Recent cyber attacks 2020 would remain a remarkable year in history. Apart from pandemic troubles and social distancing, people are forced to get adjusted to the new normal. Where shopping, education, business and everything else spruce up their scopes over the internet, people all around the globe are dependent on online services. As the current scenario promotes a change in the culture, there are possibilities that you can go wrong with phishing emails and malware threats.
Consequently, individuals and even businesses find it difficult to assure network connections. While businesses have availed remote work facilities for employees, the chances have gone upwards that might drive any business to a data breach, loss of business image and bankruptcy. However, cybersecurity awareness and data security measures can save your business from online threats.
Why is there a Huge Rise in Cyber Attacks, Globally?
Different private and public sectors have now established their connection with people, digitally. And, you need not leave your home to get your task done or attend your office. But, everything comes with both benefits and cons. While people are busy in connecting with each other over the internet, the statistics of cyber-attacks have touched the skyline, says a data expert of Atdoorstep. Hackers are taking full advantage of the internet-dependency nature of business owners, staff, pupils and every other individual
Cyber-attackers merely stop themselves from repetitive and cumulative chances to strike out businesses. Current statistics of cyber-attacks reached almost 4000 every day and it’s scary, undoubtedly. Additionally, the hackers try attacking every business out there, irrespective of their size and popularity. They’re not even sparing business tycoons, governmental organizations and medical institutes, as well. The high-profile cyber-attacks have raised a question over the security factors over the internet.
But, how are they invading the businesses? Data security experts of Atdoorstep have marked phishing as one of the most used attacks conducted by the attackers. And, the chances of these cyber-attacks, without any doubt, has increased due to remotely working habits. If one of your employees doesn’t pay much attention to the genuineness of emails and opens up a phishing mail, then your business security might collide with uncertainty. The reasons behind this can be the lack of awareness about cybersecurity and the chaos of the surroundings. Whatever the causes are, the results are severely dreadful.
Is Work-from-Home the only aspect that’s not safe?
Apart from the presence of invaders, on the online platforms, they can be around you, too. For instance, if you are trying to connect to the business working station, on your laptop, and you are in a public space, then you are probably insecure and, so your business is. When you are at an airport, restaurant or park and have to urgently connect to the business portal, any intruder can sneak into your credentials.
Whether the medium is personal or it is a public network that you are entrusting blindly, both are driving you to the edge of vulnerability. Using an open, public Wi-Fi is not a wise idea, at all. Intruders residing on the same network can easily grab your data if you have missed a proper firewall connection. Besides this, availing any unverified application for business tasks is not a smart move, either.
If you fail to render assistance from video-conferencing applications that are not end-to-end encrypted, then you are risking your business confidence. Hackers might invade into your business, clients details, transaction history and much more than you can imagine just through a valuable link.
Apart from phishing emails and over-the-network sneaking manners, ransomware possesses a threat for businesses. They can take your business to bankruptcy or similar financial consequences. Additionally, it can wipe out all your business records and endeavours throughout your business years.
Moreover, the hackers are invading recent medical research that might endanger the entire mankind. Never give any scope to the cyber-attackers to intrude into your personal and professional details, with compact security measures.
Data Security: Do’s and Don’ts regarding Cybersecurity Measures
The key factor behind a safe and protected business ambience is to safeguard both data and its premises. Businesses, whether small or large, might fall as prey to cyber-attacks while ignoring the value and practices regarding data security. The complete protection should enlist data and data residing locations.
Otherwise, a new name popping in the list of affected businesses every day would just be a matter of time. Here are some data security measures that can mitigate the risk factors from the ongoing cyber-attacks.
Switch to End-to-End Encrypted Messengers
Are you sure that no one is trying to sneak into your professionals and personal information? You can’t just shrug off your responsibilities when connecting to other employees on a definite communication platform. Relying on any untrusted and free software for business conferences might invite risks.
Therefore, you should search for end-to-end encrypted messaging and communication platforms. Make sure that multiple communications forms are available on the platform. Additionally, the messenger should have a valid certificate proving the encryption vows.
Telegram Messenger, Signal, WhatsApp, Threema are some of the encrypted messaging platforms that ensure that none can invade into your details except the sender and the recipient. However, WhatsApp offers controversial end-to-end encryptions, suggested by worldwide data security professionals.
Don’t Overlook Employee Education
Employees of your institute are the pivots of an organized business opportunity. On the other hand, if the same employees don’t know how to tackle phishing, ransomware and crypto-jacking, then the consequences can go tragic. So, you need to make your employees aware of grass-root education over cybersecurity strategies.
The global statistics have supported this fact by showing us that most of the companies fell victim to this issue just because of the lack of enough data security knowledge. If your employee clicks on a phishing mail and makes way for ransomware, then it will be too late. Hence, prioritize employee education and save your business from cyber-attacks.
Maintain the Update Regime
If you think that installing a firewall and antivirus can save you from every disaster, that you can think of, then you are probably wrong. The issue with only installed, but not updated security software is, they are unable to prevent new scam or phishing technologies. If any cyber-attacker changes the algorithm of the cyber weapon, then the software pieces can hardly work to keep your details undercover.
Whereas updated software and systems are capable of forbidding anything malicious at the entry. Because they receive time-to-time security patches, that are specifically designed according to the threats. Updated systems are definitely a safer option for you and the business.
Don’t Use Default Passwords
Never settle for easy passwords; be it your office device, own laptop or tablet, always set a strong password. Take your time to create a hard-to-guess password for every system and application, you use. Additionally, don’t leave them exposed.
Finally
To get rid of stress, always wipe out redundant data. Keep testing your data security measures. In addition to this, keep the backup ready and handy. Increase the security measures in your server rooms. Basically, be ready to deal with any kind of cybersecurity invasion with every possible preparation. Don’t compromise your data security strategies, at any cost.
If you find any difficulty then feel free to contact us.