No matter how big or small a business is, if any online computer-based tools, systems or software are used, it’s important to be aware of potential cyber threats and take the necessary steps to mitigate them.
Data-rich companies in particular, such as recruitment or law firms, are often a target of cyberattacks due to the large amounts of sensitive data that is dealt with and held. Many companies within the sector rely on online software and management systems to carry out daily tasks and important projects which can make the business vulnerable to security issues – largely due to storing data and private information. This is where the responsibility comes in to keep the data and information safe and secure; cyber security can save a business from becoming the victim of a cyberattack, which could ultimately result in private data confiscation and financial losses.
Mark Wilshaw, Cyber Security Services Manager at SYTECH, the leading digital forensics and cyber security expert, shares insight into some of the biggest threats faced by data-rich companies and the best practices to stay protected from them.
Ransomware
Ransomware is malware that is used to lock and encrypt data, devices, files or systems of victims, making them completely unusable and inaccessible. This type of attack is usually held up until the victim pays the attacker a ransom payment to release access.
A ransomware attack is one of the most common among today’s vast variations of cyberattacks, with most targeting small to medium-sized businesses.
Phishing
A very common delivery method for ransomware is phishing, whereby harmful links or ‘bait’ is sent via a suspicious email or, even an email that appears to be legitimate or from a ‘trusted’ sender but isn’t.
Phishing is a serious threat to recruitment companies, as it can cause significant problems. Not only this, but it only takes an unsuspecting employee who could open the email mistaking it for a genuine one for the worst-case scenario to occur. These emails can unleash viruses or malware with just one click of the email so, employees must be trained to recognise misleading and ingenuine emails, not open them and report them immediately to the appointed person in the business.
Poor Data Management
To avoid practising poor data management, it’s important to ensure that all storage and organisation systems are managed well and kept up to date regularly.
The amount of data stored online is growing by the day and it is crucial to keep the data held in a business safe and controlled to ensure maximum data protection. Only store data that is needed and necessary, and protect this with appropriate software and practices such as implementing strong passwords and security measures that all staff members follow.
Cloud Attacks
Cloud computing systems and services are used more commonly as time goes on as they come with many advantages to business however, they do also come with security challenges. Various cloud-based threats can impact a business while making it vulnerable to cloud attacks, including misconfigured cloud storage, vulnerable cloud applications, incomplete data deletion, compliance issues, reduced visibility and control, and incorrect cloud settings.
Cloud attacks involve malicious activities that target businesses that use cloud computing systems and services. Attackers seek out and target vulnerabilities in cloud infrastructure, user accounts or applications to gain unauthorised access, steal confidential, private and sensitive data, jeopardise data integrity or cause a general disruption to the services. As a result, it’s key for recruitment firms to safeguard their critical data on the cloud services and systems that are installed across the company.
Out-of-Date Software
For any business, out-of-date software presents a major risk. A large number of high-profile security breaches have occurred as a result of a piece of software not being up to date and therefore, introducing unnecessary vulnerabilities into an environment.
However, there is a simple solution – to operate regular patch management, the process of applying updates to software, drivers and firmware.
Third-Party Exposure
Another way a business may be impacted by cybercriminals is when they outsmart security systems by hacking networks that aren’t thoroughly protected. These could belong to third parties with privileged access to the hacker’s primary target. Businesses can be at a higher risk of this happening by working with independent contractors to complete work rather than in-house employees, for example.
Insider Threat
An insider threat is a concerning danger for employers to experience as this involves a level of mistrust from an employee, former employee, business associate or contractor; anyone who has dealt with or currently works for the company who may have or have had access to inside information concerning the company’s security practices, data and online systems.
Social Engineering
A social engineering attack is when cybercriminals work on manipulating a person or multiple people into exposing sensitive and private information that can compromise a company’s security. Unfortunately, social engineering tactics carried out by cybercriminals are becoming more common and effective as the years go by.
Social engineering can involve cybercriminals sending persuasive and personalised messages or emails to trick individuals or creating a fictional identity to gain an employee’s trust through calls or emails. Being the victim of a social engineering attack can leave companies at a financial loss, reputational damage and sometimes costly legal repair.
Employee Training
There is great value in ensuring that all employees are trained to understand the importance of cyber security practices by running new starters through your practices so each employee is in the know and reiterating the importance of those policies every few months.
Practices may include establishing appropriate internet use guidelines that detail penalties for going against cyber security practices, implementing strong passwords across all software and systems, and establishing how to handle and protect customer information and any other vital data.
All employees should be educated about the different types of attacks that cybercriminals are capable of, and the importance of vigilance. Keeping on top of cyber security practices such as installing and maintaining up-to-date security software, implementing multi-factor authentication, and reviewing and updating security protocols are essential in preventing cyberattacks.For further information visit https://sytech-consultants.com/
