The growing danger of Cyber Threats - and what to do about them
Stop Data Breaches Before They Become Irreversible
Data breaches pose substantial risks to an organization, its clientele, and its reputation. Successful breaches can lead to the compromise of vital corporate assets, customer information, or other confidential data.
In a typical organization, the networking team is responsible for ensuring reliable connectivity and optimal performance, enabling users to access services seamlessly while avoiding complications that could lead to disruptions, delays, or reduced speed. Conversely, the security team focuses on risk mitigation and compliance adherence. However, users may find themselves caught between the two, as overly stringent security measures could hinder or block access to essential applications and data, while leniency from either team could leave the organization vulnerable to cyber threats like infiltration and ransomware.
Enterprises are shifting towards Zero Trust architectures, where the network’s role shifts from simply connecting everything to enforcing stringent security policies.
While security policies may primarily be enforced in the cloud for user application access, it is often more efficient to implement security measures directly in access devices such as access points, switches, and routers for various traffic flows, especially those involving IoT devices and associated services. By fostering shared visibility, automation, and clear definition of policy and enforcement responsibilities, networking and security teams can align their objectives and provide users with a superior experience. Now let’s look at different types of cyber threats and risks they impose.
Types of Cyber Threats
Different varieties of cyber threats exist, each employing distinct techniques and aims. We’ve compiled a list of the top nine cyber threats that could jeopardize your business. Understanding these various forms of cyber attacks is crucial as an initial defense against potential risks.
1.Attacks on IoT Devices:
IoT devices, including industrial sensors, are susceptible to various cyber threats, such as DDoS attacks and unauthorized data access. Given their widespread deployment and often outdated operating systems, IoT devices are prime targets for cybercriminals.
2.Malicious Software (Malware) Attacks:
Malware, encompassing viruses, worms, trojans, spyware, and ransomware, stands as a prevalent form of cybersecurity threat. It infiltrates systems with the intent of compromising data confidentiality, integrity, or availability. Attackers commonly distribute malware through app downloads, mobile websites, or phishing emails and messages. Once infiltrated, a device may grant unauthorized access to personal information, financial accounts, and more. Common types of malware include viruses, worms, trojans, spyware, ransomware, cryptojacking, adware, rootkits, botnets, fileless malware, and mobile malware.
3.Social Engineering Attacks:
Social engineering tactics persist as among the most perilous hacking methods due to their reliance on human error rather than technical vulnerabilities. These attacks manipulate victims into divulging sensitive information or unwittingly installing malware. Common social engineering attacks include phishing, spear phishing, vishing, smishing, and baiting.
4.Supply Chain Attacks:
A rising form of cyber threat targets software developers and vendors through supply chain attacks. These aim to infect authentic applications and disseminate malware through source code, build processes, or software updates. Attackers exploit insecure network protocols, server infrastructure, and coding techniques to steal data and compromise build and update processes.
5.”Man in the Middle” (MitM) Attacks:
MitM attacks involve intercepting communication between two endpoints to eavesdrop, steal sensitive data, or impersonate each party. Examples include Wi-Fi eavesdropping, email hijacking, DNS spoofing, IP spoofing, and HTTPS spoofing.
6.The Role of the Dark Web:
The dark web, an unregulated and anonymous part of the internet, facilitates the sale and exchange of malicious software, knowledge sharing among cybercriminals, and the launch of attacks, amplifying cybersecurity threats.
7.Denial-of-Service (DDoS) Attacks:
DDoS attacks occur when attackers commandeer numerous devices to overload a target system, such as a website, causing it to crash from excessive demand.
8.Zero-Day Exploits and Attacks:
Zero-day exploits target unknown security vulnerabilities in software, operating systems, or networks, providing hackers with unauthorized access.
9.Injection Attacks:
Injection attacks exploit vulnerabilities to insert malicious input into web application code, potentially compromising the entire system. Common vectors include SQL injection, code injection, and cross-site scripting (XSS).
10. Password Attacks:
Password-based cyber attacks involve attempts to guess, brute force, or deceive users into revealing passwords. Techniques include password spraying and brute force attacks.
What Measures Can You Take To Prevent Data Breaches?
Strategies to Combat Cybersecurity Threats
According to Gartner 2024 Cyber Report cyber threats recommendations include secure networks, regular patching, strong authentication, firewall and antivirus software, caution against phishing attempts, access limitation, data encryption, regular backups, employee training, incident response planning, and staying informed about emerging threats and prevention strategies.
Recommended data breach prevention tools and actions
The key factor is being aware of all the possible methods for exposure and understanding how to mitigate risks.
We highly recommend creating a checklist with your IT teams (Networking, Applications, IoT devices) for this effort and create strategies for each and a plan of actions to be taken to secure each vulnerability identified.
- Protect all hardwire “man in the middle” connections by implementing Enable-IT solutions.
The key benefit of leveraging a Ethernet Extender or PoE Extender Solutions from Enable-IT, is we use 256-bit encryption for any “Man in the Middle” links to your infrastructure(Networking & IoT).
- Make your organization stronger by consistently managing risks that are practical and related to your business, both in your digital systems and those of third-party companies you work with. Make sure to use identity and access management (IAM) to help lower the chances of cyber attacks.
- Encourage decentralized technology initiatives by organizing cybersecurity decision-making processes.
- Adopt a strategic and people-focused method to enhance the effectiveness of the security function. This involves providing additional training to current security professionals, leveraging GenAI to enhance human capabilities rather than replacing them entirely, and establishing a security behavior and culture program that fits the context appropriately.
Contact any of our team members to learn more or schedule a engineering call if interested in integration off the shelf solutions or highly integrated chipsets for your infrastructure data breach protection plans.
