Protect Your Business from These Seven Types of Cyberattack

Protect Your Business from These Seven Types of Cyberattack

Regardless of the size of your business, cybercrime is a real threat and every business should include a policy on cybersecurity in their business toolkit. In fact, 43% of cyberattacks today target small businesses and the threats and tactics they use are changing as fast as online technology.

Here are seven types of cyberattacks to be aware of:

1. Denial of Service (DOS) – In this type of attack hijacked computers are used to overload your network and shut you down. To prevent them, monitor your analytics for unusual traffic patterns and keep your security software current.
2. Insider Attack – A former employee with a grudge and network access can wreak havoc. When employees leave the company be sure to terminate their network access.
3. Malware – Viruses, Trojan horses, worms and ransomware are all lurking online waiting to gain access to your network. The use of antivirus software and training employees on how to spot suspicious emails and attachments can lower the risk. For example, never opening un-scanned email or email from unknown senders.
4. Password Attacks – All it takes is one weak password and hackers can gain access to your data. In fact, password related attacks are so common, the next three types are all password related.
5. Brute Force Attack – Hackers use software which cycles through common passwords until one works. If they can gain access to employee lists, or personnel information they will start with common nicknames and birthdays and work through the list until they gain access.
6. The Dictionary Attack – Like the brute force attack, hackers know that most people tend to use easy to remember passwords of seven letters or less. They’ll use software to cycle through common words. Unsecured Wi-Fi connections are prime targets for gaining access using a dictionary attack.
7. Key Login Attack – Hackers can also embed software onto systems using Trojan horses or viruses that log keystrokes. If you’ve ever logged into a portal using a username and password you may be at risk. Use multifactor authentication or access codes to add a layer of protection.

Security should be a concern for every business large or small. Take precautions such as keeping security software updated to lower your risk. Training employees on why network security is crucial and what they can do to help prevent security attacks to the company can go a long way towards keeping your data and network safe.

For more best practices and measures you can take right away to reduce your risk, download our free ebook, the Smarter Small to Medium Business Guide to Ransomware.