Telcom and Cyber Security Blog

Know what cybersecurity threats could impact your company

Dec 15, 2022 | Business, CMMC Compliance, Cyber Security, Managed IT, NIST Compliance

Knowing what cybersecurity threats could impact your company is important as a business owner. By knowing what these threats are, you can take steps to protect yourself and your data. This blog post will discuss each threat type and provide tips on staying safe online.

The cyber-world is constantly changing and evolving, so it is important to stay informed of the different types of threats out there. Cyber attacks can have serious consequences, both financially and in terms of reputation, so it is important to take all the necessary steps to protect yourself. This is why cybersecurity is so important.

What Is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is a broad term that describes any measures organizations or individuals take to protect themselves from cyber-attacks. These include using strong passwords and firewalls, implementing antivirus software, encrypting data, and regularly updating software programs. Cybersecurity also includes educating employees on the best practices for staying safe online.

Cyber attacks can come from anywhere and take many forms. If your business is not prepared, you could be at risk. By preparing yourself and your organization, you can protect your business against cyber threats.

The Common Types of Cybersecurity Threats

The reason why cyber attacks are so dangerous is that there are many types of threats out there. Here are the top common types of cyber threats you should be aware of.

Malware
- Malware is malicious software used to gain immediate access to a system or network without permission. There are several ways malware can find its way onto your company’s system, such as phishing email attachments or drive-by downloads from malicious websites. Malware comes in wide varieties, including viruses, worms, Trojans, spyware, and ran
- somware. Not only can it steal personal or company data if left unchecked, but it can also damage systems and hijack devices.
- Malware attacks can ruin a business– sometimes beyond repair. Data might get stolen or corrupted, systems could go offline indefinitely, and a company’s reputation might be dragged through the mud. To avoid all this, you should have antivirus software that is always up-to-date. Additionally, it falls on you to educate your employees about being vigilant when clicking on links and attachments (especially if they’re from unknown sources). Doing routine backups will help, too, in case any data gets lost in an attack. Lastly, every computer needs to be protected at the application level.
Phishing
- Phishing is a specific type of cyber attack where attackers send emails or text messages that appear to be from legitimate sources to get victims to disclose confidential information such as passwords, credit cards, and banking information. It is important to be aware of phishing attacks as they can lead to identity theft, financial losses, and data breaches.
- You can protect yourself from phishing by being extra vigilant when opening emails or clicking on links. If anything looks suspicious or out of the ordinary, don’t open it. Additionally, ensure your employees know phishing attacks and how to spot them.
Denial of Service (DoS)
- A denial of service (DoS) attack is when an attacker attempts to make a computer or network resources unavailable to its users. This can be done by overwhelming the target with traffic so it cannot respond to or process requests.
- To protect yourself from DoS attacks, you should use firewalls and intrusion-detection systems and dedicate resources to monitor your systems and networks for suspicious activity. Additionally, if you are a web-based business, use external services such as Cloudflare or Akamai to protect against DoS attacks.
Man-in-the-Middle (MitM)
- A man-in-the-middle attack is when a malicious actor intercepts communications between two parties to gain acce
  ss to confidential information. The attacker can see and manipulate the communication without either party knowing it is happening.
- Encryption protocols such as SSL/TLS can help protect against MitM attacks and implement strong authentication measures like two-factor authentication. Educating your employees about the dangers of MitM attacks and how to spot them is also important.
Password Attacks
- Password attacks are when attackers try to gain access to an account by guessing or cracking passwords. This can be done through brute-force methods, where attackers use automated tools to guess millions of passwords quickly.
- To protect against password attacks, you should use strong passwords and change them regularly. Additionally, using two-factor authentication goes a long way in protecting against brute force attacks.

How Can You Protect Yourself From Cybersecurity Threats?

With so many cybersecurity threats, it’s important to be prepared and protect yourself. Here are some security tips on how you can stay safe online:

Use strong passwords and change them regularly:

Passwords should be at least eight to ten characters long and use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. If you need to remember them, use a password manager like LastPass.

Enable two-factor authentication:

Two-factor authentication (2FA) will add an extra layer of network security to your accounts by requiring you to enter a code sent to your phone or email after entering your password.

Use encryption protocols such as SSL/TLS:

SSL/TLS is an encryption protocol used to protect data in transit. It ensures only the sender and receiver can access the data, making it difficult for attackers to steal or modify your information.

Back up your data regularly:

Regularly backing up your data—whether manual or automated—ensures you have secure access to all your files in case of a cybersecurity attack.

Use antivirus software:

Antivirus software is the best way to protect yourself from viruses, malware, and other malicious programs. Make sure you keep it up-to-date so it can detect the most recent threats.

Regularly monitor your accounts:

Monitor your accounts regularly for any suspicious activity. Contact your financial institution or provider immediately if you notice anything unusual.

Be careful with what you share online:

Be extra cautious when sharing personal information online—even if it seems like a harmless post. It’s also important to be

Educate yourself and employees about cyber threats:

It’s important for everyone to stay up-to-date on the latest information on cybersecurity threats and how to protect yourself. Educate yourself and your employees on the latest cybersecurity trends and best practices.

Implement network security protocols:

Network security protocols such as firewalls, intrusion prevention systems, and virtual private networks (VPNs) help protect your network from outside threats. Make sure these are up-to-date and properly configured to ensure maximum protection.

The tips above can help protect your business and organization from cybersecurity threats. However, no security measures are foolproof, so it’s important to stay vigilant and continue monitoring your systems for any suspicious activity.

Conclusion

Cybersecurity is a critical issue in today’s increasingly digital world. Understanding the different types of cybersecurity threats and how to protect your business from them is essential to keeping your data and systems safe. By putting the right security measures in place and staying vigilant, you can protect your business against cybersecurity threats.