Cyber-security is a big novelty.
Every business, every organization is a potential target.
The global cost of computer crime
is estimated to reach $ 2 trillion; it's the most serious risk faced by every
business around the world. And yet, despite international awareness campaigns,
many companies are still lagging behind when it comes to understanding and responding
to the growing threat.
Origin of Internet Security Threats
Typically, large-scale external
attacks dominate the headlines. But many everyday Internet
security risks come from inside your business. These could be leaks by
employees who intentionally or accidentally reveal passwords and confidential
information or the action of malicious insiders - known employees or associates
seeking to use their access rights and their credentials information to damage
or exploit corporate networks.
External attackers are of course
a growing threat - looking 24/7 for security holes to gain access to your
systems or to try to make you inaccessible on the web. Any reasonable and
robust approach to Internet
security must recognize and address internal and external threats.
All businesses are in danger. The
connected nature of modern businesses means that hackers will often target
smaller businesses that they will use as a route to then break into their
larger partners, customers or suppliers. Larger companies now routinely demand
that all their vendors and partners, regardless of size, implement effective
Internet security safeguards.
Types of Internet Security Threats
The threat landscape is
constantly changing. Here are some examples of the most common Internet
security threats:
Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks: A network of computers overloads your website or software
with unnecessary information, causing a crash and forcing you to log out. These
can be avoided with total security
software.
Robots and viruses: Malware
that installs itself (bots), or trick employees into installing (Trojans), on
your systems to gain control or steal data. Up-to-date software and SSL
certificates, strong virus protection, and knowledgeable employees can help prevent
these attacks.
Computer hacks:
Malicious third parties find holes in your security to gain access to your
systems and control or steal information. Regular updates of passwords and
security systems are essential to thwart hackers.
Phishing or embezzlement:
Attempts to obtain sensitive information by fraudulently impersonating a
trusted source. Phishing is done through email, while hijacking uses bogus
websites and web servers. Awareness is essential to help all staff avoid this
tactic.
The challenge
Data breaches alone account for
over 4.4 million lost or stolen data records every day worldwide.
Take the 2015 data breach at Talk
Talk, a UK telecommunications company. Hackers accessed web pages containing
databases that were no longer compatible with the author's system, stealing the
personal information of 156,959 customers. The consequences were countless
negative advertisements, reputational damage and a record fine of £ 400,000
imposed by the British authorities. With the significant changes to SSL (which
encrypts many web pages) in 2017, many businesses are at risk.
One of the biggest DDoS attacks
in the world took place in 2016, when the US internet service provider, Dyn,
was targeted. The attackers had exploited the Internet of Things (devices
connected to the Internet such as cameras and refrigerators) to carry out the
attack and suppress many large websites. As the Internet of Things continues to
grow, the risk can only increase.
Internet security threats can
also have a direct impact on a company's products and finances. When Sony
Pictures was hacked in 2014, the leaks threatened to undermine or devalue its
products and ended up costing the company an estimate of $ 300 million. In
2016, the Bangladesh Central Bank lost US $ 80 million as hackers accessed its
systems, stole sensitive information, and transferred funds to fraudulent
foreign accounts.
What Should My Business Do?
However, effective internet
security doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. Think of it the same
way you would approach the physical protection of your home or workplace -
being vigilant, keeping things safe, and making sure everyone on your team knows
what to do (and do not do).
Be careful: A
professional and comprehensive total
security, installed on all company owned and user devices and centrally
managed, acts as your watchful eyes day and night against external threats like
ransomware, phishing and hijacking attempts, and bot / virus attacks.
Secure everything:
Security experts Trustify found that 88% of high profile security breaches in
2015/16 were the result of poor encryption - it's like leaving your front door
open or leaving confidential files open on a desk.
Train everyone: Use internet
security checklists and trainings to keep your team up to speed and fully
aware of internet security issues, implement more in-depth workforce management
solutions, like Chief Information Security Officer-as-a- Service and Data
Protection Officer-as-a-Service, strengthening your organization's compliance
with important standards like the new General Data Protection Regulations
(GDPR), government Cyber Essentials certification and PCI-DSS compliance.
With these high stakes, it has
never been more important to stay ahead of internet security concerns and
ensure your business is protected.
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