored on the same device as the data, and access is given to many employees within the organization. To implement a strong encryption method, the encryption keys are to be stored in another system rather than on the same one that holds the data.

4. Fileless Malware – 

1. Fileless malware is a type of harmful software that varies from other malware threats. Hackers constantly find ways to install malicious files on a user’s system. Fileless malware intrusion doesn’t necessarily rely on that. Instead, they are more subtle in accessing the tools and applications which are existing already in your OS. Fileless malware remains untraced behind the authorized applications by performing harmful activity when the legitimate processes are still running. This remains untraced only because it is memory-based.

To safeguard against memory-based cyber threats and attacks, you should uninstall Macros on any end-point or system that doesn’t use them.

5. Evil Maid & Evil Twin attacks

1. An evil maid attack is an attack where hackers obtain physical access from systems that are left unattended to steal data or install malware.

An evil twin attack is a kind of Wi-Fi attack. It occurs when the cyber criminal puts himself in the proximity of a secure hotspot. Upon doing so, the users assume the fake SSID is a legitimate AP and link their devices to it.

The evil maid attack is more common when a person leaves a laptop on and doesn’t lock the system while moving away from their desk. Similarly, anyone can plug in a USB stick and download all the data from the system taking complete advantage of an unattended system.

6. Employees not being aware –

Employees play a major role and they should possess the basic understanding of data privacy and data security. A business should train their employees and spread awareness of data security and protection as it’s the backbone of their business. The problem is, that employees consider Security as a technology issue, and thus, ignorance steps in. However, it is important to educate your employees equally in an organization. Phishing attacks majorly start at low-key employees who are accessible to sensitive data.

Cyber security measures enforced in an organization must fulfill the necessary steps including educating and providing training to all the employees working i.e. IT and non-IT staff.

At Teceze, we offer cyber security consulting and security monitoring services that will keep your businesses on alert for cyber threats and incidents 24/7.

The only way to protect what you’ve worked hard to build is to be vigilant when it comes to cybersecurity. If you’d like to know more about how your business can benefit from managed services, just give us a call, we are here to help.

Any business that uses the internet or email is vulnerable to cyber security threats. Many of those are easy to overlook but can be dangerous to a business.