Did you know that the global cost of cyber attacks is expected to grow 15% annually and by $10 trillion (as per cybersecurityventures.com)? How prepared are organizations for this? Research shows that an incident response plan can reduce data breach costs by 61%. Ransomware attacks accounted for 11% of all breaches.
Yahoo Finance conducted a survey and found that 78% of respondents felt their company's security needed to be modified. 43% of businesses do not have cyber defenses. You can train your cybersecurity professionals using Cyber Security courses to combat these cyber threats effectively. We will discuss how to prevent cyber attacks and how businesses can stay secure.
What is Cyber Attack?
Cyberattacks involve different actions taken by threat actors to infiltrate another organization's information systems. An individual or group of people who use different techniques, methods, and procedures to carry out the attacks. Cybercriminals, hackers, threat actors, and bad actors are all used to describe people carrying out these types of threats. They find weaknesses, vulnerabilities, and problems in computer systems.
How can you Prevent Cyber Attacks Effectively?
Follow these steps to identify cyber-attack solutions:
Step 1: Implement Zero Trust Inspection
Security efforts have become centered on verifying everything and not trusting anybody. Companies are now focusing on multi-factor authentication and encryption. Some businesses misunderstand zero trust as a product or feature. It is a risk-based method to map any event's probability, frequency, impact, and severity and prioritize the most important threats.
Step 2: Outsource your Protection Needs to a Cybersecurity Firm
Businesses can find cybersecurity challenging, especially for those with limited budgets. Expert companies can provide skilled IT professionals to manage your network, prevent attacks, and monitor online threats. Knowing that professionals are dealing with cyberattacks, you can also concentrate on your business.
Step 3: Encrypt Data when Sharing or Uploading Online
Encrypting data or using a cloud storage provider that offers end-to-end encryption is another way to prevent cyber criminals from intercepting it during transfers. Keep the decryption keys safe if the software encrypts data before it can be stored online. You will lose your data otherwise.
Cyber threat prevention requires using a VPN to encrypt your network via the control panel settings. This will ensure that data transfers and online interactions are secure and safe. Cybercriminals can use companies to collect and store sensitive information, which could compromise business data.
Step 4: Teach Employees About Online Safety
Many employees are not tech-savvy because they work remotely. Collaboration has been made more difficult by unsecured Wi-Fi networks and work-from-home policies. This will prevent unauthorized access to databases.
Companies must create a workplace culture that recognizes cyber security's importance. It is important to explain the steps to prevent cybercrime and to have a cyber incident response plan in place to enable employees to deal with all threats and data breaches. They should be trained to monitor which sensitive information is being sent and ignored.
Step 5: Use Passphrases or Create Complex Passwords
Employees have difficulty remembering user credentials, so they often use simple credentials. Bad passwords can make it easy for hackers to steal credentials. Companies must therefore focus on passwordless and UEBA strategies to protect user accounts. These technologies and techniques not only increase security but also enhance user experience.
Step 6: Establish Online Safety Guidelines
Hackers can still target it no matter how secure your network infrastructure is. Businesses need to establish online safety guidelines and update their incident response plan. Security companies and IT personnel know what their roles and responsibilities are in the event of a security breach. It doesn't matter if it is ransomware or any other breach; quick response can make all the difference.
Step 7: Secure Employee Information and Store Data Securely
Hackers use social engineering to manipulate people, steal private information, and often use it for their ends. Companies should restrict the information they share online about employees and their businesses. Cybercriminals will be open to stealing your data if it isn't secure. Data backups are available to help protect sensitive data from loss, theft, destruction, and natural disaster. It is also possible to store your data online using encryption. Cybercriminals are attracted to businesses that store and collect personally identifiable information.
Step 8: Create Mutual Cybersecurity Policies with Business Partners
It is essential to have strict policies in place for your business. Therefore, it is important to coordinate online safety measures to eliminate potential loopholes and ensure your business is fully secured.
To check the recovery process, access the backup files and download them. Identify and fix the weaknesses to ensure your backup files aren't corrupted. You can also continue performing other maintenance tasks, such as deleting files that aren't needed or enrolling in IT Security courses to learn about cybersecurity policies.
Step 9: Conduct a Regular Audit of Cyber Protection Procedures
While automation may not answer all cyber security problems, AI-powered and Machine Learning tools can make it easier to establish security monitoring. Cloud security automation is a cost-effective but time-consuming way to protect your distributed networks.
Automation in cloud investing also helps reduce the time, resources, and money required to investigate an incident's root cause, extent, and impact. Companies need to be able to automatically collect and process data in the cloud, given the volume of data stored today.
Security teams shouldn't worry about how they will interact with different cloud teams or access requirements.
Step 10: Install Top-Security Antivirus Software and End-Point Protection
It is much more expensive to lose data than to secure it with high-quality cybersecurity software. Antivirus software will protect your network against viruses and restrict unauthorized access. They will also access your disks and devices to prevent malicious attacks on your business. You can learn more by enrolling in certified Ethical Hacker Training and helping to prevent your business leaders from being hacked.
Hackers stole more than half a million personal records from various websites. These attacks are not limited to large tech companies. Yahoo established a $ 117.5 million settlement fund to compensate users whose data was stolen in the attacks of 2012 and 2016.
We need to know what hackers want before we can understand how hackers attack. Hackers are mostly a group of programmers looking for easy money. These hackers are called "rookies". They mostly target small businesses. They inject viruses into websites by finding loopholes in them.
Other hackers attempt to scam the victim by reaching out to them. This is the most common hacking technique. These hackers use "phishing techniques" to send you emails from the Mozambique king requesting that you become a partner in his wealth.
There are also organized hacker groups that are supported by the government and are designed to attack enemy states. Hackers can hack into government agencies to steal classified information. Israel used this tactic to attack Iran's missile program.
Hackers can hack into any business, large or small, in today's digital age. Hackers are looking for everything. You must stay ahead of hackers, whether a small business or a large conglomerate.
We Offer Techniques That Will Help you Secure your Online Business Entity
Advanced Security
First, upgrade your security. This means you must ensure that your website and software compliance is maintained at least once a month. Your staff should not be allowed to install unapproved software. Only IT personnel should have the right to install software on your system. This will ensure that all systems connected to the main hub are secure.
Be Aware of and Be Safe
Next, ensure that your staff knows the cyber security threats and how they can be tackled. You should ensure they know the phishing tactics and schemes that could compromise your customers' and company's data.
Even those without IT degrees staff are often not vigilant when dealing with suspicious online links. Educating your staff about these dangers is better by regularly informing them.
According to reports that over 70% of hackers target small businesses. This is because their websites don't have very strict security measures. These advanced security threats are worth your attention:
Read More: What Is Cyber Security? Its Important & Common Myths
AI Fuzzing:
AI-enabled robots now exist that send random software to servers to test their resistance to crashing. These AI fuzzing techniques could lead to massive DDoS attacks at a higher level.
Cloud Vulnerabilities:
Over 70% of companies use cloud storage to store their data. Amazon holds the largest share of the cloud market. Cloud services will become more dependent on each other, making them more vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Hackers could find loopholes within cloud services and use them to gain access and steal data.
Cybersecurity Assessments
Cybersecurity is all about your knowledge. It is impossible to believe that your cybersecurity practices and measures protect you. You can get a Cybersecurity Assessment to confirm this. This assessment aims to identify vulnerabilities that could compromise your network's security, privacy, or operations. Working with an IT specialist who is experienced in routine cybersecurity assessments will help you ensure that your network is secure from hackers. These critical cybersecurity assessments are necessary to determine if your business is at risk.
Machine Learning Poisoning:
Hackers can easily manipulate Machine Learning Algorithms to inject poison (a code that causes harm to the system). Most companies use machine learning programs. Companies must be aware of the possibilities.
Smart Contract Manipulation
Smart contracts are now mainstream, thanks to Ethereum and other cryptocurrencies. What if someone has control of the blockchain used by these cryptocurrencies? They could then manipulate all data simultaneously, creating chaos within the financial sector.
Deep Fake
Phishing is now a more sophisticated form of the old-fashioned method. Deep fake is computer vision that creates bots that look like humans. These bots can then create an alternative version of what they say.
Ensure Your Presence
Cyber threats are a serious threat to security and awareness. Are your applications safe? Can you enable "two-factor authentication (2FA)" on all applications and systems? Are mobile notifications available for systems that are logged into by users? These are the things you should be measuring.
Microsoft and Google now offer the Authenticator app. This app can be used in conjunction with any company application. The app will send a code to your smartphone, which can only be accessed through the app receiver. It provides maximum 2FA security for all applications.
Security Policy and Backup
Is your company covered by a backup and security policy? It is time to establish one. Many companies don't know what a security policy or backup is. Most companies rely on their hosting company to provide backups.
If the security of your hosting company is compromised, it can pose a serious threat. You should also ensure that your Data Recovery (DR)site is available in an emergency. This can be done by having a solid backup policy and security policy.
Also, read Service Providers vs In-House: Which offers the best security for your business data.
Your company will not have to ask the hosting provider for data in case of hacking attempts. It could be detrimental to your business if it is delayed.
Get External Help
You can do very few things when there are so many security threats. External site audits are also important. AVG internet security, Norton and Kaspersky are all top antivirus software. They also offer assistance in site and system auditing.
You can also hire third-party penetration services to test the vulnerabilities in your system/software/applications.
Encrypt Data Regularly
Encrypt any information that you share through applications when you transfer it. Use a software program like Passpack to share passwords via email or Skype. It allows for storing and securing your passwords using strong encryption and administrative controls.
Also, ensure that files shared within your organization are stored in secure formats. A minimum password layer is required to ensure that data does not fall into the wrong hands.
Cyber Security Insurance
Cybersecurity insurance ensures you are fully compensated for any damage caused by a hacking attack. Hackers can strike anyone. It is crucial to be aware, protected, and insured.
Types of Cyber Attacks
Many types of cyberattacks can occur. Let's take a look at the following:
Let's look at some examples of cyber criminals.
1. Password Attack
A password attack is a type of attack in which a hacker steals your password using password-cracking tools such as Cain, Abel, and Aircrack. Let's see how you can prevent cyber attacks.
Use different passwords for different accounts or websites.
Strong alphanumeric passwords and special characters are recommended
Do not leave any password hint unprotected
Keep the password secret until you reach the limit
2. Malware Attack
Malware is one of the most prevalent cyberattacks. It refers to malicious software viruses such as ransomware and spyware.
Malware can infiltrate a network by exploiting vulnerabilities. When the user clicks on the malicious link, the attachment is downloaded, and the attack occurs. Let's see how we can stop a cyberattack or prevent malware attacks.
Antivirus software is a good way to protect your computer from malware.
Firewalls can be used to filter traffic from your device.
Be alert, and don't click on any suspicious links.
Upgrading your operating system.
3. Phishing Attack
Phishing is a common type of cyberattack. The attacker pretends to be trusted and sends a fake email to the victim.
The victim is unaware of the attack and accidentally opens the mail. They click on the infected link. The attacker gains all confidential information.
Here are some ways to minimize phishing attacks and avoid cyber attacks.
Anti-phishing tools are available
Examine the emails
Keep changing your passwords
4. SQL Injection Attack
SQL injection attacks are carried out on data-driven websites by hackers manipulating the standard query. This is done by inserting malicious code in the website's vulnerable search box. The attacker can view, edit, and delete tables from the database. Let's learn how to protect your business from cyber-attacks.
5. Man-in-the-Middle Attack
MITM is also known as an eavesdropping or hacking attack. It works in two-party communications. The attacker hacks communication between the client and host. Hackers can then steal and manipulate client data.
The following tips can prevent MIMT. Let's now learn how to stop a cyberattack.
Do not use public Wi-Fi networks.
Pay attention to the security sites you use
Encrypt your devices
6. DNS Tunneling
DNS Tunneling is a cyber attack that targets the data of other programs and protocols. It can be used to attack DNS queries and their responses. This attack is more like an Internet phone book, including payloads. To protect yourself from DNS tunneling
Block the DNS tunnel protocol by using the protocol object
7. Denial-of-Service Attack
Companies are at risk from a Denial-of-Service Attack. This is when hackers attack the network or servers to flood them with large amounts of traffic to decrease their bandwidth and exhaust their resources.
The servers may have difficulty meeting income requests when an attack occurs. This may cause slow website speeds or even shut down. For protection against cyber attacks, you must:
To identify inappropriate traffic, do a traffic analysis
Be aware of warning signs such as intermittent website downtime, network slowdowns, and so on
Make an incident response plan. Have a checklist.
Cloud-based service providers can take care of DDoS prevention.
8. Zero-Day Exploit
Zero-day Exploit is when the network is vulnerable, and there is no way to fix it. This is when the vendor sends a notification to the user. The time it takes to fix an attack will vary depending on the vulnerability. The hacker then targets the vulnerability and exploits it before the solution can be implemented. It would help if you were prepared to defend yourself against cyber attacks.
To help you respond to cyber attacks, create an incident response plan.
A well-communicated process for patch management is essential
9. Cryptojacking
Cryptojacking refers to cryptocurrency mining. It is when an attacker hacks another person's device to mine cryptocurrency. Access is gained by manipulating the victim into clicking on infected links or altering the website. Online ads may also contain JavaScript code, which the attacker sometimes uses to attack.
Let's learn how to stop a cyber attack against businesses by cryptojacking
Make sure you keep your software up-to-date and that you regularly check security apps
Offer employees training in crypto-jacking awareness
Install an ad-blocking program
10. Social Engineering
Social engineering attacks involve human activities such as manipulating people to break security procedures and practices to gain unauthorized access to the network or system. Hackers use social engineering to disguise their true motives and hide their real intentions. They pretend to be trusted sources. This allows hackers to influence people and manipulate them into releasing sensitive information.
Most Notable Cyber Attacks in Recent Historical History
Let's take a look at some cyber attacks that have had an impact on the world.
1. Kaseya Ransomware Attack
A supply chain attack has occurred at Kaseya, a US-based provider of remote management software. The entire scenario was made public on July 2, 2021, and was reported as highly complex.
A credentials leakage, a flaw in business logic, a fake update to the software, and many other things were involved. A Russian cybercriminal group called REvil carried out the attack. Reports claim that approximately 800-1500 SMBs were infected shortly after the attack.
2. SolarWinds Supply Chain Attack
This massive chain attack was detected in December 2020. It was named after the victim SolarWinds. The attack compromised SolarWinds's Orion software platform.
This attack was the most severe in the United States, as it had broken into the US military and many federal agencies.
3. Amazon DDoS Attack
Amazon Web Service (AWS) was the victim of a large-scale DDoS assault. The DDoS attack had a packet forwarding rate of 293.1 Mpps and affected 2.3 Tbps of the company.
4. Twitter Celebrities Attack
Three attackers used social engineering to hack Twitter and steal credentials. This hacked dozens of popular accounts, including Elon Musk, Barack Obama, Jeff Bezos, and Obama.
Bottom line
Cyberattacks are common, but they can be prevented. Cyber attacks are preventable if you use a multi-layered cyber security architecture that can be used across all networks. These key points should also be noted:
- Choose a prevention detection plan.
- Make sure you keep your security updates up-to-date.
- Be sure to check all loopholes.
- Use advanced technologies.
- Keep your threat intelligence current.
Cyber-security is best when you are proactive rather than reactive. Websites and e-commerce sites have more information than any other source about an individual today. This information can endanger the individual's life if it is not used properly.
