Hudson Integrated, Author at Micro Strategies Inc

3 Common Ransomware Tactics Used By Hackers Against Businesses

Posted on October 19, 2022October 19, 2022 by Hudson Integrated

Here, we go through 3 common ransomware tactics that hackers use against businesses

Hackers are becoming more sophisticated day by day by developing and deploying the most feared forms of malware. A greater number of attacks have been reported in the first quarter of 2022 than in the entire of 2021. None of the business organizations are immune to ransomware attacks. This article lists some of the common ransomware tactics used by hackers to target business organizations.

Email Phishing

The most common tactic used by hackers to spread ransomware is phishing emails. The rise in electronic communication has increased the risk of email phishing. It is a form of social engineering attack that makes use of electronic communication and human interactions to send deceptive email attachments including links and files to steal confidential information. Ransomware is spread in the target network by using various file formats including ZIP files, word documents, PDF, and JavaScript.

When the victim opens a malicious attachment or link, ransomware is automatically launched in the target system. Once the ransomware is initiated, it begins infecting the entire system. Only one careless click can allow attackers to enter an organization’s network. Cybercriminals use email phishing to abstract corporate information as well as to infect computers and infiltrate business networks.

Planning And Launching The Ransomware

This is how hackers plan ransomware attacks through email phishing.

To get access to the victim’s system, hackers create files and links that contain malware.
Hackers then email these malicious files to their targets.
When the victim clicks on the link or opens the attachment, ransomware automatically spreads into the system.
As soon as the ransomware encrypts the data and takes hold of the victim’s system, the hackers demand a ransom for handing over the decryption key.

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)

The remote desktop protocol is another well-known mechanism used by cyber criminals to infect the victim’s system. Port 3389 is typically used for running remote desktop protocol. RDP was designed to allow IT, directors to get safe and remote access to the user’s system. RDP enables them to configure or use the system.

Although RDP has several benefits, it creates a vulnerability in the security system that allow intruders to gain unauthorized access to the system.

Removable Devices

Removable devices such as pen drives, external drives, USBs, etc. are used every day to save and transfer data. In addition, removable media is also used by business organizations to transfer data from one system to another. This gives hackers an entryway to try and break into the system using removable devices.

Removable devices are commonly used by ransomware attackers to get into an organization. Hackers infect the target system with ransomware through USB devices. Here is how it’s done:

Malicious ransomware code is put into the USB device by hackers.
The USB containing malicious code is sent to the target organization.
As soon as the USB is plugged into the system, the ransomware is automatically launched into the system.
Once the ransomware has successfully taken hold of the target system, hackers have access to the system.

Avoid clicking on attachments and links from unknown email senders. Regular data backups and up-to-date antivirus software can help protect your system from malware attacks.

If you are interested in protecting your business or company from many cyber security threats, you can call Micro Strategies at their toll-free number, 888-467-6588. We are a company that specializes in business, IT, and security solutions. We are located in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New England, and New York. Our team will assess your business and recommend a fantastic plan that best meets your business needs.

How To Remove Ransomware From a Business Network

Posted on October 8, 2022October 8, 2022 by Hudson Integrated

Here are four tried-and-true steps for removing ransomware from a business network

Whether the victim is a small business or a multinational company, ransomware attacks are debilitating. In each case, prevention is the key to keeping ransomware attacks at bay. However, if the attack has occurred you can still recover your sensitive data. Continue reading to uncover four steps to remove ransomware attacks from your business network.

Key Steps To Remove Ransomware

Regardless of the proper preparation and security protocols, ransomware attacks can still make it past all the defenses. Detection of the attack as early as possible is critical to prevent the malware from spreading to other systems and devices. Employees who encounter ransomware attacks should quickly notify the security and help desk team.

Follow these steps to successfully remove ransomware from your business network.

Step 1: Isolation Of the Infected Device

If you suspect ransomware has taken over your network, disconnect the affected system from all the wired or wireless networks. This includes disconnecting the internet, mobile devices, flash drives, cloud storage accounts, external hard drives, and network drives. This practice is essential to prevent ransomware from spreading to other systems.

Check if any device connected to the affected device has been infected by the attack. Remove the malware from the system immediately, if the ransom has not been demanded yet. However, if the ransom has been demanded, engage cautiously with the perpetrators. FBI recommends against paying the ransom.

Step 2: Determining The Type Of Attack

Remediation efforts can be initiated accordingly when the type of ransomware is identified. For instance, remediation may not be possible if the device access is blocked as in a locker ransomware attack. The infected device or network needs to be examined by an expert security professional so that the problem can be diagnosed. Some software tools can also help diagnose the problem. some of these tools are available as freeware while others require a subscription.

Step 3: Removal Of The Ransomware

The ransomware needs to be removed before a system can be recovered. During the initial phase of the attack, the launched malware takes over a system, encrypts important files, and locks the system’s access. A decryption key is then required to unlock or decrypt the system. However, the key is provided by the attackers only after receiving the demanded ransom.

Here are a few things you can do to remove the ransomware.

Sometimes the ransomware deletes itself after having infected the targeted system. While other times, it stays on the system even after infecting the files. Therefore, it is necessary to check if the ransomware is deleted or is still present in the system.
Most antimalware software can successfully quarantine and remove the malware so it would be helpful to use them.
Another thing you can do is work with the security team to remove the ransomware from your network. You can hire third-party support for this purpose.
See if you can remove the malware manually by uninstalling the ransomware file from your device.

Step 4: Recover the system

Once you have successfully removed the ransomware from your system, the next step is to recover your critical data. This can be done by restoring the version of the operating system before the occurrence of the attack. Restore your backups by using the system restore function, in case the backups were not locked or encrypted. However, the files created after the last backup date will not be recovered with this method. Most mainstream OS has tools that can help recover data and restore the compromised system.

When you have recovered your system, do the following:

Implement strict security measures as soon as possible, and update all passwords as well as security access codes.
Ensure that firewall rules and anti-virus software are updated to their latest version. Install stronger security software if necessary.
Follow ransomware prevention protocols so that future attacks can be avoided.

3 Counter-Measures Against Ransomware That Work

Posted on September 30, 2022September 30, 2022 by Hudson Integrated

To protect your network, learn the top 3 counter-measures against ransomware attack

As the tactics of cybercriminals are evolving, so should the cybersecurity practices to counteract these attacks grow. Therefore, up-to-date ransomware defense strategies should be the priority of any individual or business. Keep reading to learn about countermeasures that can help you protect against ransomware attacks.

Encourage Employee Awareness And Administrative Controls

Implementation of administrative controls can help mitigate the risk and impact of ransomware attacks. Design security awareness programs to ensure that your employees understand the dos and don’ts of email phishing and security. Employee awareness and knowledge play a critical role in improving email security and reducing the number of cybersecurity threats. Help your employees transform from targets to defenders by equipping them with tricks and techniques to identify, avoid and report malicious emails.

This will help keep the organization’s critical information, operations, and finances safe. The employee awareness programs should focus on safe computing practices. The employees must know how to look out for malicious emails. The use of routine microlearning tools can be additionally helpful. They help users enhance their knowledge about common email security threats.

Best Practices

The following are some good practices that should be covered by security awareness training programs:

Beware of the suspicious email links and attachments.
Match the email address with the companies, work colleagues, or friends to ensure emails are from a legit source.
Be wary of the emails that trigger you to take immediate action by saying that your account or personal information has been compromised.
Be careful of the emails that provide a link to claim the prize by saying that you have won a prize.

Implement Endpoint Security

Endpoint security is a critical aspect of growing businesses. As businesses begin to expand the number of end-users rises creating more endpoints in the form of laptops, smartphones, servers, etc. that need to be protected. Each of these remote endpoints provides a potential opportunity for cybercriminals. Thus, enabling them to access private data or the main network.

Installation of endpoint protection platforms (EPP) or endpoint detection and response (EDR) is crucial whether you are running a small- or large-scale business. By using these technologies businesses can monitor and manage the security of each remote device. EDR focuses on responding to and reversing the threats that have affected the network. Thus, EDR is a slightly more advanced technology than EPP in this respect.

An array of protection tools included in EPP and EDR are:

Anti-malware
Data encryption
Prevention of data loss
Detection of intrusions
Web browser security
Security for Mobile & desktop
Network monitoring and assessments for security teams
Security notifications and alerts

Protection Through Firewall And Antivirus Software

The most common ways to defend against a ransomware attack are antivirus and antimalware software. This software help scan, detect and respond to cyber threats. Antivirus software only works at the internal level and they can only identify the attack once it is in the system. Therefore, businesses will need to configure their firewall. Firewalls are critical for the security of a network since they act as the first line of defense against incoming attacks.

Firewalls help protect against hardware as well as software-based attacks. In addition, they stop suspicious data packets from entering the network. Businesses need to stay aware of fake virus detection alerts. They pretend to be from antivirus software, clicking on these links can result in the launch of a ransomware attack on your system.

Why Is Cybersecurity Important For New and Old Businesses

Posted on September 23, 2022September 26, 2022 by Hudson Integrated

Continue reading to find out why is cybersecurity important and how it can help your business

In the modern world, technologies are aggressively scaling up. As a result, every form and size of business is facing cybersecurity threats. Cybersecurity is all about protecting cyberspace, users, and their privacy. Every business, new or old, needs strict cybersecurity regulations to keep cyberattacks at bay. Keep reading to learn the importance of cybersecurity for businesses.

Improves Business Productivity

The fact that cybersecurity protocols help businesses improve their overall productivity cannot be overlooked. Corporate firms hire talents from different business-related fields to make their workplace more secure, productive, and efficient. These cybersecurity team members utilize their knowledge and skills to stop viruses from attacking computers.

This prevents the loss of critical business hours resulting from a halt in productivity caused by a potential cyberattack. In addition, cybersecurity measures also save employees time and energy. Thus, leading to business efficiency. Therefore, it is essential to introduce training and development programs to empower employees to identify and address cyber-attacks.

Provides A One-Stop Solution

Despite offering several benefits, fast-paced technology continues to make networks vulnerable to intrusions. Businesses require strategic solutions to keep their network safe and cyber security provides them a one-stop solution to cyberattacks. The enhanced technology is exploited by cybercriminals to gain unauthorized access to a business network.

Cybercriminals are exploring new techniques of automating cyberattacks by using AI and machine learning. This compromises the security of several systems at once. Hence, it has become an absolute imperative for businesses to hire professionals and implement cybersecurity measures in their day-to-day organizational activities.

Secures Websites And Improves Performance

Organizations actively maintain their websites to make their businesses more adaptable to the modern world. This enables them to retain customers from all over the world and provides them easy access with just a click. However, cyber threats can sabotage your digital operations by causing your website to shut down. In addition, it affects web traffic, makes you lose customer trust, and causes a huge loss to your business.

Having a robust cybersecurity plan in action can navigate such issues before they become challenging. It ensures that the networking between customers and businesses remains secure. Moreover, cybersecurity measures help protect your business from lasting damages, and viruses, and improve online operations.

Protects Business From Financial And Data Losses

Businesses need to stay vigilant about cybercrimes and cybersecurity threats. Organizations can stay safe against phishing, fraud, hacking, and other cybercrimes by employing best cybersecurity practices. Cybercriminals can steal and misuse the sensitive information of an organization.

To prevent critical data from going into the wrong hands, the government has imposed regulations regarding consumer protection. Businesses that fail to implement cybersecurity measures to protect their customer data are held accountable. It could lead to an excessive fine and strict legislation. In addition, it costs a lot to recover lost data in case of hacking.

Increases Security

Organizations store the personal information of their customers to enhance the user experience and improve business efficiency. However, crucial public information puts businesses at risk of cyberattacks. But with the right kind of cybersecurity protocols, organizations can strengthen and secure their digital platforms to build a safer space for their employees, customers, and stakeholders. Cybersecurity helps businesses gain the trust of their customers so they can fearlessly invest and buy from your organization.

How To Protect Your Business From Ransomware Hackers in 2022

Posted on September 17, 2022September 17, 2022 by Hudson Integrated

Here are some recommendations from professionals on how to protect your business from ransomware hackers in 2022

Cybercrimes are becoming a widespread and disappointing reality for businesses. Shift to remote work, distant learning, and increased connectivity over the past two years has provided a perfect breeding ground for ransomware attacks. It is imperative to take actionable steps to protect your business against ransomware attacks.

Regularly Monitor Your Network

Organizations must keep an eye on digital attack surfaces and possible points of access to their networks. Digital attack surfaces encompass Ip addresses, ports, configurations, and other applications. Extend your monitoring capabilities deeper into the network to find out what’s happening. This helps to detect and respond to ransomware attacks before they can get out of hand.

In addition, timely patching helps to rectify any detected vulnerabilities before hackers can exploit them. All applications, devices connected to your network, operating systems, etc. should be included in patching.

Robust Data Backup And Recovery Plan

Backups allow organizations to get their data back from a backup without having to negotiate ransom payments. However, cybercriminals can also target data backups. Organizations must protect their backups by following a 3-2-1 backup strategy.

Have three copies of your sensitive data, store two in different media, and keep one offsite. This can help reduce the impact of ransomware attacks and allow you to quickly rebuild your servers and workstations after an attack.

Educate Your Employees

Despite the advancement in technology, gaps in cybersecurity education remain common in several organizations. Better, more strategic cybersecurity education is needed to start closing these education gaps. Approaches such as the use of a fully-managed training platform make it easier to spread awareness among employees. The focus of these education programs should be on engagement of the employees.

Account Management

Compromised credentials are another source of initial intrusions into networks. They result from gaps in cybersecurity education and awareness. Once hackers gain access to an organization’s network, ineffective user account management makes things easier for them. Poor user account management turns things worse as it allows users to abuse privileged accounts by installing ransomware across multiple systems.

Therefore, it is crucial to manage the use of privileged accounts. Restricting users’ ability to install software applications on network devices, would help limit the network’s exposure to ransomware attacks.

Effective Network Segmentation

Network segmentation can be done by dividing your organization’s network into smaller sub-networks. This is done to limit the traffic between different zones. It reduces the lateral movement between zones and reduces the attack surface. Even if an attack bypasses the perimeter, network segmentation can prevent it from intruding on other network zones. This ultimately protects your endpoints from being encrypted.

Scan And Filter Emails

Emails are one of the biggest entry points into a business network and cybercriminals are consistently targeting emails. Attackers can send a seemingly legitimate attachment, which when opened by the employee installs a remote access trojan into their device. This eventually kicks off a ransomware attack. Scanning and filtering are effective ways to identify and filter out these malicious emails before they are opened by employees.

Utilize SIEM Tool

Security information & event manager (SIEM) is a centralized tool. It collects, correlates, and analyzes data from various applications and security solutions in the organization’s IT environment to provide holistic cybersecurity insights. SIEM enables organizations to quickly detect and respond to ransomware attacks using otherwise unavailable insights.

5 Crucial Cybersecurity Tips For Your Employees In 2022

Posted on September 13, 2022September 15, 2022 by Hudson Integrated

here is a list of critical cybersecurity tips for your employees in 2022

Today, cybersecurity is a growing concern for every entrepreneur and business. A huge responsibility for information security lies on the employees of an organization. A minor mistake or negligence can result in a significant loss for your organization. Therefore, employees must get familiar with the best cybersecurity practices.

Learn About Cybersecurity

Employees that are unaware of the cybersecurity practices subject the company’s information to cyberattacks. Employees should stay updated with advanced cybersecurity measures. One way to do this is by attending online sessions or courses on the best cybersecurity policies.

In addition, the organization must educate its employees on cybersecurity tips and strategies. Organizations should update their employees about the latest data security practices during the onboarding period.

Stay Alert Of Attackers

Simple carelessness can facilitate a cybersecurity attack in the organization. You let the attackers access the organization’s data by clicking on a pop-up link. Attackers install malware on the target device and leak confidential data by using these malicious links. It is advisable to ignore pop-up messages or email attachments from unknown senders. Think twice before you open an email attachment or link.

Limit Unauthorized Network Access

Threats and intrusions don’t always come from outside. According to a survey, 34% of businesses fall prey to insider threats yearly. Companies must limit unauthorized network access to prevent data breaches. When employees access corporate networks, business data is at risk. Insider threats can be reduced by segmenting the business network and identifying the access level for each employee.

For instance, only the supervisor should be able to access critical business data on the organization’s network. Implementing additional verification procedures before processing any request reduces the likelihood of cyber-attacks to a great extent. Advanced verification methods such as multi-factor verification ensure that only authorized individuals gain access to the data.

Ensure that websites are SSL Encrypted

Secure Socket Layers (SSL) is a security protocol. It protects an internet connection by generating safe links and safeguarding the data shared between two computers on a network. SSL technology encrypts data transferred between users or sites. This prevents hackers from reading or leaking sensitive information, including credit card numbers, financial information, names, and addresses.

The attackers can easily access or modify the shared data if the website is not protected with an SSL certificate. Therefore, employees must learn about SSL and ensure that website they are trying to access is SSL encrypted. There are different types of SSL certificates, each suited for a different website.

Update Your Software Regularly

Regular updates help fix loopholes in the security and bugs in the application. Hackers usually exploit these loopholes to penetrate a system. The firewall of an outdated operating system likely has loopholes and vulnerabilities. To protect the system from potential cybersecurity threats, it is essential to update all the software regularly.

Hire Cybersecurity Professionals

It is commonly believed that in-house IT departments are responsible for cybersecurity. So, organizations don’t see the need to employ a cybersecurity team. However, they are not cybersecurity specialists and are not responsible for finding out the vulnerabilities in the system. Organizations need a separate security team to oversee their security operations.

A dedicated cybersecurity team of professionals works vigilantly to conduct penetration tests and find security gaps in the system. Organizations can have a bulletproof cybersecurity structure by combining threat detection operations with the IT team’s expertise

5 Most Common Types of Ransomware Attacks Against Businesses

Posted on September 4, 2022September 4, 2022 by Hudson Integrated

Read below and learn the 5 most common types of ransomware attacks against businesses

Burgeoning digital technology has led cybercriminals to develop innovative ways to con their targets. Ransomware attacks are one of the most advanced strategies used by attackers to infect the computers and devices of business organizations. This article is a comprehensive guide to the common ransomware attacks launched against businesses.

What Is Ransomware?

Ransomware is a malware attack that prevents the victims from using their devices and data. This is typically done by encryption of data on the victim’s device. Malicious email attachments, infected software apps, and compromised websites are some ways attackers spread such threats.

These attacks are designed to lock users’ access to their system until a hefty ransom is paid, usually in virtual currency. In 2021 the average amount of ransomware transactions was $102.3 per month.

Types of ransomware attacks

Over the past few years, cyberattacks have evolved in terms of nature and sophistication. The innovation brought in by the attackers has led to double- or triple-extortion ransomware and ransomware-as-a-service.

Let’s look at the common types of ransomware attacks.

Locker Ransomware

Locker ransomware is one of the common types of attacks in which the users are locked out of their systems. The victims can only view and interact with the lock screen or the screen containing the demanded ransom. The mouse and keyboard are partially enabled to pay the ransom to the attackers. A timer with a deadline is usually displayed to threaten the victim to pay up the ransom on time.

Crypto-Ransomware

In crypto attacks, the information, files, and other data on the victims’ devices are encrypted. In this type of attack, users can view the data and use the system. However, they cannot access their data until they make the payment in the form of ransom. If the users fail to pay the ransom, all the encrypted data is permanently deleted.

Scareware

As the name indicates, the purpose of a scareware attack is to scare its victims by displaying an alarming message that tricks them into downloading malware. Prompts that look legitimate are often used, and as a result, users act fast without thinking or analyzing the information.

This is usually done in the form of a popup, a warning message, or a false button that says, ‘Speed up your PC now’ or ‘Attackers can see your IP,’ etc. The ransomware is enabled in the system as soon as the users take the bait.

Ransomware As a Service (RaaS)

In ransomware as a service, the attackers use a SaaS-like business model to execute ransomware attacks on their victim’s device. It acts like an affiliate network and urges victims to subscribe to RaaS and launch a ransomware attack. In these types of attacks, cybercriminals target users with low technical knowledge.

A percentage of the ransomware payment is given to the members of the affiliate. One of the primary reasons behind the significant increases in ransomware attacks is the RaaS model. RaaS eliminates the barriers of prerequisite coding knowledge, thus making it easier to launch the attack.

Leakware

Instead of destroying the data, the attackers threaten to release the victim’s data on public domains. Leakware attacks target banks and other nationalized organizations with confidential or sensitive data.

Top 6 Cybersecurity Strategies Used By Businesses In 2022

Posted on August 27, 2022August 29, 2022 by Hudson Integrated

Here are the top 6 cybersecurity strategies used by businesses in 2022

Anyone can fall victim to cyberattacks, from small-scale businesses to government organizations and law firms. According to an estimate, downtime associated with ransomware attacks can cost companies up to $8000 per hour. Businesses need to employ up-to-date cybersecurity measures to stay on top of cyberattacks. Here are the top 5 cybersecurity strategies every business should follow in 2022.

Use Stronger Security Questions

The purpose of security questions is to prevent attackers from infiltrating the verification process. A good security question should have the following qualities.

It should be easier for legitimate users to answer but difficult for hackers to research or guess it.
The answer should be stable and should not change with time.
It should be precise and consistent and should have many possible answers.
The answer should be easy to remember.

Reduce Employee Negligence

Several cases of data breaches are reported because of employee negligence. Therefore, it is crucial to improve communication and awareness among employees by developing effective strategies. Educating employees on potential cybersecurity threats can help reduce the rate of cyberattacks.

Develop effective policies to combine robust security measures with effective workflow.
Keep a record of the number of employees with access to critical data.
Review access management practices on regular bases to improve business security.

Employ Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

One way to prevent unauthorized users from gaining access to sensitive data is multifactor authentication. This most potent feature uses various verification methods, including biometrics, text messages, emails, and security questions.

For instance, if an employee logs in from an unknown network or device, he will have to crack an additional layer of security. In this way, MFA provides extra protection that helps keep security breaches at bay.

Set Up A Strong Password

Another important and usually underrated security strategy is the enforcement of a firm password policy. A strong password goes a long way in protecting your business network from cybercriminals. Following password policies will help protect your organization’s network.

Use Longer Passwords

Longer passwords provide more security. Your password must contain at least 15 characters.

Mix Characters

A combination of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols should be used. More complex passwords are hard for cybercriminals to crack.

Avoid Common Words

It is better to avoid common dictionary words or their combination. Instead, try unique combinations or phrases as passwords.

Change Passwords Often

The best practice is to change your password once a month. A password manager can help you set a strong password. The password is auto-generated and stored in a centralized location. Only individuals with a master password can access it.

Regular Data Backups

A data backup solution allows businesses to keep their sensitive data secure from ransomware attacks. A ransomware attack prevents victims from using their data and devices. Malicious email attachments, infected software apps, and compromised websites are some ways attackers deploy malware on the target device.

By implementing continuous backups, businesses can ensure the protection of their sensitive data. Your data remains safe in a remote location and can be restored if the system is hacked.

Limit Unauthorized Access

Implementing Bring Your Device (BYOD) policy allows organizations to limit unauthorized access to their network. When remote workers use their own devices, the organization’s security improves significantly.

If you are interested in protecting your business or company from many cyber security threats, you can call Micro Strategies at their toll-free number 888-467-6588. We are a company that specializes in business, IT, and security solutions. We are located in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New England, and New York. Our team will assess your business and recommend a fantastic plan that best meets your business needs.

5 Biggest Cyber Security Threats To Businesses

Posted on August 24, 2022August 27, 2022 by Hudson Integrated

Here are the 5 biggest cyber security threats faced by your company today

Hackers can manipulate your business, steal data, and cause damages worth millions of dollars. Therefore it is important to invest in a cyber security solution for your business. We have described the 5 biggest cyber security threats to businesses. Read about them below.

Cloud Vulnerabilities

As more businesses are shifting their resources to the cloud platform, hackers are also directing their attention to this new space of opportunities. If a business’s cloud platform does not have enough security measures in place, it may get breached by a hacker.

A breached cloud results in data loss, data eavesdropping, employee and client spying, as well as opening the doors for a massive ransomware attack. Hackers also prefer breaching clouds to launch their own phishing attacks on a large scale.

DDoS Attacks

Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks affect the bandwidth and resources of a target server. A hacker can overwhelm a server by sending too many requests, thus ultimately causing the target server to crash. A successful DDoS attack usually requires several infected computers, or a compromised internet connection.

There have been several famous DDoS attacks which ultimately led to widespread service disruptions. In September 2017, Google reported that it stopped a 17Tbps DDoS attack from affecting its servers.

Wireless Internet Security Breaches

Wireless internet, including 4G, 5G, and Wi-Fi are prone to security breaches unless adequate measures are taken in advance. In the absence of specialized security solutions, hackers can not only hack a network, but they can also access what data is being transmitted. If calls are being made via the internet, hackers can potentially tap into and hear the calls too.

Wireless internet breaches coupled with malware that is already present in mobile and computer can wreak havoc. Similarly, a hacker can use your internet for their criminal activities, thus remaining untraceable.

Phishing Attacks

A phishing attack most commonly occurs through email. Hackers send you a fake email using an email address that is closely related to a person, company, or a service you trust. The email appears authentic. It contains links which redirect to dummy websites mimicking the real ones. Once you enter your details such as email addresses, passwords, PINs or security information, hackers have immediate access.

Cyber security specialists reported that out of all cyber attacks in 2019, more than 70% were attributed to phishing attacks. Most of such attacks resulted in data breaches and financial losses. Phishing is a relatively newer type of cyber security threat, which is why it has affected so many businesses and people.

Ransomware

Ransomware is a special program developed by hackers. Once it infects your computer, it encrypts all your files. After the encryption process is complete, it locks you out. Thus you are unable to access your data. Ransomware then displays a message that unless you pay the hackers, usually in cryptocurrency, all of your data will be erased.

Once your computer has been infected, it is very difficult to remove ransomware and get your data back. Last year, COVID-19’s research data at University of California was compromised through ransomware. The hackers demanded over 1 million US$ to release the data. Another high-profile case was related to Canon. A hacking group called Maze claimed responsibility for this breach and reportedly stole over 10TB of data.

This data shows that every business, whether small or big, should have some sort of cybersecurity strategy in place to protect their data.

If you are interested in protecting your business or company from a plethora of cyber security threats, you can call Micro Strategies at their toll free number 888-467-6588. We are a company that specializes in business, IT, and security solutions. We are located in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New England, and in New York. Our team will assess your business and recommend an amazing plan that best meets your business needs.