The need for strong network security has become increasingly important. However, with new threats constantly emerging, it can be hard to keep up. In this article, we will discuss some of the top network security threats facing businesses today, along with real-life examples of each. But don’t worry, we’ll also give you some tips on how to protect your business from these threats.
Phishing Attacks: Don’t Take the Bait
Phishing attacks are one of the most common network security threats facing businesses today. These attacks typically involve an attacker sending an email or message that appears to be from a trusted source, but actually contains a malicious link or attachment. Once the user clicks on the link or opens the attachment, the attacker gains access to sensitive information.
One example of a phishing attack occurred in 2016, when hackers targeted the Democratic National Committee (DNC) during the U.S. presidential election. The hackers sent a phishing email that appeared to be from Google, asking users to change their password. Once the user clicked on the link and entered their password, the hackers gained access to sensitive DNC information.
To protect yourself from phishing attacks, make sure to educate your employees on how to spot suspicious emails. Teach them to look for things like misspellings, odd sender addresses, and requests for personal information. Also, never click on links or download attachments from unknown sources.
Malware: Keep Your Guard Up
Malware is any software that is designed to harm a computer or network. This can include viruses, worms, and Trojan horses. And unfortunately, it’s a common network security threat facing businesses today.
One example of malware is the WannaCry ransomware attack that occurred in 2017. This attack infected over 200,000 computers in 150 countries, causing billions of dollars in damage. The attack was caused by a worm that spread through networks, encrypting users’ files and demanding a ransom to unlock them.
To protect your business from malware, make sure to keep your software up-to-date. Malware and other types of network security threats often exploit vulnerabilities in software, so staying up-to-date can help prevent these vulnerabilities from being exploited.
DDoS Attacks: Overwhelming Your Network
DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks are a type of attack in which an attacker floods a network with traffic, causing it to become overwhelmed and unavailable to users. These attacks are often carried out using botnets, which are networks of compromised computers that can be controlled by the attacker.
One example of a DDoS attack occurred in 2016, when the website of cybersecurity journalist Brian Krebs was hit with a massive attack that peaked at 620 Gbps. The attack was carried out using a botnet called Mirai, which was made up of hundreds of thousands of compromised Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
To protect your business from DDoS attacks, make sure to implement network security measures such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and antivirus software. These measures can help identify and prevent DDoS attacks before they overwhelm your network.
Insider Threats: The Enemy Within
Insider threats are a type of network security threat that come from within an organization. These threats can come from employees, contractors, or other insiders who have access to sensitive information.
One example of an insider threat occurred at Morgan Stanley in 2015. A financial advisor at the company stole sensitive client data and uploaded it to his personal server. The advisor was caught, but not before the data had been compromised.
To protect your business from insider threats, make sure to implement access controls that limit what employees can access. Also, make sure to monitor employee activity, so you can quickly identify any suspicious behavior.
Don’t Let Your Guard Down
As technology continues to evolve, so too will the threats to network security. But by taking these steps to protect your business, you can help ensure the safety of your sensitive information. So don’t let hackers win – stay vigilant, stay up-to-date, and keep your guard up!
