You see the sensational news headlines about organizations that have been attacked by hackers, script kiddies, organized crime, and rogue nation-states, but how likely is it that you’ll be targeted? Cybercrime Magazine reports that “Cybercrime will cost the world $6 trillion annually by 2021, up from $3 trillion in 2015.” With these distressing figures in mind, it’s crucial to take action and guard yourself or your organization from cyberthreats.
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Why do Hackers Attack Some Industries More Than Others?
Like most criminals, cybercriminals want to steal the most valuable assets attainable. Sometimes, hackers go after money directly. In other situations, they try to take sensitive business information or extensive collections of customer data. Or, they target public services to cause chaos.
Cybercriminals do often compromise devices belonging to individuals and small businesses; however, targeting larger entities gives them higher rewards for their criminal efforts. Anyone operating within these corporations or organizations needs to be educated on cyberthreats and should always remain vigilant.
Also, hackers target the organizations they perceive as weak or unsuspecting. Any business or agency with outdated security systems or unprotected endpoints is more susceptible to an attack.
Targeted Industries and the Information Cybercriminals Seek
- Healthcare– Patient records and billing information
- Financial Services– Direct funds and billing information
- Government Agencies– Direct funds, billing information, constituent personal information, and intellectual property
- Manufacturing– Intellectual property and customer and vendor records
- Educational Institutions– Intellectual property, personal information, and billing information
- Transportation Authorities– Opportunities for disruption and ransom
- Utility Providers– Opportunities for disruption and ransom
- Small and Medium-Sized Business– Billing information and personal information
What Steps Can You Take to Keep Your Company or Organization Safe?
When it comes to protecting your business from cyberthreats, the best strategy is to take preventative action. If you wait for an attack to strike to take cybersecurity seriously, it’ll be too late. To take your organization’s digital welfare into your own hands, consider the following tips.
1. Invest in Endpoint Protection
Endpoint Protection Platforms (EPPs) protect businesses by securing each endpoint that cybercriminals could potentially target. Endpoints are defined as any device with access to a network, such as desktops, laptops, smartphones, tablets, and smart accessories.
Why should you use a platform for VMWare endpoint protection to secure your company? With an EPP, you put in place a dynamic cybersecurity overlay that allows you to install an agent on every device at the edge of the network. This overlay gives you the ability to manage every endpoint, no matter how many, from a single screen.
2. Use Antivirus Software
Antivirus software detects threats and prevents the interference of malicious code such as viruses, worms, and Trojan horses. Most antivirus software comes with an integrated ad blocker that filters out annoying and possibly malicious page elements and pop-ups in your browser.
3. Update Computers and Software
One of the easiest ways to protect your systems is to install new updates and security patches to your operating system (OS) and other applications such as web browsers. Doing so prevents hackers from attacking known weaknesses in old systems and accessing your data.
Part of your update process should include the automatic backup of your data to the cloud or an external storage device.
4. Install a Firewall
Installing a firewall prevents people on the Internet from connecting to your local network or drives. Nowadays, most operating systems have built-in firewall protection. However, organizations with a vast number of users using a single network should consider investing in hardware-based firewall appliances for even better protection.
5. Restrict Access and Install Security Applications
Another low-cost but high-value way to keep your systems safe involves physical security. Physical security measures include ensuring that your devices are under visual control during working hours and shut down and behind locked doors after hours. The use of a Kensington lock is an additional way to secure a device. Kensington locks use cables to anchor computers to tables or carts.
You should also instruct employees to set keystroke commands to lock their systems while powered on but not in use. For example, the Ctrl+Alt+Del command for Windows users prevents unauthorized access during meetings, lunch, or stops at the coffee station.
Also, strong passwords that are frequently updated prevent brute force or dictionary attacks. For small and large businesses, there are applications and utilities available to help remind users and enforce compliance.
Lastly, consider data encryption to dered to foil any hackers attempting to monitor your network. Many businesses use OS-level utilities or virtual private networks (VPNs) to protect their data.
Pulling it all Together
Unfortunately, cyberattacks are common, and the material costs of a successful breach can be measured in dollars spent, time lost, and reputational damage. However, the right preventative measures can help protect businesses and organizations within any industry from outside threats. For the best protection, look at your digital work environment from the inside out and build your defense in layers.
