It seems that every month, there’s a new major data breach on the news—unfortunately, it’s not just a coincidence. On average, there’s a hacker attack every 39 seconds. Cybercrime is becoming more sophisticated and damaging every day, so it’s never been more important than ever to be aware of the threats out there that could put your business at risk.
To help you stay ahead of the curve, we’ll walk you through the most common and dangerous threats to cybersecurity. Knowing what you’re up against is the first step toward building a strong security plan for your business.
Why Businesses Are More Vulnerable Than Ever
Though our reliance on technology has made us more connected than ever, it also makes us more vulnerable. Every day, businesses are collecting and storing a massive amount of data—from passwords to payment info and more—on insecure platforms. This means that a hacker only needs to find one weak link in your security system to gain access and wreak havoc.
Not only is cybercrime on the rise, but it’s also becoming significantly more costly and damaging. The average cost of a data breach in 2022 was a staggering record high of $4.35 million, and experts estimate that the average will rise to $5 million by the end of 2023.
The Top Threats To Cybersecurity
The last thing you want is to be caught blindsided by a vulnerability you didn’t know existed. To ensure you’re prepared for anything, here are the five most common threats to cybersecurity to watch out for:
1. Malware
Malware, short for “malicious software,” is a type of virus that can be used to infect and hijack your computer or server. It’s one of the most common forms of cyberattack and can be used to steal data, access confidential information, or cause other types of damage to your system.
2. Phishing Attacks
Phishing attacks are a top common way for hackers to gain access to information they shouldn’t have. They typically involve sending emails that appear to be from a legitimate source but actually contain malicious links or attachments.
3. Ransomware
Ransomware is a form of malware that encrypts a user’s files which makes them inaccessible until a payment is made. It has become increasingly popular in recent years and can cause serious damage to your business if you fall victim to an attack.
4. Unsecured Wi-Fi Networks
Unsecured Wi-Fi networks are an open invitation for hackers because they can access any data easily that’s being transmitted over the network. To protect yourself, it’s important to use strong passwords and secure configurations on all of your wireless networks.
5. Zero-Day Vulnerabilities and Exploits
Zero-day vulnerabilities and exploits refer to software flaws that have been discovered but not yet fixed. Hackers can use these to gain access to your system, so it’s important to stay up-to-date on any patches or security updates for the programs you’re using.
6. Insider Threats
Finally, it’s important to remember that not all threats to cybersecurity come from outside sources. Insider threats—such as a disgruntled employee or a malicious insider—can be just as damaging and should also be taken into consideration when creating your cybersecurity plan.
Protect Your Business with AIS
Cybersecurity threats are becoming more sophisticated and dangerous every day. To protect your business from a data breach, you need to stay ahead of the curve and understand the risks that could put your company at risk.
Fortunately, AIS can help you achieve just that. Our experts are here to help you build a comprehensive cybersecurity plan that’s tailored to your business and its unique needs. With AIS, you can have peace of mind knowing your business is safe and secure.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help protect your business and be prepared against potential threats to your cybersecurity!