Did you know that cyber attacks were 400 percent higher in 2020 than the attacks reported before the onset of the coronavirus? The COVID-19 pandemic changed life, business, and cybersecurity as we know it. Unfortunately, as we step into a new year, these cyberthreats are still very real and should be top of mind for you as a business owner. 

First, you should know what a cyber threat is and how it can affect your business. 

What is a Cyber Threat?

 A cyber threat is a breach in the protection of your sensitive data.

Cyberthreats come in different shapes and forms. From a simple spyware monitoring your network transactions to a full-fledged ransomware attack that holds all your critical data for a ransom, there are multiple ways your IT network could be compromised. 

When you know the potential risks surrounding your IT infrastructure, you can build a resilient cybersecurity strategy that enhances your IT environment and keeps vulnerabilities at bay.

 Don’t let the top 5 most common cyberthreats happen to you.

The Top 5 Most Common Cyber Threats for Businesses

#1. Phishing Scams

Phishing emails still pose a major threat to the digital landscape of many business organizations across the globe. COVID-19 communications have provided the perfect cover for these emails to lure unsuspecting users. 

By creating a sense of urgency, these emails might persuade your employees to click on malware links that could steal sensitive data or install malicious viruses inside a computer.

#2. Ransomware

Targeted ransomware attacks are increasing every day. It is estimated that a ransomware attack will happen every 11 seconds in 2021. Ransomware attacks hold an organization’s critical data for ransom, and millions of dollars are paid to hackers every year as corporations do not want to risk losing their sensitive data. 

However, there is no guarantee that your files will be secure even after you pay the ransom.

#3. Cloud Jacking 

With the cloud becoming a more sophisticated way of storing data, incidents of cloud jacking have become a serious threat. These attacks are mainly executed in two forms:

1. Injecting malicious code into third-party cloud libraries
2. Injecting codes directly to the cloud platforms

As estimated by the 2020 Forcepoint Cybersecurity Predictions, a public cloud vendor is responsible for providing the infrastructure while most of the responsibility concerning data security rests with the users. 

So, bear in mind, you are mostly responsible for your data security even when it is on the cloud.

#4. Man-in-the-Middle Attack

Did you know hackers can insert themselves in a two-party transaction when it happens on a public network? Once they get access, they can filter and steal your data. 

If your remote working employees use public networks to carry out their official tasks, they are vulnerable to these attacks.

#5. Distributed Denial-of-Service Attack

This attack happens when hackers manipulate your normal web traffic and flood the system with resources and traffic that exhaust the bandwidth. As a result, users will not be able to perform their legitimate tasks. 

Once the network is clogged, the attacker will be able to send various botnets to the network and manipulate it.

Why You Should Protect Your Business from Cyber Threats

 As you can see, cyber threats are not going away, and an attack can be very costly. It can even cause irreparable damage to your business.

A cyber attack can:

• Compromise your sensitive data
• Decrease your brand’s value
• Lose the trust of your customers
• Result in hefty fines and penalties 
• Cause your business to close for good

Don’t let this happen to you. Stop a cyber attack before it starts.

Protect Your Data With the Cybersecurity Experts at Third Power IT

The Best Managed IT Services in Miami and South Florida

Every business needs a data protection strategy in order to survive in today’s digital economy. Not only is it recommended, but in many countries, it’s the law. 

Are you ready to ensure your business is protected and compliant?

Team up with a trusted MSP partner who can continuously monitor and secure your IT infrastructure. Reach out to the experts at Third Power IT to discover how you can safeguard your data right now.

Visit www.ThirdPowerIT.com to learn more and connect with us now.

Article curated and used by permission.

Data Sources: 

• https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/top-cyber-security-experts-report-4-000-cyber-attacks-a-day-since-covid-19-pandemic-301110157.html#:~:text=Cybercrime%20Statistics%20During%20the%20Pandemic,they%20were%20seeing%20pre%2Dcoronavirus
• IBM 2020 Cost of a Data Breach Report
• https://www.idagent.com/blog/10-2020-ransomware-statistics-that-you-need-to-see/
• 2020 Forcepoint Cybersecurity Predictions and Trends

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