Common Cyber Attacks Businesses Should Watch Out For

As a business, you always need to make sure your computers and your network are secure. There are many viruses, worms, and other forms of malware that can spread across an entire network. Cyber attacks often target businesses, so it’s important you protect yourself against them. Here are some common ones you should be aware of.

Ransomware

Ransomware is one of the most debilitating attacks your business network can experience. Ransomware refers to a range of malware that can encrypt all the data on your computers. They then ask you to pay a ransom to restore your files.

New forms of ransomware are cropping up all the time, and they often target businesses both big and small. Look for services which offer disaster recovery for small businesses, as they can help you with measures to keep your data safe.

Anti-malware software can also help, but new ransomware viruses are often undetectable. It’s best to find multiple ways to protect your data before an attack can occur.

Spyware And Trojans

Spyware is the last thing you want on your computer. It works by remotely monitoring your computer activity, collecting keystrokes and other private info. It’s often used to get login details and sensitive business data.

A more malicious form of spyware is a trojan horse. Trojans disguise themselves as other programs. If executed, the attacker can not only collect information but also take control of the entire computer.

As a business, you never want a third-party to get their hands on your data. Antivirus programs can often detect programs that might be spyware. Endpoint protection software can also identify attacks before they start.

Web Attacks

Various attacks can happen through your internet browser. When using email, be careful of phishing attacks. These usually come in the form of a spoofed email leading a user to a fake login page. The login details the user puts in are then sent to the attacker. These are often used to gain PayPal or social media accounts.

Phishing attacks often target business emails and can’t be detected by an antivirus. Make sure your employees are aware of these, and don’t follow any untrusted email links. It’s usually best to go to a website login page by manually typing the URL instead of following a link.

There are various other web attacks which can infect your computer. Adware and spyware can often download itself through a popup link without you needing to click anything. A lot of security software packages also include web protection. You can also get security extensions for your browser.

DDoS Attacks

A distributed denial-of-service attack (DDoS) involves overloading a network or website with traffic. This can slow down a system or make users unable to access a website. If your website has limited bandwidth, a DDoS attack can shut it down for a long time.

Hackers often use these against businesses as they can slow down their operations. If you take payments from the web, a DDoS attack can make customers unable to use your website. Some companies even believe competitors use DDoS attacks against them.

DDoS attacks often come unexpectedly and can be hard to stop. It’s best to have a computer security expert to help your business protect against DDoS attacks.