Security in our digital age is a constant battle between hackers and those that seek to protect the data and privacy of users. With over 1 million new malware threats being created every day, this battle is ongoing as hackers continue to try and find new, unique ways to access private data.
A single vulnerability in your network could allow third parties to access important data, install malware, and disrupt operations. Hackers are continually on the lookout for new vulnerabilities and identifying users or businesses who have failed to adequately shut down the vulnerability.
In the past, businesses only had to worry about a limited number of devices on their network. Today, companies have multiple computers on their network along with tablets, smartphones, smart televisions, printers, and more. The opportunities for hackers to abuse poor network security are endless. In this article, we will look at how your business can prevent damaging cyber-attacks and the importance of network security.
What is a Cyber Attack?
The term cyber attack is a very broad term that refers to a wide range of attacks that a hacker could carry out on an individual device or a network of interconnected devices. As your business becomes more connected and introduces more devices, there is the potential for more areas of opportunity that a hacker may exploit.
Some cyber attacks involve malicious code, called malware, installed on unsuspecting devices. This malware could do anything – force your computer to mine Bitcoin or track keystrokes and pass the information back to the hacker.
One of the most rapidly growing malware threats is known as ransomware. This type of malware encrypts important data, essentially locking it away from the user. A Bitcoin payment is usually required to release the data. Organizations around the world including the PGA Tour have been targeted.
Other cyber attacks involve disrupting network access and communication. A DDoS (distributed denial of service) attack uses a network of computers to continually send requests to a server. This flood of requests can prevent legitimate users from accessing the server.
Those are just a couple examples of the many threats your business could face. Answering, “What is a cyber attack,” is only the beginning of the solution. Identifying opportunities for attackers and closing in on those opportunities are where the real work begins.
Protect Your Network from Outside Attacks
Most businesses rely on their network to complete almost every day-to-day task. Everything from managing clients and fulfilling orders to simply printing a document is done via an interconnected network these days. To protect these complex networks, there are a variety of types of network security that are implemented.
One of the first steps in a network security assessment is to ensure that the right people have access to the network. People with network access that should not have it are threats to your security. They may not personally have malicious intent but their devices could be attacked and used as access to your network.
Malware and virus protection can also be implemented at a network level to scan for incoming threats and weed them out before they reach unsuspecting users. These types of network security all work hand-in-hand with other strategies to ensure the best possible overall security.
The importance of network security cannot be understated. Your network is the gateway to your entire business. Countless devices and users may be relying on your network to do their job and ensure the success of your business. Hackers often look for easy targets, which means proper network security may stop them in their tracks and force them to move along before they can do any damage.
Protecting Beyond the Network
The importance of network security is clear, but that is not the only type of security taken into consideration during a network security assessment. The devices and forms of software being used on the network can be a window for hackers to enter your network and wreak havoc.
Part of a network security assessment is looking at users, devices, and software to ensure that everything is updated and compliant with security best practices. Old versions of software may have loopholes or bugs that hackers can exploit. Closing these loopholes with basic updates can be an effective way to increase network security.
Is Your Business Prepared for Threats?
We began by answering, “What is a cyber attack,” and then outlining some basic areas that a network security assessment would consider and the types of network security available. This is only where network security starts. There are constantly evolving opportunities for hackers to gain access to your network and the essential data your business relies upon.
With 40 years of experience, CDS Office Technologies will be able to identify security holes, provide solutions, and even manage your network to ensure ongoing security and protection for you, your employees, and your customers.
If you believe your business needs a network security assessment, contact our security experts at CDS Office Technologies.
