As a business owner, it is crucial to protect your company from potential cyber attacks, especially during the summer months. Cybercriminals take advantage of the relaxed atmosphere and increased online activity during summer to launch attacks. In this article, I will discuss the top cyber attack types to watch out for this summer, the types of cyber attackers, and how you can protect your business from these attacks.
Introduction to Cyber Attacks
A cyber attack is an intentional attempt by hackers to breach the security of a computer system, network, or device. The primary goal of cyber attacks is to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information or cause damage to the system. Cyber attacks can come in many forms, including viruses, malware, phishing, ransomware, and denial-of-service attacks.
Types of Cyber Attack
Here are the most common types of cyber attacks to watch out for this summer:
Phishing
Phishing is a type of cyber attack where hackers trick users into revealing sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details, through fake emails or websites. Phishing attacks are prevalent during the summer months when people are more likely to click on links for travel deals or summer sales.
Ransomware
Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts a victim’s files and demands a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key. Ransomware attacks are on the rise during the summer months due to the increased online activity and the vulnerability of remote workers.
DDoS Attacks
A Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack is a cyber attack that aims to overwhelm a network or server with a flood of traffic to make it unavailable to users. DDoS attacks can cause significant damage to businesses, especially those that rely heavily on online sales or services.
Summer Cyber Attack Examples
Here are some real-life examples of cyber attacks that have occurred during the summer months:
Marriott International Data Breach
In July 2018, Marriott International announced a data breach that exposed the personal information of over 500 million customers. The breach occurred between 2014 and 2018 and was due to a vulnerability in the company’s database. The stolen information included names, email addresses, passport numbers, and credit card details.
Equifax Data Breach
In July 2017, Equifax, one of the largest credit reporting agencies, announced a data breach that exposed the personal information of 147 million customers. The breach occurred due to a vulnerability in the company’s website software. The stolen information included names, social security numbers, birth dates, and addresses.
Types of Cyber Attackers
Cyber attackers can be divided into three main categories:
Hacktivists
Hacktivists are individuals or groups of hackers who carry out cyber attacks for political or social reasons. They target businesses and organizations that they believe are involved in unethical or illegal activities.
Cybercriminals
Cybercriminals are individuals or groups of hackers who carry out cyber attacks for financial gain. They target businesses and organizations that have valuable assets or sensitive information.
Nation-State Actors
Nation-state actors are government-sponsored hackers who carry out cyber attacks for political or economic gain. They target businesses and organizations that are of strategic importance to their country.
Understanding the Risks of Cyber Attacks During the Summer Months
Cyber attacks are more common during the summer months due to several factors:
Increased Online Activity
During the summer months, people spend more time online, whether it’s for booking vacations, shopping, or socializing. This increased online activity creates more opportunities for cyber attackers to launch attacks.
Remote Work
Many businesses allow employees to work remotely during the summer months, which can make them more vulnerable to cyber attacks. Remote workers may use unsecured networks or devices, which can be easily compromised by hackers.
Lack of Security Awareness
Summer is a time for relaxation, and people may be less vigilant about their online security. Hackers take advantage of this relaxed atmosphere to launch attacks that prey on people’s lack of security awareness.
How to Protect Your Business from Cyber Attacks in the Summer
Here are some steps you can take to protect your business from cyber attacks during the summer months:
Educate Your Employees
One of the most effective ways to protect your business from cyber attacks is to educate your employees about online security. Provide training on how to identify and avoid phishing emails, use strong passwords, and keep their devices and software up to date.
Use Antivirus Software
Antivirus software can detect and remove malware from your computer system, providing an essential layer of protection against cyber attacks.
Implement a Firewall
A firewall is a network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic. A firewall can prevent unauthorized access to your network and block malicious traffic.
Use Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your login process by requiring users to provide two forms of identification, such as a password and a code sent to their phone.
Steps to Take if Your Business Falls Victim to a Cyber Attack
If your business falls victim to a cyber attack, here are the steps you should take:
Isolate the Infected System
If you suspect that a computer or device has been infected with malware, isolate the system from the rest of the network to prevent the malware from spreading.
Alert Your IT Department
Contact your IT department or a cybersecurity professional as soon as possible to investigate and resolve the issue.
Notify the Authorities and Affected Parties
If personal information has been compromised, you may need to notify the authorities and affected parties, such as customers or employees.
The Importance of Cyber Security in Today’s Business World
With the increasing reliance on technology and the rise of cyber attacks, cyber security has become a top priority for businesses of all sizes. Cyber attacks can cause significant financial and reputational damage to businesses, making it essential to invest in cyber security measures.
Cyber Security Attacks Prevention Tips
Here are some additional tips to prevent cyber security attacks:
Keep Software Up to Date
Regularly update your operating system, software, and antivirus to ensure that you have the latest security patches and protection against vulnerabilities.
Backup Your Data
Regularly backup your data to an external hard drive or cloud storage to protect against data loss due to cyber attacks.
Use Strong Passwords
Use strong passwords that are difficult to guess and change them regularly.
How Tekscape Can Protect Your Business from Summer Cyber Attacks
Tekscape is a leading provider of managed IT services that can help protect your business from cyber attacks. We offer a range of cybersecurity solutions, including firewall protection, antivirus software, and backup and disaster recovery services. Our team of cybersecurity experts can work with you to develop a customized cybersecurity strategy that meets your business’s unique needs.
In conclusion, cyber attacks are a real threat to businesses, especially during the summer months. By understanding the types of cyber attacks, the types of cyber attackers, and the risks associated with cyber attacks during the summer, you can take steps to protect your business from these threats. Use the tips and strategies outlined in this article to safeguard your business from cyber attacks and consider working with Tekscape to develop a comprehensive cybersecurity plan.
