October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, so we’ve rounded up some of the most common cyber threats that businesses face in 2023, from ransomware and phishing to supply chain attacks. We’ve included some practical tips and best practices to help you fortify your defences, but if you’re not sure your cyber security strategy is watertight, don’t hesitate to get in touch and chat to our team of cyber security experts.
Ransomware
Ransomware attacks have become increasingly sophisticated, targeting businesses of all sizes. These malicious attacks encrypt your files and demand a ransom for their release. Here’s how to defend against ransomware:
• Regular Backups: Keep up-to-date backups of your important data. This ensures that even if your files are encrypted, you can restore them without paying the ransom.
• Employee Training: Educate your team about recognising suspicious emails and attachments. Many ransomware attacks begin with a convincing phishing email.
• Patch Management: Regularly update your software and operating systems to patch known vulnerabilities that ransomware can exploit. If you’re not confident you can keep your software and systems updated, call in the experts – we can take care of this for you with remote monitoring that allows us to manage updates and spot problems before they happen.
Phishing Attacks
Phishing remains one of the most common forms of attack for cybercriminals. They masquerade as legitimate entities to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information. To stop phishing attacks in their tracks:
• Education is Key: Train your employees to spot phishing emails and provide them with clear reporting procedures.
• Verify Requests: Encourage your team to think critically and carefully. If an email request seems unusual, verify it through a separate communication channel.
• Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Implement MFA wherever possible to add an extra layer of protection.
Zero-Day Vulnerabilities
Zero-day vulnerabilities are undiscovered software flaws that cyber attackers exploit before developers can create a patch. While challenging to defend against, there are steps you can take:
• Intrusion Detection Systems: Utilise intrusion detection systems that can detect suspicious activities and flag potential zero-day attacks. We can help with this: our monitoring systems allow us to identify breaches as soon as they happen, so we can react quickly to limit damage.
• Security Patches and Updates: Stay vigilant in applying patches promptly. While they won’t prevent zero-day attacks, they can mitigate their impact.
Supply Chain Attacks
In a supply chain attack, attackers infiltrate third-party vendors or service providers to compromise their clients. To guard against supply chain attacks:
• Vendor Risk Assessment: Thoroughly vet third-party vendors and assess their security measures before bringing them on board.
• Continuous Monitoring: Regularly monitor your supply chain for any unusual activities or potential breaches.
Protect your organisation with a proactive approach to cybersecurity
When it comes to protecting your organisation, vigilance and preparedness are key. Closely monitoring your systems means you can address any threats quickly and efficiently, and a robust cyber security strategy will reduce the risk of serious consequences in the event of a cyber attack.
By understanding and proactively defending against these common cyber threats, you can significantly reduce the risk of a successful attack. Remember, cybersecurity is an ongoing process, not a one-time fix. Regular training, updates, and a culture of security awareness are your strongest allies in the fight against cybercrime.
If you’d like help making sure your cyber defences are shored up, or you’d like the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’ve got expert advice and guidance on hand, get in touch to chat to our team.
