Staying alert to IT security threats is essential to avoid being caught off guard. Cyber attacks are constantly evolving, with attackers becoming more sophisticated. That’s why it’s critical to understand the most common types of threats and follow best practices to keep yourself and your business safe.
Cyber threats can come from various sources—whether it’s an individual hacker attempting to infiltrate through a malicious link or a coordinated attack aimed at an organization’s entire network. Understanding these threats empowers you to put better defenses in place and take proactive steps to reduce risk.
To help you navigate today’s cybersecurity landscape, we’ve compiled the top 6 most common cyber threats, along with tips on how to defend against them:
1- Malware
Malware, or malicious software, is one of the most common cybersecurity threats. It’s a broad term that includes several types of harmful software designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to a system. Some key types of malware include:
• Viruses: This is one of the oldest and best-known types of malware, often embedded in a legitimate program or document that a user opens, which then spreads to other files and programs. Viruses can delete files, steal data, or even completely crash a system.
• Ransomware: Increasingly common, ransomware encrypts data on the target system, locking the user out until a ransom is paid. A prominent example is the WannaCry attack, which affected organizations worldwide. Organizations should have secure, regular backups to reduce the impact of ransomware.
• Spyware: This software silently monitors the user’s activities, often capturing sensitive information such as login credentials or financial details. Spyware is particularly dangerous because it often operates undetected.
• Trojan Horses: Named after the Greek myth, Trojans disguise themselves as legitimate programs but release malicious code once inside. They’re often used to create backdoors into systems for hackers to exploit later.
Each type of malware has its unique entry point. Often, malware enters through email attachments, links, or infected downloads. By encouraging safe browsing habits, routine software updates, and antivirus use, businesses can reduce the risk of a malware infection before it occurs.
2- Social Engineering
Social engineering relies on manipulating human behavior to trick individuals into giving up confidential information or access. It’s one of the more dangerous threats because it bypasses traditional security measures by targeting the “human element.” Common tactics include:
• Phishing: Often in the form of deceptive emails, messages, or websites, phishing tricks recipients into revealing sensitive data. For example, an email might appear to be from a trusted institution asking for a password update or account verification.
• Baiting and Pretexting: Attackers may pose as colleagues or service providers to extract information under false pretenses, making the request seem routine or urgent.
Social engineering attacks exploit emotions like fear, urgency, and trust. Frequent employee training and awareness campaigns are effective defenses, as they teach people to recognize red flags in communications.
3- Data Breaches
A data breach occurs when unauthorized individuals gain access to confidential data, such as customer information, financial records, or intellectual property. Data breaches can result from weak passwords, unsecured networks, or insider threats. High-profile breaches over the years have led to significant reputational and financial losses for companies.
To minimize risk, companies should limit data access to only those employees who need it and implement strict access controls. Regular security audits and password management policies can also help reduce the likelihood of breaches. In many cases, a Managed Service Provider (MSP) can support with these security measures, ensuring that access and data storage protocols remain up-to-date.
4- DDoS Attacks
A Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attack attempts to overwhelm a network or server by flooding it with excessive traffic, leading to service interruptions or downtime. For businesses reliant on online operations, DDoS attacks can severely impact productivity and customer trust.
DDoS attacks are often used to create a distraction, while other attacks are attempted on the network, such as malware or data theft. Companies typically rely on specialized DDoS protection tools to filter out suspicious traffic, keeping essential services running smoothly.
5- Man-in-the-Middle Attacks
In a Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attack, the attacker intercepts communication between two parties, such as a user and a website, to steal data or impersonate one of the participants. Commonly, MitM attacks occur on unsecured public Wi-Fi networks, where hackers can intercept login credentials or other sensitive information.
To avoid falling victim to MitM attacks, it’s crucial to avoid using unsecured networks for accessing sensitive information and to use encryption protocols like HTTPS and VPNs for additional security. Companies can enforce encryption standards for remote access, ensuring a safer experience for remote employees and clients alike.
6- Corporate Account Takeover (CATO)
In a Corporate Account Takeover, attackers gain access to a company’s online accounts—often by stealing credentials—then use this access for unauthorized transactions or to damage the company’s reputation. CATO attacks are typically carried out using phishing tactics or brute-force attacks on weak passwords.
Once hackers gain control of a corporate account, they may redirect funds, alter important data, or use the account to launch additional attacks. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) and regular monitoring of account activity can mitigate these risks, adding extra layers of security against unauthorized access.
How an MSP Can Help You Stay Safe
Working with a Managed Service Provider (MSP) gives your business access to top-tier security tools, expertise, and around-the-clock monitoring. An MSP can proactively identify threats, handle incident response, and provide employee training on security best practices.
By partnering with an MSP, you can maintain a strong security posture without needing a large, in-house security team. If you want to understand more about how can a MSP help your company, schedule a virtual coffee with us and let’s talk about your business issues.
