- February 17, 2023
- Posted by: Ejiro Diemijenyo
- Categories: Business, Human Resources
WHAT CYBER-ATTACK IS
It is true that small businesses are often targeted by cyber attacks. According to a report published by Verizon in 2020, 43% of cyber attacks targeted small businesses. Small businesses may be more vulnerable to cyber attacks for a number of reasons. They may have fewer resources to devote to cybersecurity and may not have the same level of security measures in place as larger organizations. Additionally, small businesses may be seen as easier targets because they may not have the same level of awareness about cybersecurity threats and how to protect against them. It is important for small businesses to be proactive in protecting their systems and data from cyber attacks. This can include implementing strong passwords, keeping software and security protocols up to date, and educating employees about cyber threats.
TYPES OF CYBER THREATS
There are many different types of cyber threats that can pose a risk to individuals and businesses. Some common types of cyber threats include:
- Viruses and malware
- Ransomware
- Phishing
- Denial of service (DoS) attacks
- SQL injection attacks
Viruses and malware: These are malicious software programs that can infect a computer or network and disrupt or damage system operations. Examples are;
Computer viruses
Trojan horses
Ransomware
Adware
Spyware
Rootkits
Ransomware: This is a type of malware that encrypts a victim’s data and demands a ransom from the victim to restore access to the data. Examples are;
Locker ransomware
Crypto ransomware
Scareware
Mobile ransomware
Phishing: This is a type of social engineering attack in which attackers use fake emails or websites to trick victims into divulging sensitive information, such as login credentials or financial information.
Denial of service (DoS) attacks: These are attacks that aim to make a website or network resource unavailable to users by overwhelming it with traffic from multiple sources. Examples are;
Network-level attacks
Application-level attacks
Distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks
Man-in-the-middle attacks (MITM) : These attacks involve an attacker intercepting communications between two parties in order to gain access to sensitive information. Examples are
WiFi eavesdropping
Email interception
SSL striping
Phone call interception
SQL injection attacks: These attacks involve injecting malicious code into a website’s database through its input fields, allowing the attacker to access sensitive information or take control of the site. Examples are;
Login form attack
Search form attack
URL attack
It is important to be aware of these and other types of cyber threats, and to take steps to protect against them
HOW CAN SMALL BUSINESSES PROTECT FROM CYBER ATTACKS
There are a number of steps that small businesses can take to protect themselves from cyber attacks. Some of the most important include:
- Implement strong passwords and use two-factor authentication whenever possible.
- Keep all software and security protocols up to date, including operating systems, antivirus software, and firewall protection.
- Educate employees about cyber threats and how to identify and prevent them.
- Regularly back up important data to ensure it can be recovered in the event of an attack.
- Use secure networks when accessing sensitive information or conducting online transactions.
- Consider hiring a cybersecurity expert or consulting firm to review your security measures and recommend improvements.
- Use security software and hardware, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and virtual private networks (VPNs), to help protect against cyber attacks.
By following these and other best practices, small businesses can significantly reduce their risk of falling victim to a cyber attack.
IMPORTANCE OF INVESTING IN AN I.T PERSONNEL FOR THE BUSINESS
Investing in an IT personnel can be beneficial for a business in a number of ways. Some of the benefits of having an IT personnel include:
Improved security: An IT personnel can help to identify and address potential security vulnerabilities in a business’s systems and can implement measures to protect against cyber attacks.
Increased efficiency: An IT personnel can help to optimize a business’s systems and processes, which can lead to increased efficiency and productivity.
Better management of IT resources: An IT personnel can help to ensure that a business’s IT resources, such as hardware and software, are being used effectively and efficiently.
Enhanced customer service: An IT personnel can help to resolve technical issues quickly, improving the customer experience.
Reduced risk of data loss: An IT personnel can help to implement measures to protect against data loss, such as regular backups and disaster recovery planning.
Overall, investing in an IT personnel can be a worthwhile investment for a business, as it can help to ensure that the business’s systems and data are secure and well-managed, and can help to improve efficiency and customer service.
At Asksus-ng Business Support Services Limited, we are always on hand to partner with organisations to get qualified staff. We offer full cycle recruitment services and can help you source, facilitate trains and onboard.
We also outsource for our clients.
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