Businesses nowadays are too confident when it comes to cybersecurity. They overly rely on using outdated defenses, not knowing that hacking tactics are evolving. They don’t even consider taking preventive measures as they believe that having SSL certificates is more than enough to guarantee protection.
What they do not know is that the majority of malware attacks today take advantage of antivirus programs. Attacks have become more advanced, and even the most secure websites cannot identify them. Having said that, it is imperative for businesses to understand how these attacks occur to prevent getting blindsided.
As a business owner, you have to prepare for malware attacks. You have to know what malware can do to your computer and how to keep it at bay.
What Malware Does to Your Computer
Malware is a term that is generally used to describe any malicious software that is designed to disable or damage a computer. A piece of malware could be spyware, viruses, adware, or other sorts of harmful software.
But how can malware impact your computer? Here are some things that malware can do:
- Disrupt system operations
- Steal sensitive information
- Grant unauthorized access to system resources
- Slow down web browser and computer speeds
- Trigger network problems
- Cause computers to freeze or crash
Since most malware types are designed to remain undetected, it is important to take safety precautions. This way, problems like the ones mentioned above can be prevented in the future.
5 Hacks That May Impact Your Business
As a business owner, you should know there are five popular hacks that may impact your business. It is important that you understand how these attacks happen so you can prepare ahead.
Here are five attacks business owners should prepare for:
1. Fileless Malware
Most modern antiviruses are vulnerable to new malware attacks that have been designed to exploit a computer’s weaknesses. Among these new threats is the so-called fileless malware.
According to reports, about 35% of cyberattacks that occurred last year used fileless malware. Unlike traditional malware, it doesn’t install anything. It easily gets past through antivirus programs and secure firewalls undetected as it often comes bundled with legitimate programs and hides inside a computer’s memory.
2. Watering Holes
Just forget about your browser’s whitelist manager. Watering Holes is a sneaky tactic that hackers use to infect businesses and companies.
The way this tactic works is a hacker will breach a trusted website, either directly or through any third-party service. From here, the hacker can send malware to anyone who visits the website. Employees won’t have any idea that something is wrong because browsers are unlikely to notice the attack.
3. Spearphishing
Phishing emails are the number one problem for businesses. In fact, statistics tell that they are accountable for 90% of successful attacks. However, there is this new tactic that is used by hackers today. It’s called spearphishing.
Unlike ordinary phishing emails, spearphishing emails involve the use of well-crafted content that is targeted and customized to entice a certain individual or a group of people. The hacker often does their research first, so they can include specific details in the email.
4. Supply Chain Attacks
Cybercriminals today also take advantage of the relationship that exists between third-party service providers and business owners. They believe that if they can breach one of these providers, they can use the information they get to sneak inside their customers’ networks.
5. Hacking Peripheral Devices
The Internet of Things is truly a powerful innovation, but it’s also quite scary as it is now being exploited by cybercriminals to attack businesses and companies.
As business owners connect their devices within their network, they are also allowing hackers to create new pathways to get in.
What Can You Do?
So, are there ways to avoid a malware infection or attack in your business? Of course! Keep malware away from your computer and your business by considering these tips:
1. Invest in Cyber Security Insurance
Yes, you can get insurance not only for your house or car but also for your business. It’s called the cyber liability insurance.
This type of insurance is designed to protect businesses from different cyber security threats. If a situation is found to be a security breach and your business is held liable, you will end up having to spend money in a lawsuit. As a result, your business will be impacted.
With the cyber liability insurance, you need not worry about this. As long as you purchase the right insurance, all your legal costs are covered.
2. Come Up with a Password Strategy
Some cybersecurity attacks take place because the passwords that employees use are too obvious and easy to guess. To prevent malware attacks due to poor and obvious passwords, it is imperative that you come up with an effective password strategy within your organization.
Sure, you may not be able to put an end to malware attacks, but you can definitely slow down an annoying and persistent cybercriminal. If your network is not that easy to attack, the cybercriminal will be discouraged. He might just think to move on to another business that isn’t as smart as you.
3. Use a Virtual Data Room.
A virtual data room is a reliable way to keep a company’s information secure. This technology makes it easier for employees to share sensitive data within your network.
A virtual data room is simply an online repository that companies use to store data. It’s often used alongside financial transactions.
4. Speak with Experts.
Hiring experts may seem a bit expensive, but it’s actually a smart investment.
If you truly care about cybersecurity, you have to speak with IT security experts. They can inspect your business and suggest the best course of action to take to protect your business from any cyberattack.
When it comes to cybersecurity for your business, you can never be too complacent. If your budget permits, hire an expert. In the long run, you will be glad that you did.
5. Install an Anti-Malware Program.
With a trusted anti-malware program, you can easily neutralize the toughest malware threats on your computer. An anti-malware program generally works to check every corner of a computer, from registry entries to browser extensions. Once it detects something suspicious, it will suggest the removal of the thing.
Stay Safe
Even if you are just a small business owner, you have to take cybersecurity seriously. Always pay attention to ensuring your business’s security and privacy. Familiarize yourself with all possible threats that exist today and keep them at bay with the tips we have provided above.
What other business malware threats do you know? What tactics would you recommend to get rid of them? Share them in the comments.