When we take a look at the cyber attacks from recent years, perhaps most concerning is how adversaries target and exploit data at a faster rate than in the past. Not being a victim of these cyber attacks requires businesses and individuals to become well-informed about the risks and dangers surrounding cyber security.
Ransomware, malware on mobile devices, and attacks because of cloud vulnerabilities are three of the main risks organizations can expect to face this year, according to the Sophos 2022 Threat Report.
Ransomware
Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts data on a device, making them useless for the files and the systems that rely on them. Then, in exchange for decryption, the attackers want a ransom.
Ransomware attacks may disrupt business operations and leave companies without the data they need to run and deliver mission-critical services. The economic and reputational repercussions of ransomware attacks have proven difficult for both large and small businesses.
Unfortunately, this type of cyber attack is becoming more common. Ransomware was voted the top threat category for 2021, and attacks grew by more than 140% in just the third quarter of that year. Ransomware is rapidly changing, and it will continue to have an impact on all industries in 2022 and beyond.
How to protect your business from a ransomware attack
Defending against ransomware necessitates a comprehensive strategy that involves your whole business.
? Keep backups: Backing up crucial data is the single most efficient technique to recover from a ransomware attack. However, there are a few things to think about. Your backup files should be properly protected and stored offline so that attackers cannot target them. Make sure to test backups for effectiveness on a regular basis.
? Create policies and plans: Make a ransomware incident response strategy so that your IT security staff understands what to do in the case of a ransomware attack. Defining responsibilities during an attack should be part of the strategy.
? Make your endpoints more durable: Ensure that your systems are set up to be secure. Secure configuration options can help your business reduce its attack surface and fix security vulnerabilities caused by default setups.
Malware on mobile devices
Mobile malware is malicious software that is meant to attack mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets in order to obtain access to personal information. Cybersecurity statistics show that it’s becoming a bigger problem in 2022 since many organizations now let employees connect to corporate networks using their personal devices, possibly exposing themselves to new risks.
Downloading malicious apps, using a mobile device with operating system vulnerabilities, reading questionable emails, accessing nonsecure Wi-Fi and URLs, and getting text message phishing are all ways people get malware on their mobile devices.
Malware prevention tips for mobile devices
? Keep your software up to date: Everything from your operating system to your social media applications might be used by hackers to get access to your mobile device. Updating software provides the best defense against the majority of mobile security risks.
? Download apps via official stores: Google (News - Alert) Play and App Store both regulate the applications they offer, however, third-party app stores don’t always do so. Downloading your apps from official stores will lower your risk of malware.
Attacks because of cloud vulnerabilities
Organizations are increasingly turning to the cloud to accelerate their digital transformation. Despite the growing popularity of cloud computing, data security remains a major worry for many businesses in clouds. Improper Remote Desktop Protocol administration, misconfigurations, inadequate authentication, and shadow IT use, among other things, are some of the leading sources of cloud vulnerabilities.
Misconfiguration and a lack of staff with proper cybersecurity skills play a big part in data breaches in 2022, with cloud infrastructure seeing a surge in hostile activity. Organizations believe that since they run their operations and store their data on the cloud, they don’t need to worry about security. Cybercriminals take advantage of this attitude.
How to avoid cloud security threats
? Encryption is essential: Cloud encryption is essential for cyber security. It lets data and text be altered using encryption techniques before being uploaded to a cloud storage service.
? Pay attention to passwords: Since files are compressed and password-protected, it’s critical to use a strong password. Unfortunately, the majority of passwords can be broken in a matter of seconds. Although we have an inclination to reuse passwords, don’t fall into that trap. To keep hackers at bay, create unique and strong passwords.
? Educate your workers: The security dangers in most firms are caused by an uninformed staff. You can reduce risk and prevent cloud security issues by educating your personnel on suitable protection measures.
Final words
Cybercrime is a persistent danger to organizations, and they must take efforts to protect their data. While you can’t always control everything, a multilayered and preventative strategy for cybersecurity may help reduce the majority of threats. The odds of stopping attackers increase dramatically when your personnel and systems are continually hunting for indicators of cyber attacks.
Don’t wait until it’s too late; take action now to avoid future data breaches and the resulting repercussions.
