Businesses operating in today’s always-online environment are faced with a constant struggle to protect their data and prevent cybercrime. In this digital world, cybercriminals constantly evolve their methods of attack to stay one step ahead of security solutions.
Cybercrime costs the world billions of dollars each year; a recent report stated the global losses totaled over $1 trillion in 2020 – more than double from 2018. Organizations of all sizes are becoming aware of the risks posed by cybercrime and are investing in measures to prevent it.
It is essential that companies have access to a cybersecurity solution to effectively prevent cyberattacks, while also detecting and alerting on security breaches as soon as they occur.
The importance of cybersecurity cannot be overstated. Once data has been stolen or exposed, it is very difficult to get it back. If an incident occurs and a company’s security has been breached, then it is critical the incident be immediately recognized and reported.
It is also crucial that your business understands why the incident occurred in the first place so it can take steps to prevent the same thing from happening. A cybersecurity breach can be used by cybercriminals as a door to gain access to other systems where they can further their own interests at the expense of the organization. It can also be used to carry out other cybercrimes.
Cyberattacks can take many forms, from relatively minor incidents such as a breach of an employee’s computer, to major attacks which could result in a significant loss of sensitive data.
There are many different types of cyberattacks, and not all of them result in data breaches. Some of the more common types of attacks are:
Denial of service (DOS): A DOS attack involves sending a flood of traffic to a system, often via a botnet, with the goal of crashing the system.
Malware: Malicious software is developed to steal sensitive data, distribute viruses or hold files hostage.
Ransomware: a type of malware that restricts access to the computer system or data until a ransom is paid. Ransomware usually spreads through phishing emails and infected websites. Once the ransomware enters the system, it encrypts all files in the system, making them inaccessible to users.
Phishing: A phishing attack involves sending emails that appear to be from a legitimate source, often a company’s own system, in an effort to obtain sensitive information such as usernames, passwords or credit card numbers.
Vandalism: In a vandalism attack, cybercriminals attempt to tamper with a system by deleting or modifying data.
Sensitive data can be any kind of data a business does not want to be accessed by third parties. Examples include financial information such as credit card numbers, customer details or banking information, or data that relates to a person’s health, such as medical records.
Any sensitive data should be encrypted to prevent third parties from accessing it. An encryption key should be kept in a safe place and only accessible to those who need to know it in order to properly secure the system.
Cyberattacks are the fastest-growing crime in America, and businesses need to invest in cybersecurity solutions that not only detect threats, but also mitigate them before they cause any harm or loss of information. The 2017 Equifax breach proves just how vulnerable any business’ data is at all times.
Cybersecurity requires 24/7/365 monitoring of systems. It is critical to have an alarm system in place to warn company personnel when these systems are under attack. This allows personnel to take protective action before the incident is widespread.
The most reliable and proactive managed service providers (MSPs) offer 24/7/365 monitoring services. These services are a dependable way to stay informed if a critical system is attacked or if a system failure occurs.
It is important to regularly back up data, both to prevent data loss due to accidents or human error, and to protect against data breaches. Backups reduce the risk that a system failure or natural disaster will cause a data loss or a breach.
Regularly backing up data to an outside location, such as an off-site storage facility, cloud or data haven, will protect your business against system failures, human error and natural disasters.
Cybersecurity is important to protect data and critical systems. It is essential for companies to have access to a cybersecurity solution that effectively prevents cyberattacks, while also detecting and alerting on security breaches as soon as they occur.
The cybersecurity specialists at BCS365 will safeguard your private data with 24/7/365 network security monitoring, ensuring your investments are secure and providing alerts at any sign of unauthorized or suspicious activity.