- October 1, 2022
- |Articles, Cybersecurity, Videos
Today, most businesses are reliant on online networks, making them more exposed to cyber-attacks. So what are the top cybersecurity risks facing your business? And how can you avoid them?
It only takes one cyber attack or data breach to devastate your company’s financial results. One hacker, virus, or system glitch could shut down an entire business, or even put you out of business, especially if you have no backup plan, like cyber liability insurance. The worst-case scenario that no business owner wants to face is waking up one morning to discover that his network and business systems are under attack, or worse, they have already been hijacked or corrupted.
According to cybersecurity experts from Pavese-mccormick agency, a cyberattack is no longer a matter of if, but a matter of when, and the first step is to know what are you up against, or as Sun Tzu said “If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.”
What are the top cybersecurity risks for businesses?
Cybersecurity risks are becoming more diverse as the technology develops and hackers get more creative, but at the end of the day, it always comes down to a short list of methods:
- Phishing attacks
- Malware infections
- Ransomware attacks
- Insider threats
- DDoS attacks
- Third-party risks
Phishing attacks
Phishing attacks involve cybercriminals sending emails or messages that appear to be from a legitimate source, such as a bank or a trusted vendor. The goal is to trick recipients into providing sensitive information, such as passwords or financial details.
Malware infections
designed to harm networks and computer systems, hampering their normal operations. Malware infections can result in the theft of data, unauthorized access to systems, and even the destruction of data.
Ransomware attacks
Perhaps the worst kind of attack, ransomware encrypts a victim’s files, making them inaccessible, and only releases them back when a ransom is paid. Ransomware attacks can be devastating for businesses, as they can result in data loss and significant downtime.
Insider threats
Insider threats involve employees, contractors, or other trusted individuals who intentionally or unintentionally compromise the security of a business. This can include stealing data, accessing systems without authorization, or accidentally introducing malware to a network.
DDoS attacks
Distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks involve overwhelming a business’s servers with traffic, making their websites or applications inaccessible. DDoS attacks can be used to extort businesses, disrupt services, or distract from other cyberattacks.
Third-party risks
Businesses often rely on third-party vendors for various services, such as cloud storage or software development. However, these vendors can introduce their own cybersecurity risks, such as data breaches or software vulnerabilities.
How can you protect your business from cybersecurity risks?
To protect your business from all sorts of cybersecurity risks you need to take proactive measures, starting with comprehensive cyber liability insurance, and an effective security-mitigation plan that includes strong security protocols, providing employee training, and regularly updating software and systems are essential measures to keep your business safe and working flawlessly.
These protective measures will considerably reduce your exposure to cyber-attacks, while simultaneously increasing your chances of saving your business operations and getting back on your feet rapidly, before more damage is done, and before you start losing your market share. The important thing to consider is that cybersecurity is not a product that you just have to buy once, it is a long-term plan that requires constant updates and improvements.
