You know the old saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Today’s post is all about prevention. From where do cyberattacks start, understanding how different types of malware work, to how to be prepared for a cyberattack.
Where Do Cyberattcks Start?
Cyberattacks can happen on any device at anytime, so how do you know which devices to protect? To understand this, it will help to see where these attacks come from.
In the past, all attacks came from outside sources, or, in other words, the internet. Cybersecurity companies combatted these attacks by setting up firewalls, Intrusion Detection System (IDS), and Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) systems to block incoming attacks. Anti-virus software also became a reliable program to trust. However, these methods are outdated. Now, attacks can take place just about anywhere.
The malware that hackers now use is encrypted to the point that they are essentially invisible to firewalls and IDS systems. Historically, these edge devices acted as the first line of defense, protecting the network from outside threats, but this is no longer the case. The line of devices that attackers needed to penetrate before they could make a serious breach is no longer a concern to hackers.
Why Do Most Cyberattacks Happen?
Just as military tactics and weapons continue to advance, so do the methods of cyber threats. With these advancements, cyber attackers have devised multiple ways to bypass edge protection and gain direct access from inside the network. This is possible through email phishing, accidentally entering an incorrect site, allowing your employees to access unsecured websites and more.
While networks are still organized from edge devices to wireless access points and then to servers and personal devices, these advanced malware attacks ignore the line of defense that once proved competent. Companies must realize that cyberattacks can occur from within their own network. In fact, many companies still rely on firewalls and anti-virus software. This is not enough. Rather than simple edge protection, companies need cybersecurity solutions that give them full coverage.
With solutions from a reliable cybersecurity company, when an attack is made — no matter where it is coming from — the company is notified immediately, and the attack can be isolated before it spreads. This combination gives companies a centralized security system with all the necessary assistance.
Understanding The Different Types Of Malware
Malicious software — or malware — is discussed when dangerous software is used to access and infect a computer or network without detection. Many people hear terms like viruses, adware, spyware, ransomware, worms, or Trojan horses; these are all different types of malware that can severely damage computers. Cybersecurity companies are constantly on the lookout to find these treacherous codes and put a stop to them before they cause significant damage.
All forms of malware are hazardous once they infiltrate a device, but the way malware functions differs depending on the type. Below is a list of various kinds of malware and short definitions of how they work.
How Do Cyberattacks Affect Organizations:
Viruses:
Function — Software that replicates itself over and over again once it is activated
Threat — Viruses will corrupt or delete data
Location — Comes in emails
Adware:
Function — Software that throws advertisements up on your screen (pop-ups)
Threat — Can also corrupt your server and disable you from getting online
Location — Found on the web; can appear through potentially unwanted programs
Spyware:
Function — software that sneakily clings to your computer’s OS
Threat — collects all kinds of information
Location — Can come in through terms and conditions you agree to
More Than Malware
Malware is not the only form of dangerous online attack; there is also spoofing, phishing, and other security hackers that might be able to penetrate your computer’s primary line of defense.
Ransomware:
Function — Software from crypto-virology that will lock you out of your own files
Threat — They will block you from your own files until you pay a ransom
Location — Usually carried in through a download or an attachment in an email
Extra — Outlaws
Worms:
Function — Software that relies on vulnerabilities in a computer and spreads like a virus
Threat — They replicate to the point that your network is damaged, and bandwidth consumed
Location — Found in vulnerable codes
Trojans:
Function — Software that looks legitimate but is activated once its program is clicked
Threat — Designed to damage your computer in any way — disrupt, steal, infect, etc.
Location — They appear in what looks like typical social media ads or other standard links
These descriptions only summarize some of the key components of what these malicious software programs can do. Still, they all carry equal concern if your computer is affected. In addition, there are a few other types of malware that we haven’t discussed — Botnet, Rootkit, Spam, etc.
When malware was first created, it was used as pranks and experiments, but now it is always destructive. Cybersecurity companies use programs such as SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) solutions to combat these dangerous attacks. If your network or computer is infected by malware, contact a cybersecurity company immediately.
Is Your Company Ready For A Cyberattack?
Is this really a fair question? Can you really be ready for a cyberattack? It’s like an accident. Can you be prepared for an accident? — Yes, you can!
However, if you still need to prepare for a cyberattack, you must not understand an attack’s severe and imminent dangers (and the importance of cybersecurity companies). When you know how many millions of attacks happen each week and understand how much that threat could cost you, you will start to feel the severity of having some quality cybersecurity service. Hackers are coming to your company from all angles, ready to take personal information from you, and you need to be sure you are ready.
It’s not just a matter of, “You should probably do something about that,” it is a, “You NEED to make the necessary adjustments as soon as possible,” and here’s why. In the U.S. alone last year, hackers made 668 million breaches — the year before they made 1.5 billion breaches.
U.S Vs. Global Stats
If your company is based in the U.S., you have a much higher chance of being attacked than the rest of the companies worldwide. Did you know that 38% of cyberattacks are targeted at companies located in the United States?
Where Does Cybersecurity Start?
Now, the point of you reading this is to know if you are safe from cyberattacks — we get it. That’s why you need to understand what kinds of threats you are up against and how you fare. As you know, there are compliance rules and regulations set by HIPAA, PCI, FFIEC, and others that your company must follow. However, plenty of products help you stay within regulation but do not give you the coverage you need. It is wisest to trust a cybersecurity company to ensure the safety of your company’s network.
It is best to rely on a cybersecurity company because their teams are full of cybersecurity experts with the extensive education and experience needed to combat various cyberattacks. Suppose you have a cybersecurity product installed on your network of devices. In that case, you can prevent many attacks, but you are at risk without an expert who constantly reads reports and anticipates the attacks. Experts do not need to turn to a manual whenever there appears to be a threat. Companies need a team to constantly look for things such as zero-day attacks and other unseen threats that may occur.
Just look at all the different cybersecurity companies and products because attacks can come from your cloud, servers, firewalls, SDS systems, personal devices, and more. With a SIEM solution, you will get preventative software and real-time notifications on serious threats, not false positives. In addition, if an attack is detected, your hired team of experts will start working with you to find a solution within minutes of an attack.
The Cost of a Breach!
The average cost of a complete breach in the U.S. in 2018 reached as high as 7.9 million dollars per company; enterprises are constantly being attacked!
To bring everything back around, asking if you are ready for a cyberattack is like asking if you are ready for an accident. When an accident occurs, you can have insurance and the coverage you need to take care of the problem — with a cyberattack if you have a cybersecurity company on your side, you can do the same.
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