Small enterprises are more vulnerable to cyber-attacks due to potentially weaker security measures than larger corporations. This makes them an attractive target for cybercriminals who can damage these businesses significantly. With this in mind, cybersecurity for small businesses should be taken seriously.
Common Cyber Threats
What are some different kinds of Cyber threats prevalent these days?
Malware, also known as malicious software, encompasses various types, such as viruses, spyware, trojans, and ransomware. The primary objective of cybercriminals deploying malware is to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information like passwords, Personally Identifiable Information (PII), or Payment Card Industry (PCI) data like bank and credit card details. They may also lock files on the infected device and demand a ransom. In some cases, the computer can be hijacked and transformed into a bot, which can then be incorporated into a larger cybercriminal network.
Phishing, also known as spam messages, is a technique used by cybercriminals who want to deceive an organisation
using email, text messages, phone calls, and social media. They frequently pretend to be someone from a trusted organization, aim to gain access to and take control of small businesses’ social media accounts and demand a ransom.
Email Attacks, or Business Email Compromise (BEC), involve criminals pretending to be business representatives. They achieve this by accessing compromised email accounts or creating domain names resembling legitimate businesses. The primary objective of these attacks is not only to steal information but also to deceive victims into transferring funds to the scammers’ bank accounts. Typically, these email scams include a hyperlink that redirects individuals to a fraudulent website, where they are prompted to either login or disclose sensitive information. You can check if your email address was compromised in the past on Have I Been Pwned! If yes, make sure you have changed the passwords since then.
ACSC (Australian Cyber Security Centre) recommends many simple measures that we at Andro Media follow to improve the security of our client’s websites and our business’s physical and digital infrastructure.
Cybersecurity for small businesses at Andro Media
One may think a single resolution would be sufficient, but following more than one measure, also known as ‘Defense in Depth,’ is the best way to keep yourself secure. Below are some of the ways Andro Media keeps things in check.
- Use a password manager and avoid using the same passwords for multiple websites. Strong passwords and multi-factor authentication strengthen websites’ security.
- Ensuring that the operating system, software, and apps used are automatically updated so that the cybercriminals can’t take advantage of the vulnerabilities present in the software.
- Educating our staff and clients on how to recognise suspicious links and attachments. If one receives a suspicious email, verifying its legitimacy is paramount. This is done by contacting the source through trusted contact details rather than those provided in the suspicious message, especially if the message urges immediate action.
- Avoid downloading software from websites other than the official source.
- Avoid visiting websites with suspicious-looking domains.
- Security software is used to conduct regular scans on devices and websites.
- We should regularly back up our data and protect it by encrypting or using a strong password. We should also understand the value it brings to the client and to Andro Media.
- Keeping our devices locked and physically secure.
- Staying informed about new and evolving cyber threats.
Sources:
https://www.commbank.com.au/
https://www.cyber.gov.au/