As network security risks continue to grow, you need to secure your business against cyberattacks. Whether your company’s data and information are stored on a hard drive or sent through e-mails, being wary of network security risks and knowing how to prevent them can help you protect your business. Hiring a cyber security provider can help you secure your business.
What to Look Out For
- Denial of Service: DoS is a form of cyberattack that attempts to slow or freeze a website and its services. The attacker uses one computer and the internet connection available to interact with and overwhelm a website. To overcome this attack, security specialists monitor the traffic from their website and filter out the fraudulent traffic from a DoS.
- Malware: This is malicious software used by criminals to hold your system hostage, steal your sensitive data, or install damaging programs without your knowledge. It spreads spyware, Trojans, and worms through pop-up ads, infected files, bogus websites, or e-mail messages.
One type of malware you need to look out for is called ransomware. Cybercriminals use it to lock your device through a lousy app or phishing emails and then request a ransom to unlock it. It can hold you hostage, encrypt your files, and make your computer completely inoperable.
- Phishing: Another threat to cyber security is called phishing. Online phishing attacks trick people into entering sensitive information, such as credit card numbers or passwords, by pretending to be reputable banking institutions, websites, or personal contacts via e-mail or other messages.
When you click the URL or reply to the messages, you are prompted to enter your financial details or use your credentials, which are then sent to the malicious source.
- Viruses: Computer viruses are software designed to spread from one computer device to another. Mostly, the viruses can be downloaded from particular websites or sent as email attachments with the intent of infecting your computer and then other computers on your contact list via systems on your network.
The viruses can disable local and cyber security settings, send spam, steal and corrupt data from your computer, or even delete everything on your hard drive.
- Rogue Software: This malicious software tricks you into thinking that a security measure on your computer is not up-to-date. It asks if you are willing to update or install security features then offers to do it for you. It can add malware to your existing software.
How to Protect Yourself
Now we know what cyber security threats you must look out for, here are tips to protect your personal and online networks:
- A managed IT security provider can help you stay secure by identifying:
- the emerging trends in social engineering schemes targeted at small businesses;
- the weaknesses in your network security infrastructure;
- the training needs of your team; and
- any compliance issues. - Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi, and use a virtual private network (VPN) if you need to access your company's data while you're connected to an unknown network.
- Employ authentication and a strong password for every account you create.
- Never pay ransom to any individual.
- Reduce visits to unfamiliar websites by keeping current on the latest versions of your antivirus software.
- Stay aware of your network's activity.
- Trust an IT security company that can keep your data safe from online threats.
Conclusion
In today’s online world, there is no single reason why your company should allow itself to be vulnerable to attacks. Make sure you practice everyday prevention, and most importantly, hire an IT security company that is well-trained.
Consult with SIP Oasis for cyber security in Birmingham, AL today! We immediately respond to your calls and needs as a reliable IT solutions provider. You can count on us to make your IT easy. Visit our website for more info on our services, such as managed IT, VOIP, data backup and recovery, and network security!