Fighting Cybersecurity Threats From The Trenches

Fighting Cybersecurity Threats From The Trenches

Organizations are the top consumers of different technological features, especially with recent advancements challenging to resist. Some expected benefits include seamless access to information, better communication, simplified mobility, and better learning techniques. This makes technology a must-have for any modern business, including startups and small businesses. However, the threat of cybersecurity continues to ravage different sectors embracing digital transformation.

Modern offices incorporate all sorts of technology that range from the Internet of Things (IoT) to smart TVs, cameras, HVAC systems, computers, and smart electronic devices. Cloud computing is another next-level digital movement that facilitates remote and hybrid work, besides running various office applications and backing up data and IoT solutions. In addition, there is Artificial Intelligence (AI), which continues to transform how people perceive technology.

As technology continues to evolve in offices and today's hybrid workforce, so do cybercriminals. This shows that hackers are finding new ways to infiltrate systems, networks, servers, and other electronic devices to install malware or steal sensitive information. According to the FBI, 2020 saw more than $4.2 billion lost to cybercrime in the U.S. alone. Besides, the Q1 of 2021 has already experienced a 273% rise in breaches, indicating cybersecurity threats are becoming an increasing trend.

Besides, this consistent increase in cybercrime suggests a shortage in skilled security operatives and expertise to protect systems, networks, servers, crucial data and other computing systems against attacks. That said, here are common cybersecurity threats and practical ways to fight them.

Suspicious and Phishing Email Threats

Advancements in technology have enhanced cybersecurity protocols, making it a bit tricky for hackers to access highly secured infrastructure. As an alternative, hackers are using emails as a technique to lure victims into creating vulnerabilities. Emails sent by hackers usually contain malicious links, and once a victim opens or clicks them, it executes an attack, leading to cybercrime.

Surprisingly, about 93% of cyber attack groups use emails to access highly secured IT infrastructure. For instance, Microsoft 365, formerly Office 365, is the most hacked application globally where users are sent phishing emails, and once they open them, it gives attackers access to Microsoft systems. Email threats can happen in the following ways:

• Business email compromise: Also referred to as email account compromise, business email compromise involves email fraud attacks targeted at organizations, including government facilities and businesses. The attack has negative impacts and is likely to cause losses, especially in a sophisticated ransomware attack.
• Emails to wire money: Hackers may send fake emails to a victim, disguising them as genuine messages, prompting victims to send money. That is, hackers may break into a company email address and send emails to unsuspecting victims or other organizations requesting money.

How to Fight Email Threats

Cybersecurity threats are a serious and significant issue that affects individual companies, employees, customers, and anyone linked to the concerned organization. Since emails create vulnerabilities in an organization, educating and training your employees about email threats is vital. Besides, it is important to train them on what to look for, mainly when they receive suspicious emails from unknown sources. With Microsoft's security such as Safe Links, Report Message to Outlook, Safe attachments, and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), Microsoft 365 has become a bit safer.

Other paid security tools against email threats such as Graphus and Sophos Email Security utilize AI that helps enhance protection against phishing and suspicious emails. The use of Antivirus firewalls can also help detect malicious software sent via email, offering an additional layer against this threat. In addition, it is crucial to run up-to-date software and systems that integrate the latest security features.

Malware/Ransomware/Shameware Threats

Ransomware is one of the most devastating cyberattacks targeting large organizations, including high-risk and sensitive sectors like healthcare and government institutions. The attack involves malware sent or installed by hackers into a victim's system, either holding it 'hostage' or encrypting crucial company data. Attackers will then demand a ransom and send a decryption key after payment.

This usually occurs when an employee clicks on malicious links or opens an infected Microsoft Attachment. This executes an attack and can cripple an organization's operations or functions unless it pays the ransom. To protect against ransomware attacks, organizations have myriad options to fight ransomware/malware/shareware attacks.

How to Fight Malware/Ransomware/Shareware Threats

• Treatment Zero Trust: Antivirus has been around for quite some time to offer protection against malware and other associated threats. However, cybercriminals have adopted ways to maneuver through this security feature and access systems, including servers and networks. A Zero Trust Treatment prevents the installation of applications from untrusted sources, ultimately preventing ransomware. TreatLocker is among the most effective Treatment Zero trust applications to help prevent ransomware attacks.
• Free Treatment: Zero Trust solutions also provide protection against unauthorized access to systems, servers, and critical IT infrastructure. This limits unauthorized personnel from accessing local admin systems and installing malware or creating vulnerabilities.
• XDR/EDR: Organizations must create endpoint threat detections and responses, as well as correlate activities. Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) and Extended Detection and Response (EDR) enable businesses to secure and analyze data endpoints between networks, cloud workloads, servers, SIEM, and more. This helps prevent malware, creating more advanced cybersecurity protocols.
• Managed Threat Detection: Increasing ransomware attacks have led to failing cybersecurity practices because cyber criminals find ways to get past these security protocols. Treat detection involves a 24/7 dedicated team monitoring potential vulnerabilities and ransomware threats and actively validating potential security incidents and threats. BlackPoint is among the top threat detection software compatible with various antivirus to offer maximum protection against malicious software or malware infiltration.

Bottom Line

With several potential cybersecurity threats out there, email and malware threats stand out as the most severe and common threats in the U.S. and around the globe. Learning about these threats and implementing the above solutions helps fight cybersecurity threats and protect your systems. It is important to focus on crucial elements in your organization such as company data, computer security, Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP), and a consultant to achieve more with your cybersecurity practices.

At Orbis Solutions Inc., we can help you get more insights into cyber threats your company is facing and incorporate best practices that fight these threats. Contact us to learn more today!

Sean Connery

Orbis Solutions, Inc., in Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin and throughout Nevada, has developed creative, strategic and cost-effective technical solutions for a wide variety of clients. Offering a diverse range of products and services, Orbis provides IT solutions to promote your company’s productivity and profitability, and help you sort through the latest-hyped technology, so you can select the best hardware, software or service for your business needs.