Cybersecurity is an issue every business needs to address. No matter what industry you operate in, your data, finances, and reputation are in jeopardy due to the ongoing threat of cyber-attacks. Like most things in the tech industry, cyber threats evolve all the time.
While you might be familiar with the terms, ‘virus’, ‘malware’, and ‘ransomware’, do you know how hackers are using these tools to create the next generation of security threats? Furthermore, are you confident you’d be able to prevent, identify and resolve an attack?
With new forms of security risks developing, it’s important to be vigilant about the dangers your organization is facing. To ensure your cybersecurity strategy is effective, take a look at the three most dangerous cyber threats faced by businesses in 2021:
1. Fileless Attacks
Many traditional cyber-attacks involved placing one or more files on an unsuspecting user’s device. A trojan horse attack typically involves a malicious program file concealed within a legitimate file, for example. However, fileless attacks work without depositing any new files on your system, which means standard security software is often unable to pick up on them.
Instead of something adding something new to your device, a fileless attack may begin by clicking a link or opening an email. By using existing processes, hackers can issue malware more quickly and with greater effect. Although fileless attacks have been around for some time, they’re becoming increasingly common and we’re likely to see many more of them in 2021. Of course, the absence of a file makes it harder to identify or track down the malicious activity that’s taking place, which means more damage can be done.
2. Social Engineering
We know that the majority of security breaches occur due to human error, so it’s not surprising that social engineering attacks are becoming more prevalent. By using tools, such as phishing emails or chatbots, to manipulate users into disclosing information or performing a specific action, unscrupulous hackers can access your data, financial information, and much, much more.
Hackers use a variety of methods to facilitate social engineering attacks. Business email compromise (BEC) techniques involve sending mail that appears to be from senior staff members to junior colleagues, for example, while pharming redirects the user from a legitimate website to a clone.
Email security, firewalls, anti-malware, and access management policies can help to protect your business from social engineering attacks, but educating your staff about security threats is also critical.
3. Remote Attacks and Cloud Services
As millions of businesses switched to remote working in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, hackers changed their methodologies too. Remote attacks on cloud-based services had risen by an incredible 630% by June 2020, and this figure is expected to increase.
Hackers may use remote DDoS attacks to prevent access to your company website, for example. Once this has been achieved, they can effectively hold you to ransom and execute additional measures to steal data, as well as damaging your professional reputation.
However, misconfigured cloud-based services mean hackers often don’t have to go to the trouble of issuing a DDoS attack. If security protocols aren’t properly configured, APIs are left unsecured or weak passwords are used, hackers will have no trouble accessing your cloud-based platforms and data.
Keeping Your Business Secure in 2021
While new threats are emerging all the time, existing cybersecurity risks are ever-present. To protect your organization, you’ll need to ensure that you’re taking a proactive approach to cybersecurity. Of course, few businesses have the in-house resources and expertise to achieve this.
Fortunately, IT support and management solutions make it easy for organizations to access the specialist advice and services they require. With round-the-clock monitoring, advanced security strategies, and continuous testing, IT managed services can be the most effective way to keep your business secure in 2021.
What’s more – outsourcing your cybersecurity and IT support can be a viable way to reduce your expenses while enhancing your security. Instead of hiring full-time IT employees, businesses can drastically reduce their outgoings by working with third-party specialists instead. By doing so, you’ll access the security and support you need, while minimizing your running costs and boosting your profitability.
