Every day, cybercriminals are finding new ways to target businesses and steal their data, either to sell to the highest bidder or just out of sheer maliciousness.
With constant advances in technology and security breaches in the news, it can be tough to know which cybersecurity threats are most likely to affect your business in the near future.
To help you stay ahead of cybercriminals, here are six of the biggest cybersecurity threats facing businesses today.
1. The Human Element
Let’s face it: humans are fallible. Even if your employees are well-trained in cybersecurity, you can’t control how they act outside of work or what software they download on their personal devices.
The more time employees spend away from work—and therefore, away from your oversight—the greater their chances of encountering phishing emails or opening infected attachments.
2. Hacking Attacks
Hackers, cybercriminals, and other malicious actors are always looking for ways to make money off your information. Whether it’s by trying to hack into corporate databases or tricking employees with fraudulent emails, criminals have a variety of schemes up their sleeves. Always use strong passwords and don’t click on unfamiliar links or attachments in emails sent from unknown sources.
You should also scan your computer for malware every so often using a good antivirus program.
3. Malware Attacks
Malware, short for malicious software, refers to any piece of code or application designed to disrupt computer operations, gather sensitive information, or gain access to private computer systems.
For most businesses today—and all small businesses tomorrow—malware is one of their biggest cybersecurity threats.
4. Ransonware Attacks
When a company suffers a ransomware attack, hackers seize control of one or more of its computer systems and demand payment in exchange for access. The WannaCry attack was just one of thousands that have occurred in recent years; it’s estimated that these attacks will become even more common and more damaging in 2022.
To protect yourself from ransomware attacks, you should use advanced anti-virus software and strong passwords.
5. Password Attacks
A security breach in a business’ password system can have devastating effects. If hackers gain access to a network through a password attack, they have free reign to do whatever they want without setting off any alarms.
Fortunately, it’s relatively easy to avoid these attacks. First, use different passwords for each of your accounts and make sure you’re keeping track of them all. Also, use two-factor authentication whenever possible.
6. Data Leakage
Although cyber criminals are getting sneakier by encrypting their attacks, they can’t stop all of your information from leaking onto public networks. When you store data in an unsecure location, anyone—including cybercriminals—can see it.
If there’s one thing to remember about cybersecurity threats, it’s that businesses with negligent employees are vulnerable to security breaches. Always backup your data; never leave information unprotected on public servers.
