Welcome to the digital age, where everything from our bank accounts to our social media profiles is just a few clicks away. But as we embrace the convenience of technology, we must also accept the growing threat of cybercrime. Cybersecurity threats have never been more prominent, and businesses and individuals alike need to take action to protect themselves from the ever-evolving threats of the digital world.
of organisations had at least
one user try to connect
to a phishing site
of organisations had
users that were served
malicious browser ads
of organisations encountered
ransomware-related activity
Phishing is one of the most common cybersecurity threats, and it’s only becoming more sophisticated. 79%-83% of cyber-attacks start with email. Phishing emails can appear to be from legitimate sources, like banks or major tech companies, and may ask the recipient to click on a link or download an attachment. Once the user interacts with the phishing message, the attacker can gain access to sensitive information, like passwords or credit card numbers. Email filtering is an essential tool to help prevent malicious and infected emails from getting into your mailbox, and it massively reduces the risk of being the victim of a phishing attack.
Insider Threats Insider threats are another security threat that comes from within an organisation, where employees or contractors with access to sensitive information may accidentally or intentionally leak that information, putting the organisation at risk. Insider threats can be difficult to detect and prevent, but they are an important consideration for any organisation that oversees sensitive data. To prevent insider threats, it’s important to invest in security systems that can detect suspicious activity and limit access to sensitive data.
Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts the victim’s files and demands payment in exchange for the decryption key. In some cases, even paying the ransom doesn’t guarantee that the files will be restored. Ransomware attacks have become increasingly common in recent years, and they can be devastating for individuals and businesses alike.
Cloud Security. The rapid adoption of cloud computing has brought about a surge in security concerns, especially regarding data protection. It is often unclear who is responsible for implementing and maintaining security in cloud deployments. Shockingly, studies have shown that 70% of cyber attacks involve businesses hosting their data workloads on public clouds, with 66% of them caused by misconfigured backdoors. To prevent data loss, enhance security, and minimise costs, implementing a cloud data backup solution is crucial. Backing up cloud data is essential not only for cybersecurity but for various other reasons, which you can explore in our blog post.
Social Engineering is a type of attack that relies on human psychology instead of technical vulnerabilities. Attackers may use social engineering tactics to trick users into divulging sensitive information or installing malware. This can include things like impersonating a tech support representative, creating a fake login page, or using other psychological tricks to gain the victim’s trust.
IoT Security. The integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning into smart devices, including commonplace items such as lightbulbs, speakers, and automobiles, has made Internet of Things (IoT) security a growing concern. In fact, the number of IoT-connected devices installed worldwide is expected to reach 75.4 billion by 2025. Unfortunately, this growth presents an increasingly attractive target for cybercriminals, who are shifting their attention to these vulnerable devices.
These are just a few of the many cybersecurity threats that individuals and organisations face today.
So, what can we do to protect ourselves and our organisations from cybersecurity threats?
The answer lies in a multi-layered approach that includes strong passwords, up-to-date software, proactive monitoring, and investing in cybersecurity training. Cybersecurity training is an essential component of any business’s cybersecurity strategy. It equips employees with the necessary knowledge and tools to identify and mitigate potential cyber threats, such as ransomware, social engineering, and IoT security breaches. Wessex IT provides a comprehensive support agreement that includes cybersecurity training for businesses in West Sussex and surrounding areas.
In addition to these measures, implementing MFA (multi-factor authentication) when it comes to securing cloud operations is critical. One of the most significant risks of not using MFA is that a single password or PIN can be easily compromised. The extra layer of security that requires users to provide multiple forms of identification to access their accounts makes it harder for hackers to gain unauthorised access, even if they have your password. Implementing multi-factor authentication is easy. Contact us and we can help you get started. Our team of experts can guide you through the setup process and ensure that your accounts are secure.
In conclusion, cybersecurity is a critical concern in the digital age, with a growing number of threats targeting both individuals and organisations. But with the right training and tools, we can protect ourselves from these threats and enjoy the convenience and benefits of technology.
