Cybersecurity is the art of protecting networks, devices, and data from unlawful access or criminal use and the practice of guaranteeing confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information. Why is cyber security important? Communication, transportation, shopping, and medicine are just some of the things that rely on computers systems and the Internet now. Much of your personal information is stored either on your computer, smartphone, tablet, or possibly on someone else’s system. Knowing how to protect the information that you have stored is of high importance not just for an individual but for an organization and those in it.
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Did You Know?
- As of 2021, there is a ransomware attack every 11 seconds, up from 39 seconds in 2019.
- 43% of cyber-attacks target small businesses, and they have grown 400% since the Covid-19 pandemic began.
How Criminals Infiltrate A Network
In 2019, companies and organizations in the United States, as well as multiple foreign governments, were harmed by theft of intellectual property, trade secrets, and other highly valuable information by hackers utilizing a technique called Advanced Persistent Threats (APT). By establishing initial access, the APT exploits user and administrator credentials, enables movement within the network, and locates high value data to exfiltrate. Here is how the bad actors got into those networks.
- By stealing compromised credentials, the attacker obtained victim identity information.
- Criminals created new email accounts and hacked existing ones to conduct social engineering attacks.
- Spear phishing emails were sent containing malware and malicious attachments.
- Malware was used to exploit various common vulnerabilities and exposures by exploiting software vulnerabilities in applications.
Simple Tips
- Use antivirus software. Antivirus software is very important. It’s an important protective measure useful against cyber criminals and malicious threats. It can automatically detect, quarantine, and remove types of malware. Automatic virus updates should always be enabled to ensure maximum protection against the latest threats.
- Keep software up to date. Attackers have been known to take advantage of well-known problems and vulnerabilities. Making sure you install software patches and utilizing automatic updates for your operating system will help protect you from attackers.
- Utilize a firewall. Firewalls can prevent some attacks by limiting malicious traffic before it can enter a computer system. It also restricts unnecessary outbound communications. Some devices and operating systems come with a firewall preinstalled. However, make sure your device is currently using a firewall and that it is configured properly.
- Utilize strong passwords. Creating passwords that will be difficult for cybercriminals to guess is vital. Use different passwords for different programs, websites, apps, and devices. It is also best to use long, strong passphrases or passwords that consist of at least 15 to 16 characters. Use password managers to generate and remember different, complex passwords for each of your accounts.
- Double your login protection. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) to ensure that the only person who has access to your account is you. Use it for email, banking, social media, and any other service that requires logging in. If MFA is an option, enable it by using a trusted mobile device, such as your smartphone, an authenticator app, or a secure token—a small physical device that can hook onto your keyring.
- Watch for Phishing. The goal is to gain information about you and use your information to make unauthorized purchases or gain access to a secure system. Be suspicious of unexpected emails and always check email address sources to make sure the email is not coming from a fake website.
Contact the Solution Builders Cyber Security Team
Every October, Cybersecurity Awareness Month continues to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity across our Nation. Led by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCSA), Cybersecurity Awareness Month shares messages and weekly themes of the importance of staying safe online. The evergreen theme – Do Your Part. #BeCyberSmart – encourages individuals and organizations to own their role in protecting their part of cyberspace, stressing personal accountability, and the importance of taking proactive steps to enhance cybersecurity.
Cyber Security is important to Solution Builders, and we are committed to helping our clients become more resilient. Let us know how we can help your organization.
Resources
Cyber Security Awareness Month 2021 – Why is Cybersecurity Important
Talalaev, A. (2021, June 30). Website Hacking Statistics You Should Know in 2021. Patchstack.
Team, E. (2021, August 11).2021 Must-Know Cyber Attack Statistics and Trends. Embroker.
Charlotte Today. (2021, August 30). Protecting small businesses from cyber attacks. WCNC-TV.
