Current cyber threats and 10 ways to prevent an attack

Current cyber threats and 10 ways to prevent an attack


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In today's world of passwords and logins, it's only natural that cyber threats are a more of a concern now than a few years ago. It seems that data breaches and attacks make it into the news all too often these days, proving one thing: cyber threats are an issue for everyone and every business.

Note: The data presented in this article comes from the 2015 Verizon Data Report.

Although the threat is widespread from individuals to big corporations, small businesses are quickly becoming more common targets. In fact, 38 percent of all breaches happen in a matter of seconds. This data shows the need for every business to have proper security measures in place and a plan to protect itself if data is breached.

A common question businesses have regarding data breaches is how long, on average, it take people or organizations to realize they have been attacked. Verizon reports that in 25 percent of cases, it takes days or even months for the victim to realize what's happened. The bottom line: Hackers are getting better and smarter with each passing day, so while you may not think you're prime target, threats are still real.

Businesses should be aware that "The top three industries affected are the same as previous years: Public, Information, and Financial Services," according to Verizon.


The top three industries affected are the same as previous years: Public, Information, and Financial Services.

–Verizon


While there's a broad range of threats, over the last 11 years, 96 percent of incidents can be categorized into nine basic patterns (Listed top to bottom from most common to least common).

• Point of sale intrusions

• Crimeware

• Cyber-Espionage

• Insider Misuse

• Web App Attacks

• Miscellaneous Errors

• Physical Theft / Loss

• Payment Card Skimmers

• Denial of Service

Current cyber threats and 10 ways to prevent an attack

Now that you know what the common threats are and industries that are commonly attacked, it's time to learn how to protect yourself. Here are ten ways to protect yourself from online security breaches.

    1. Select strong passwords (numbers and letters) and regularly change them. Do not use the same business passwords on any outside systems.
    1. Train employees in cyber security principles.
    1. Install, use and regularly update antivirus and antispyware software on every computer used in your business and for personal use.
    1. Use a firewall for your Internet connection.
    1. Download and install software updates for your operating systems and applications as they become available.
    1. Make backup copies of important business data and information and keep the backups offline.
    1. Control physical access to your computers and network components (Don't leave your computers open or unlocked while away from your desk).
    1. Secure your Wi-Fi networks. If you have a Wi-Fi network for your workplace make sure it is secure and hidden.
    1. Require individual user accounts for each employee.
    1. Limit employee access to data and information to only what is needed for their job, and limit authority to install software. Employers, especially, should also research and consider cyber liability insurance. Liability for the loss of customer/employee data is not commonly covered with standard business insurance policies.

Perhaps Peggy Larsen, President of Univantage Insurance Solutions said it best. "I think the number one reason most employers don't have cyber liability insurance is they don't know it exists."


I think the number one reason most employers don't have cyber liability insurance is they don't know it exists.

–Peggy Larsen, President of Univantage Insurance Solutions


For more information or resources concerning cyber security, check out Homeland Security's Stop.Think.Connect website. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) also has a tool prime for small businesses.

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