Today more than ever, technology is woven into almost everything we do. From feeding the dog to running a business, technology plays a vital role in getting it done smoothly. When it comes to running a business, IT services are more important than just about anything.
We’ve all had that one day at work where the computers went down, or something happened, and business was at a virtual standstill unit IT Services managed to get things going again. Well, IT Services also offer vital protection for your business.
Nearly every 40 seconds, a cyberattack occurs, costing Americans an estimated $6.9 billion annually, and over 40 percent of cyberattacks target small businesses. Here are 5 different cyberattacks that can occur with proper IT services protection.
Cyberattacks Using Malware
Nearly 95 percent of cyberattacks are tied to human error. Small businesses are targeted, and malicious code is distributed after cyber criminals infiltrate the business’s website or operating system. Once the malicious code is there, it’s only a matter of time before someone views or interacts with it.
Malware is simply malicious code or software. It is most often secretly inserted and poses a significant threat to the operating system and its applications. It compromises data, its integrity, and availability. Once inserted and distributed within a system, malware typically causes widespread damage and is a huge disruption to the business.
Spyware is a type of malware that has become much more common in recent years. Spyware is intended specifically to violate privacy. It is inserted into a system to track activities for the purposes of committing financial fraud. Reputable IT Services can help protect your system from everyday threats like malware and spyware before they cause widespread damage.
Cyberattacks Using Ransomware
Ransomware is a type of malware that has grown into its own public threat because it’s one of the most popular methods of attack today. Ransomware prevents users from accessing the information in their systems using a type of malware and asks for online payment for access to the data or operating system.
This online payment is often requested in virtual currency, like Ethereum or Bitcoin, because it’s virtually untraceable. Ransomware is virtually undetectable before it is inserted and encrypts your data. It’s best to focus on preventing Ransomware through employee training programs and strong IT Services which provide security controls.
Many businesses even focus on developing continuity and incident response plans in the event of a ransomware attack. Strong continuity response plans coupled with appropriate IT Services is the best way to protect your business from a Ransomware attack.
DDoS Attacks (Distributed Denial of Service)
DDoS Attacks are typically the distraction created so other cyberattacks or criminal financial fraud can take place easily. DDoS Attacks usually overwhelm an online service with traffic for multiple locations and sources, making it temporarily unavailable. Users notice a significant slowing in website response times during a DDoS Attack.
DDoS Attacks used to be viewed as more of a nuisance, but that just gave cybercriminals the time to perfect their strategy. DDoS Attacks rose over 900 percent in 2020 alone, making it one of the top 4 cyber threats to small businesses today.
Large networks of infected computers are called Botnets, and they are developed by cybercriminals who plant malware. Cybercriminals then use those Botnets for sophisticated scouting missions to find the most vulnerable operating systems. They even try to avoid detection by reconfiguring themselves with Artificial Intelligence (AI). The best way to avoid a DDoS Attack is by retaining the IT Services of an experienced professional who knows how to protect your system.
Attacks Using Spam and Phishing Attempts
Spam includes unwanted or unsolicited material, typically in the form of email messages. Social engineering in an attempt to uncover sensitive financial information is typically known as phishing but it’s all fraud. Spam can often be used to throw users off guard before a sophisticated phishing attempt.
Phishing usually comes in the form of a legitimate message complete with official logos and names. It often takes the form of a warning message related to one of your accounts. It will ask you to confirm sensitive information or change your password by following a link to a website that only appears to be legitimate.
Any information entered becomes the property of the cybercriminal, and they will use that information to commit financial fraud and sometimes even steal an identity. Highly skilled IT services will be able to help prevent many phishing attacks and spam, but employee training is also paramount.
CATO Attacks (Corporate Account Takeover)
CATO attacks are happening more often every day, and they are costing billions. CATO Attacks typically start with a Malware attack where a vulnerable computer or operating system is infected. Cybercriminals are then able to steal sensitive employee information and sometimes credentials that can be used in a larger attack.
One cybercriminal has access to these credentials; they use them to initial fraudulent ACH and wire transfers, sending unauthorized funds to their own accounts overseas. For example, a California construction company was robbed of over $100,000 in 2010 when cyber criminals hacked into the banking system and made 2 transactions using the office manager’s username and password. It was later learned that the office manager had violated company policy by visiting a social networking site where her computer was infected with undetected malware.
IT Services Can Protect Against Cyber Attacks
Over 95 percent of successful cyber-attacks are tied to human error in some aspect. The help of a highly skilled Managed IT Services company can also help guard against those cyber attacks you can’t prepare for. Cyber security is essential for small businesses, and they need the same quality protection and service as those larger corporations. The right IT Services company can provide the protection needed for peace of mind to ensure your business can run smoothly in its day-to-day operations. When it comes to high-quality IT Services, you don’t have to sell an arm and a leg to get the security that’s right for your business.
