The 4 Cyberthreats Every Business Should Know
What are Cyberthreats and why do they matter?
In today’s age, when most of our day is spent online, the internet is ripe with opportunity. We use it for almost everything; connecting with loved ones, shopping, banking, and – of course – in our work lives. It is almost impossible to exist as a business, or even as a person, without being connected online.
While there are all kinds of opportunities to do good, there are also opportunities for harm. As quickly as new technology comes on the market, cybercriminals come up with new and creative ways to hack into companies and from there, cause all kinds of irreparable damage.
According to the Government of Canada, a cyber threat is “an activity intended to compromise the security of an information system by altering the availability, integrity, or confidentiality of a system or the information it contains.” Hackers may steal private information, infect computers with viruses, or even hold company secrets ransom.
Cyber threats can come in almost any shape or form but many of fall under certain categories. Here are 4 of the lesser known cyber threats that every business owner should know.
Juice-Jacking
Juice jacking is a type of cyberattack where the hacker secretly installs malware onto a public charging station. Once installed, any device that is plugged in to that station can get infected, providing the hacker access to all of the data on that device. People use public charging stations for all kinds of devices including cell phones, tablets, and even their work computers. This means that the hacker has a back door into the business data of every single person who plugs a work device into that charging station. You can see just how big of a risk this is.
What can I do about it?
The first and most important thing you can do is be wary of where you are plugging in your computer. If you need to use a public charging station, make sure it is a trustworthy station at a reliable establishment. When you plug in, ensure your device is set to “charging mode” and not “data-transfer” mode. Finally, you can use a USB Data-Blocker as another layer of protection, such as this one from Amazon.
Malware-laden Apps
The Smartphone has become so intergral in our lives that more and more people are using them. With the rise in the number of Smartphone comes a rise in the number of apps – which gives malicious individuals an ever-expanding market to hack. While most apps are legitimate, cybercriminals release apps that on the surface are similar to the rest around it, but are encrypted with malware. Once the malware is on your device, the hacker has access to all of your data.
This is also a concern for those who use tablets or even computers for their work. It is standard in today’s technological market for software companies to have some form of app store. While the company does their best to protect against malicious apps, there are some that slip through the cracks, meaning any device downloading apps is susceptible.
What can I do about it?
Don’t be quick on the download – take your time before you purchase, download, or install any app. Whether you are on your tablet or phone, take a moment and read the reviews. Trust apps with higher ratings and better reviews, and only download from developers that you trust.
Malicious QR Codes
QR codes have become the quick way to get information. You can simply scan a QR code to log in to some accounts, or scan a QR code to enter a contest. Walking down the street, if you look at various flyers, ads, or posters, many of them have QR codes somewhere in the design. Viewers capture the QR code and are directed to a website where they get more information on the products or services presented in the ad.
A QR code can act like a doorway. You can open it to log into an account or to let it take control of your phone and open a web-browser. But doors open both ways. If a hacker were to create a QR code and you open it, they now can open the door the other way and have full access to your data.
What can I do about it?
Just like downloading apps, don’t be quick to scan any QR code that you see. Only scan codes from reputible companies. You can also download a QR code scanner that has built in security features. Remember to read the reviews before downloading!
Using Public Wi-Fi Without Using a VPN
From coffee shops to grocery stores, many places now offer a public Wi-Fi that customers can sign into while they are in the establishment. Places like Starbucks draw in workers and students with the ability to use your laptop and get work done while enjoying your coffee. What most people don’t realize is that while they are connected to these networks, they are completely exposed.
Connecting to a public network allows anyone else on that network to see what you are doing online, intercept your data, and even have access to your private data.
What can I do about it?
The easiest way you can protect yourself is to use a VPN. VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. Basically, it is a service that creates an encrypted tunnel for your data and protects your online identity by masking your IP address. This means that you can safely use public Wi-Fi, without being worried about the other people sharing the network. Also ensure that, if you use a public device, you delete the browsing history and cookies before you leave.
Cybersecurity is Vital
In the age of the internet, cybersecurity is absolutely vital and not something any company or individual should take for granted. When cybercriminals get access to your data they are also getting access to any data for your clients, meaning it is usually not just your company that is at risk. .
You hear about security leaks on the news and think “that could never happen to me”, but without the proper protections in place, it becomes easy to be the target to a cyberattack.
It can be a lot to manage.
Cybercriminals are never afraid to step up their game, and are keeping up with technology as quickly as it advances. On top of running the rest of your business, it can feel daunting to keep up with the newest trends and newest dangers.
That is where a third-party I.T. Service Provider comes in.
Hiring a third-party I.T. Service provider, such as us, gives you the assurance that your security features will always be one step ahead of the criminals. Our team is constantly trained to know about, recognize, and defend against the latest and most malicious cyberattacks. We also partner with the top companies in cybersecurity to bring you the best protection possible. We take cybersecurity seriously and will always ensure your data is kept safe with the newest solutions on the market.
Want to learn more?
Download our free Cybersecurity Awareness eBook and other valuable information from our Resources page.