Charleston IT Security Support

Cyber-security: Understanding the Risks and Taking Control

From a mere virus, cyber-security threats have become more sophisticated than ever, to the point where they can hold pertinent business information hostage for ransom. But it’s not like virus went away because of ransomware. They only evolved into different forms of exploit kits, including malware-laden advertisements. Because cyber-attacks can hit your IT infrastructure and critical systems, you should implement risk assessment and management. Know the enemy, they say, so you can plan a strategic counter-attack.

Types of Cyber-security Risks

  1. Cyber theft

These days, login information, financial information, and other valuable details of clients and businesses are being stolen and sold on the black market. Apparently, many people with malicious intent are very interested in such information, and will pay big money in order to exploit it further. Well, imagine what they can do with login information to a bank account.

  1. Ransomware

This is a type of malware that restricts access to a computer system, until someone pays up. Ransomware is probably one of the most dangerous forms of cyber-attack to date, because even the FBI won’t be able to help. This leaves you no other choice but to pay the ransom or risk business operation.

  1. Botnets

What’s really bad about botnets is that they go largely undetected. You won’t even know you’ve been hit, until it’s already too late. This collection of software robots turns computers into “zombies” that will be controlled by the originator to spread malware, send virus-infected spam emails, and launch a denial-of-service attack to other computer systems.

We recently had a support incident where a company’s server had a botnet installed known as the ZeroAccess virus. ZeroAccess uses a peer-to-peer network to download plugin files which carry out various tasks designed to generate revenue for the botnet owners. Once we removed and cleaned their system, you can imagine the performance increase they experienced on their network.

  1. Malware

Short for “malicious software” – these computer programs are designed to infiltrate and damage computers without the user’s consent. It is used to steal information, take control of your computer, alter or delete files, or to send scareware. Malicious software includes computer viruses, adware, Trojan, spyware, and worms.

The list can go on and on, what with cyber-security risks multiplying faster than anyone can develop a solution.

But there are ways to manage threats, starting with leveraging IT consulting to help you develop and implement a cyber-security plan. Hire a managed IT service provider, and you will not only get the best software protection available, but also solutions for cyber risk mitigation and remote monitoring to ensure your systems are protected.

What Every Cyber-security Plan Must Have

  • Prevention policies, procedures and solutions
  • Resolution plans and procedures in the event of a computer security breach
  • Restitution policies to ensure security threats are mitigated, and loss of trust in a business is kept minimal

What Can Be Done

Set a cyber-security policy in place

Security standards are a must for any company regardless of the size. It’s wrong to think that you are safe because you operate a small or medium-sized enterprise, because hackers these days are no longer limiting themselves to high-profile security breaches. You can be a victim one day.

Schedule employee training and awareness

Human factor is the weakest link in cyber-security. Hackers can use one of your employees for an inside job. This is why employees should be aware of information security and to engage in your cyber-security policy. Educate your employees, and everyone will be in a winning situation.

Need help with cyber risk assessment and management? Call Branch Technologies today. 843-800-3043.