The latest cybersecurity threats and how to protect yourself and your business
Cyber threats are so prevalent these days that there is a month dedicated to cybersecurity! This is a good time to become updated on cyber threats and familiarize yourself with the steps to take to safeguard your business. Here are a few of the most common hazards we’re seeing.
Supply Chain Attacks
- What it is: Cybercriminals target vulnerabilities in a business's supply chain technology. Their goal is to use the platform as a conduit to distribute malware into larger networks.
- What you can do: Keep up with system patches and updates. Use a monitoring tool to identify and stop suspicious activity. Install controls to ensure staff are only running products from trusted sources. Finally, require admins and other users to use two-factor authentication.
Trojans
- What it is: Named after the famous Trojan horse, this malicious software is disguised as a legitimate program. Once installed it can create a backdoor to gain access or give attackers remote control of the affected system. Users click on a link that hides the Trojan malware or unknowingly download it along with legitimate software. Once the file is clicked and opened, the download proceeds to install malware onto the device.
- What you can do: Install a Trojan antivirus on your computer. Never open an attachment or download an attachment from a source you don’t recognize or trust.
Artificial Intelligence Cyber Threats
- What it is: AI is used to craft convincing communications such as emails and messages to mimic legitimate communications with the objective of obtaining sensitive and valuable information. For instance, attackers mimic chatbots or virtual assistants capable of interactions with users to get their private information.
- What you can do: Fight fire with fire. Use AI-powered security tools to monitor network traffic, identify irregularities and help predict potential attacks.
DNS Tunneling
- What it is: DNS Tunneling is a technique where attackers hide data or send commands by disguising them within regular DNS (domain name system) requests, which are usually used to look up website addresses. DNS traffic isn't often closely monitored, so this method gives hackers a “tunnel” to release malware or steal information without being easily noticed.
- What you can do: Monitor DNS traffic. Look for an unusually high volume of DNS queries or requests to unknown domains. Utilize firewalls to block DNS traffic besides authorized servers.
As cyber threats continue to evolve and become more sophisticated, so must our defenses. National Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a perfect time to educate yourself on recent cyber threats and look to strengthen your cybersecurity. ICC can help you put together a comprehensive defense plan to keep your data and devices secure and performing at their best. ICC’s managed services include network security, email security, and quality control reviews. If you are missing one piece of the pie, you may be putting your business at risk and not being fully efficient. Contact us to get started with a consultation.
