As we once again enter cyber security awareness month, October is celebrated to spread awareness about the best practice for staying secure online and educating your employees on how to better protect the organisation.
Cyber-attacks are increasingly common. While technology has brought many benefits, the embedding of technology has allowed cybercriminals access to our homes and officers. With attackers targeting your organisations, technology alone will not be sufficient.
Phishing attacks and ransomware are two of the most common forms of cyber-attacks, and we’re here to educate you on ways you can stay protected.
Phishing attacks
Phishing attacks are extremely common and involve sending mass amounts of fraudulent emails to unsuspecting users, disguised as coming from reliable sources. Fraudulent emails often have the appearance of being legitimate but link the recipient to a malicious file or script designed to grant attackers access to your device to control it, install malicious files, or extract data such as user information.
Phishing attacks can also take place via social networks and other online communities, via direct messages from other users with hidden intent. Phishers often leverage social engineering and other public information sources to collect info about your work, interest, and activities.
Using the popular tools and safeguards will help IT departments head off phishing attacks before they can hit employees’ inboxes.
- Install security software
- Keep software updated
- Schedule regular backups
- Enforce password policies
- Use multi-factor authentication
What can your employees do to avoid phishing emails?
- Avoid emails from unknown senders
- Do not provide personal information or click on suspicious links
- Be on alert for threats or urgent deadlines
- Pay close attention to email content
Ransomware
Ransomware, we are all familiar with the term. This form of cybercrime is still incredibly popular all over the world. If we’re all aware of the threat, why is ransomware still a popular crime technique and why is it successful? Here are a few reasons why this most basic of tricks is still an ever-present danger in the world of cyber security.
- Ransomware attacks are now everywhere, targeting everyone. From unwanted pop-ups to suspicious-looking emails, a Ransomware attack can afflict anyone, meaning that those responsible have a higher chance of success.
- People are paying – Meeting the demand of a ransomware attack will only encourage its perpetrators to undertake more in the future – and there’s still no guarantee you’ll get your files back, even if you do pay.
- Human Error. More ransomware attacks come from human error when clicking on a suspicious-looking link.
This October gives Concorde the perfect opportunity to springboard our efforts to bring cyber awareness to the front of people’s minds. It can become overwhelming as to where businesses start in their awareness journey, but Concorde is here to help to support you on that journey.
Concorde Cyber Security’s commitment to trust begins and ends with privacy, security, and compliance. We strive to not only comply and implement best practices but to stay one step ahead, pioneering the future of privacy and security as technology continues to evolve.
Concorde Cyber Security offers a comprehensive range of cyber security services, from technical support to fully managed consultancy. Speak with our team of security experts for more information https://tctg-sec.co.uk/.