As businesses store an increasing amount of data online, they become more vulnerable to cybersecurity threats. This risk is amplified by the shift towards working from home, which exposes the businesses’ system infrastructure vulnerabilities.
Cybercriminals are constantly adapting their techniques; hence, it is crucial to stay ahead of them and ensure that your business pays sufficient attention to cybersecurity issues.
Read on to learn more about cybersecurity and what threats you should look out for.
What is cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity refers to protecting networks, data, and devices from unauthorized access. Common cybersecurity services involve detecting and preventing cyber threats and responding to cyberattacks.
These cyberattacks are staged by individuals with harmful intent who aim to steal data or cause damage to computer systems.
The most common cybersecurity threats are:
1. Malware
Malware, short for “malicious software,” refers to cyberattacks designed to hack or harm computers, services, or networks.
Notably, malware is not restricted to the originally-targeted computer and can spread swiftly through an organization’s network.
One common type of malware is a trojan horse, where the malware is hidden in an application, acting as a legitimate document or software. Once installed on the targeted device, it can execute unauthorized actions.
Other types of malware include viruses and ransomware, which will be further explained below.
2. Virus
Like a biological virus, a computer virus infects your files and programs, disrupting its ability to function optimally.
It is a piece of code attached to an application that executes when a file is opened and is designed to spread across programs and systems. It damages your programs, deletes or corrupts files, or slows down your computer’s performance.
Some signs that you have a virus on your computer include an increase in pop-ups or a slowdown in your network speed.
3. Ransomware
Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts your files. Often spread through email spam, ransomware holds a user or organization’s essential information, such as personal information and databases, for ransom.
These attacks leave businesses with a difficult choice: pay or lose their data. However, even if they pay the hackers, they may not receive access to the data.
4. Phishing
Phishing is a social designing assault that seeks to steal the target’s data, like social security numbers or passwords. Cybercriminals often impersonate a trustworthy party, usually a notable individual or establishment, to trick targets into clicking a malicious link that introduces malware into the system or uncovers private data.
Some signs that you are a target of a phishing attack include messages laced with a sense of urgency or variety in web addresses.
5. Password hacking
With high-speed and specialized programs at their disposal, cybercriminals can test passwords quickly. It is even easier when passwords are based on personal information like birthdays or pet names.
The rise of password hacking attacks has made two-factor authentication a necessity today.
How do cybersecurity threats affect your business?
Cybersecurity threats may lead to network failures that disrupt operations. When customers cannot utilize your service or contact support, they may turn to a competitor, resulting in a loss of sales.
Moreover, most businesses store their organization and their customer’s data online. A data breach is thus likely to put customers’ personal information at risk, which may lead to unhappiness and tarnish the brand’s reputation.
What can you do to protect yourself against cybersecurity threats?
On an individual level, there are several steps you can take to stay safe online, like using different passwords or avoiding pop-up notifications.
It is also crucial to regularly back up all data so that cybercriminals cannot take your data hostage.
You may also consider using Malwarebytes Endpoint Detection and Response, which constantly monitors your devices to detect and respond to cyber threats.
Conclusion
Cybersecurity threats are more prominent and harmful now than ever. Hence, watching out for potential threats like ransomware and phishing attacks is essential.
At IT Block, we offer cybersecurity services that will keep your systems and networks secure. We also provide other IT services, such as IT management services and colocation services.
If you’re looking for IT support in Singapore, don’t hesitate to visit us at https://www.itblock.sg/.
