The impact of the internet on businesses is staggering. The internet made the world smaller. For the first time in history, small and medium operations are no longer limited to patrons within their immediate area. At present, given strategic planning and deliberate marketing efforts, these businesses can compete with larger corporations. Consumers are now able to explore products and services that were once considered elusive and expensive. The internet made the world more accessible for more people which made it more vulnerable to cyberthreats as well. 

With that said, the advancement in technology isn’t without its drawbacks. An online presence for your business makes your operations vulnerable to cybersecurity attacks. Statistics show that at least 64% of companies have experienced a cyber breach. Of this 64%, 43% were attacks on small businesses. These malicious activities come in many forms. Below are a few cyberthreats that are often overlooked:

8 Commonly Overlooked Cyberthreats

Malware Ads

The last few years saw an increase in the number of ads online. Today, the internet has become an avenue for brands and companies to advertise their products and reach a broader audience scope. That said, most online users already expect the presence of ads on any given web page. 

Unfortunately, hackers weaponized online ads for their gain. Today, these malicious individuals tack malware onto ads on less popular websites. Through the malware, hackers gain information about individuals. Often, they sift through the files within a device to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data. 

Malware ads are a significant source of income for hackers. However, ad blockers and patch systems are often enough to minimize this threat. 

Weak Encryption Practices

For the most part, companies are diligent about encrypting sensitive files. Encryption isn’t the issue; proper encryption practices are. Business owners are well-aware of the importance of encrypting files while it is in transit. Unfortunately, not many people know the value of encrypting sensitive information while in storage. Attacks can happen at any point. Properly encrypting files maximizes the full value of this cybersecurity measure. 

Most operations also have a problem with managing encryption keys. Often, companies store this critical piece of information within the same system it is trying to encrypt. Likewise, companies tend to share encryption keys with too many people. Doing so renders the encryption moot. 

Evil Maid/Twin Attacks

Evil Maid and Evil Twin attacks are similar; however, they aren’t the same cybersecurity threat. Evil twin attacks exploit the vulnerability of a secure hotspot. Hackers often position themselves within the range of these “secure” hotspots. Other users of the hotspot, in turn, link their devices to it, making them vulnerable to breaches. On the other hand, Evil Maid attacks are rather rudimentary. They are also more popular than evil twin attacks. It entails a hacker gaining access to a vulnerable piece of hardware while it is unattended. 

Internet of Things

The current global pandemic has increased the number of people working from home. The option to work remotely is great for employees. It improves work-life balanced and can positively affect morale and productivity. However, it poses a serious cybersecurity concern, especially for employees who own several smart home devices. 

More often than not, laptops connect to the same network as the Internet of Things devices like smart refrigerators and home security systems. While your computer is secured, these appliances are vulnerable to attacks. Because they share the same network as your work laptop, hackers can easily access sensitive information. 

Use of Personal Devices

Allowing the use of personal resources for work can be a win-win situation for both employees and employers. Employees can be more productive because they are comfortable with the device they are using. Likewise, employers can forgo investing in company laptops for each of their workers. 

Unfortunately, not having standard issue devices loaded with ample security measures exposes your operations to cyberthreats. Unless you have a firm security policy in place, you should think twice about allowing your employees to use their own devices for work. 

Poor Password Creation

Passwords are often your business’ first line of defense against malicious individuals looking for personal gain at your expense. Unfortunately, you cannot guarantee that all your employees are practicing effective password measures. There are, after all, plenty of workers who use the same password for multiple devices. From one employee alone, a considerable amount of sensitive information can be compromised. 

Password managers are an excellent investment that can protect your digital assets. There are different password managers available for every price ranger; however, it is best to go with an application with cross-platform functionality and multi-user options. 

Forgoing Update Downloads

Updating your software is an essential part of securing your digital assets. While the process might seem innocuous, almost a hassle, forgoing updates provides an easy means for malicious individuals to infiltrate your network. After all, it is a known fact that hackers use out-of-date software as an entry point to a vulnerable system. 

When it comes to system updates, you don’t need to require your employees to refresh an application to anticipate updates continually. Automating this process protects sensitive information more thoroughly. 

Employee Misinformation

95% of security breaches are a direct result of human error – very rarely do vulnerabilities come from the IT department. That said, it is essential to train your employees, no matter the rank, on cybersecurity best practices. The more information they have at their fingertips, the less likely your network would become vulnerable to breaches. Frequent cybersecurity training empowers employees to make better security decisions with the protection of the company in mind. 

Key Takeaway 

Today’s workplaces require a different level of protection against cybersecurity attacks. Technology has advanced for the better; malicious cyberthreats have also kept up with the times. Cybersecurity is an essential part of keeping the integrity of your company safe and secure. 

Thankfully, SecureBrain is your partner in safeguarding your operations from cyberthreats. Between GRED Web Check, GRED Web Security Verification Cloud, and Cyberattack Health Check, you can rest easy with patented SecureBrain products. Contact us today to learn more about our services!