Cyber attacks are a major security concern for the United States and have been for years. In 2021, governments worldwide saw an increase of 1,885%,
according to SonicWall. It’s estimated that cybercrime could cost the world
10.5 trillion annually by the year 2025. In addition, the growing concern of Russia potentially using cyber threats against United States businesses and infrastructure has made the matter of cyber security an urgent priority that no business can ignore.
As we continue into 2022, it is important for businesses to be aware of the different types of cyber attacks that are out there and how to protect themselves. Below are four examples of cyber attacks that businesses should be on the lookout for:
- DDoS Attacks: A DDoS (distributed denial-of-service) attack is when a hacker overloads a server with requests, causing it to crash. This can be done by using botnets, which are networks of infected computers that can be controlled remotely. DDoS attacks can cause significant financial damage to a company, as well as disrupt its operations.
- Malware Attacks: Malware is malicious software that is designed to steal or damage data. It can be installed on a computer through phishing emails, infected websites, or USB drives. Once installed, malware can steal passwords, credit card numbers, and other sensitive information. It can also damage files and software on the computer.
- Ransomware Attacks: Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts a victim’s files and demands a ransom be paid in order to decrypt them. This can be a devastating attack for businesses, as it can result in the loss of important data or the inability to access critical systems. Ransomware attacks are often carried out by email, with attackers using phishing emails to trick victims into opening infected attachments or clicking on links.
- Social Engineering Attacks: Social engineering attacks are when a hacker tries to gain access to a company’s systems by exploiting its employees. This can be done by sending phishing emails, posing as someone from IT, or calling employees and pretending to be from the bank or another organization. Social engineering attacks are often successful because they exploit human weaknesses, such as the tendency to trust others or the fear of being fired.
These are just a few examples of the types of cyber attacks that businesses need to be aware of. In order to protect themselves, businesses should have a comprehensive security plan in place that includes firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, antivirus and antispyware software, and employee training. In addition, businesses should always backup their data in case of an attack.
Steps to protect your business against cyber threats
The best way to protect your business against a potential cyber attack is to be prepared. Below are some things you can do to help reduce the risk of being a victim of a cyber attack:
- Educate your employees: Employees should be trained on how to spot a phishing email and what to do if they receive one. They should also know not to click on links or open attachments from unknown sources.
- Install security software: Security software, such as firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, and antivirus and antispyware software, can help protect your network from attacks.
- Backup your data: Always backup your data in case of an attack. This way you will be able to restore it if necessary.
- Keep your software up to date: Make sure all of your software is up to date, as this will help reduce your vulnerability to attacks.
- Use strong passwords:
Use strong passwords and change them regularly. Do not use the same password for multiple accounts.
- Limit access to sensitive data: Restrict access to sensitive data to only those who need it. This will help reduce the risk of it being stolen or compromised.
- Disconnect from the internet when not in use: If you are not using the internet, disconnect from it. This will help prevent your computer from being accessed by hackers.
- Monitor your network: Regularly monitor your network for any unusual activity. This can help you spot an attack early and take steps to stop it.
By following these steps, you can help reduce the risk of your business being a victim of a cyber attack. However, no matter how prepared you are, there is always a risk that you could be attacked. Therefore, it is important to have a plan in place for what to do if an attack does occur. This should include having contact information for a reputable IT security company that can help you clean up your systems and restore your data.
Protect Your Business from Cyber Attacks
Cyber attacks are a serious threat to businesses and can have devastating consequences. By being aware of the different types of attacks and having a solid security plan in place, businesses can protect themselves from these attacks and keep their operations running smoothly.
Entre Technologies is a leading provider of cyber security and network security services. We can help you assess your risks and put in place the best security solutions for your business. We provide cyber security protection for businesses located in the Northeast including Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island and New York. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you protect your business from cyber attacks.