Beware of the Cyber Security Threats

Cybersecurity has never been more important than it is now.

More businesses are relying on technology to support their business model and operations on an ongoing basis than ever before. With this incredibly flexible, cost-effective opportunity comes a huge threat: cyberattacks.

Researchers define cyberattacks as occurrences taking place anywhere in the digital supply chain, such as:

• scanning/exploiting vulnerabilities,
• sending phishing emails,
• malicious website access,
• malicious file downloads (from web/email),
• second-stage downloads (executing malicious file downloads), and
• command-and-control communications.

During 2021, businesses suffered 50% more cyberattack attempts each week, reaching an all-time high by the end of the year. While many large businesses did suffer breaches, small and medium businesses (SMEs) were an easier target for hackers because of their lack of resources and security expertise.

Globally, SMEs’ cyber security experience involves:

• Insufficient security measures: 45% say their processes are ineffective at mitigating attacks.
• Frequency of attacks: 66% have experienced a cyberattack in the past 12 months.
• Background of attacks: 69% say cyberattacks are becoming more targeted.

The most common types of attacks on small businesses include:

• Phishing/Social manipulation: 57%
• Compromised/Stolen devices: 33%
• Credential theft: 30%

43% of cyberattacks are aimed at small businesses. 40% of the small businesses that faced a severe cyberattack experienced at least eight hours of downtime. Yet research shows that only 14% are prepared to defend themselves.

Improving Your Cyber Security

1. Use up-to-date software. This reduces the potential for attacks as your network, firewalls, anti-malware and anti-virus software are current.
2. Offer cyber security training to employees. Increased understanding of potential threats and deployment of best practise significantly reduces human cyber risk. This can cover topics such as how to spot if your email has been compromised and how to prevent a data breach.
3. Regular, secure data backup, with encryption of sensitive data.

The biggest issue affecting cyber security is human behaviour. Cybint reports that 95% of cyber security breaches are caused by human error. Technology is important, however employees are business’ first line of defence against cyberattack.

“Through our managed IT service, we have an increasing amount of contact with employees reporting suspicious occurrences,” says Eric Hughes of EMH Technology. “It’s vital that your team know how to spot and avoid potential cyber security problems and adopt best practise for cyber security.”

Does your organisation have enough protection against cyberattack?

Are your employees aware of the best way to avoid cyber security pitfalls?

Enjoy plain-speaking, expert advice tailored to your organisation. Find out more by contacting the team at EMH Technology.