Cybersecurity threats have been around since the internet was first launched but they’re far more sophisticated than they once were. Small businesses represent a lucrative opportunity for hackers, as their systems are usually relatively easy to gain access to.
If you want to protect your company and your customers, take a look at the three cybersecurity threats you need to look out for in 2021:
1. DDoS Attacks
A distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack disrupts the flow of traffic to your website. In fact, it drastically increases the volume of traffic being directed towards your site, so much so that the server gets overloaded. As a result, your website will be unavailable to genuine users who want to access your content.
A non-functional website will, of course, have a negative impact on your sales, customer engagement and company reputation. In many instances, businesses find that their websites are literally held ransom, with hackers demanding a financial sum in return for ending the DDoS attack.
2. Malware
Malware can be any type of software that’s designed to infiltrate your system and cause damage. It could be in the form of a virus, trojan horse, ransomware or spyware but whatever form it takes, it can be disastrous your business.
When hackers place malware on your system, it often provides them with easy access to your data. As a result, they can access passwords, confidential information and even your financial controls. Due to the impact that malware can have, it’s vital to protect against it. To find out how you can implement malware prevention strategies, take a look at this post from totalit.com.
3. Social Engineering
Social engineering attacks are commonly used to target individuals but they’re becoming an increasingly prevalent threat to businesses too. Hackers use sophisticated methods to persuade people, namely your staff, into disclosing information, such as passwords or system data.
A social engineering attack can take many forms, but a common ruse is to send an email that appears to come from a trusted source, such as a manager. When the recipient clicks a link in the email, malware is automatically installed on their device. Alternatively, an employee may be asked to verify their login credentials and, upon doing so, they inadvertently disclose their username and password to the hacker.
Protecting Your Business from Cyberattacks
Although DDoS attacks, malware and social engineering are major threats in 2021, there are a number of other cybersecurity threats you need to be aware of too. Given the impact that a cybersecurity breach can have on your operations and your company’s reputation, it’s essential for small businesses to take a proactive approach and implement a comprehensive security strategy.
By protecting your network, encrypting data and teaching staff how to spot the signs of a malware attack, for example, you can reduce the risk of a cyberattack occurring. In addition to this, constant network monitoring can enable you to spot any abnormalities and take action before a cyberattack gets underway.
