Gone are the days when passwords were enough to protect our systems and data. Cyber attackers are now increasingly sophisticated in their techniques, and they can target anyone, from individuals and small businesses to multinational organisations. The result can be hugely disrupted operations, endless headaches, and millions lost in revenue.
That's why it's so important for all firms, whether IT or non-IT, to understand the importance of cyber security and take the necessary steps to protect against cyber threats. We all want our personal and professional data to stay secure, and getting a handle on cyber security is a key part of making that happen.
Town & Country Communications have been Dorset, Hampshire, and Wiltshire's go-to choice for IT services since 1992. In honour of October being Cyber Security Month, we've put together an introductory guide to everything you need to know about cyber security, from what it involves to the different types of attacks you might face, and how you can shield your business from them. Let's dive right in!
What is cyber security?
Cyber security is the process and strategies used to protect sensitive data, computer systems, networks, and software applications from cyber-attacks. We'll talk more about these strategies shortly, but first, let's discuss the various threats you might encounter and need to guard against.
What is a cyber-attack?
A cyber attack is a deliberate and malicious attempt to compromise the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of a computer system. Cyber attacks are typically carried out with the intent to gain unauthorised access to sensitive information, disrupt operations, steal valuable data, or cause harm in some way.
Cyber attacks can take various forms, and they continue to evolve as technology advances. Actions commonly involved in a cyber attack include:
- Tampering with systems and data stored within
- Exploiting resources
- Accessing to the targeted system and accessing sensitive information without authorization
- Disrupting the normal functioning of the business and its processes
- Using ransomware attacks to encrypt data and extort money from victims
To better understand the need for cyber security measures and their practices, here's a brief look at the most common types of threats and attacks you may encounter.
Ransomware
Ransomware is a malicious software that encrypts files using a powerful encryption algorithm.
The creators of ransomware generate a unique decryption key for each victim and store it on a remote server. This means targets can't access their files through any of their usual applications. The ransomware creators then demand a significant ransom from victims to provide the decryption key or help recover the data. Of course, even if you pay the ransom, there's no guarantee that your data will be restored.
A recent example of ransomware occurred in early 2023, when hackers with ties to Russia demanded a £67 million ransom from Royal Mail. Royal Mail refused to pay, which led to 11,500 Post Office branches across the UK being unable to handle international mail or parcels.
Botnets attacks
A botnet is a network, or a group of devices all connected within the same network, working together towards a common goal. They were initially designed to work together on specific tasks as a team, but hackers have begun misusing them to gain unauthorised access to networks and introduce malicious code or malware, causing disruption. Some examples of botnet attacks include:
- Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks
- Spreading spam emails
- Stealing confidential data
Botnet attacks tend to target larger businesses and organisations due to their huge data access. In these attacks, hackers can take control of many devices and compromise them for their own motives.
Social engineering attacks
Social engineering is a common tactic used by cybercriminals to obtain sensitive user information. They employ deceptive methods like displaying attractive advertisements, offering prizes, and making enticing offers, while asking for your personal and bank account details. Any information you enter in these situations is maliciously duplicated and used for various types of fraud, including financial and identity fraud.
Along with financial losses, social engineering attacks can download other destructive threats to the concerned system, risking further damage.
Phishing
Phishing is a type of online fraud that involves tricking people into revealing sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, or personal identification information, by posing as a trustworthy source. The term "phishing" is a play on the word "fishing," as attackers cast a wide net, hoping to hook unsuspecting victims.
Phishing emails often come with eye-catching subject lines and might contain things like fake invoices, job offers, deals from well-known shipping companies, or what seems like important messages from high-ranking company officials.
Phishing scams are one of the most common types of cyber attack out there. To protect against them, you should always be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments in unsolicited emails or messages. Verifying the legitimacy of the sender and website, using strong and unique passwords, and keeping software and security systems up to date are essential steps to mitigate the risk of falling victim to phishing scams.
How can you protect yourself against cyber-attacks?
Even with continuous security updates, the world of cyber threats is ever-growing. That's why it's vital to equip yourself with a solid understanding of cybersecurity basics, their real-world applications, and the advantages they bring.
While we can't cover all the details of cyber defence in this introduction, here are some essential steps you should take:
- Create complex passwords with a combination of upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using easily guessable information like birthdays, names, or common phrases, and use a different password for each account to prevent a single breach from compromising multiple accounts.
- Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security by requiring you to enter a one-time code or use a biometric factor in addition to your password. You should use 2FA wherever possible, especially for critical accounts like email, banking, and social media.
- Regularly update your operating system, software, and apps to patch known vulnerabilities. It's a good idea to enable automatic updates to stay protected against the latest threats.
- Install reputable antivirus and anti-malware software to detect and remove malicious software. Always keep your security software updated to protect against new threats.
- Avoid opening email attachments or clicking on links from unknown or suspicious sources. Verify the authenticity of emails, especially those requesting sensitive information or payments.
- Enable a firewall on your computer or router to block unauthorised access to your network. Configure the firewall to only allow necessary traffic.
- Secure your Wi-Fi network by changing the default router login credentials, using a strong WPA3 encryption, and regularly updating your router's firmware.
- Regularly backup your important files and data to an external drive or cloud storage. In case of a ransomware attack or data loss, you can restore your data from these backups.
- Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions like online banking, or use a VPN to encrypt your internet connection. Check websites are using HTTPS when transmitting sensitive information.
Following these steps will go a long way in safeguarding your personal data from cyberattacks.
If you're running a business, you should also consider offering cybersecurity training for your employees to provide even better protection. Having a well-informed team is your best defence against cyber threats. It's also important to bring in professionals who can offer you the tools, advice, and services needed to keep your business safe from cyberattacks.
Remember, businesses have even more on the line than individuals, and attacks against them can be much more intense. Fortifying your defences on all fronts will protect you and your staff from harm and give you much greater peace of mind.
Talk to the cyber security experts at Town & Country Communications
At Town & Country Communications, our cybersecurity experts can provide a variety of essential solutions to keep your business safe. We offer:
- Antivirus protection
- Comprehensive security audits
- Secure remote access, which is especially important if many of your team members are working from home
- Data backup and recovery services
- Automated updates and patching to strengthen your software and prevent any potential vulnerabilities that hackers might target
- Robust web, email, and network security
- Thorough vulnerability scans to identify any potential weaknesses in your network
We've worked with countless local businesses over the years, from coastal cafés to esteemed architecture firms. No matter the size, industry, or focus of your business, you can rest assured that our team is here to provide you with the robust IT security solutions you need for complete protection.
Ready to get started? Book a consultation online or call us on 01202 514444 today!
