Cyber threats have increased by more than 200% since the start of the pandemic. The attacks are becoming more sophisticated and creative to lure individuals into unintentionally giving access to bad actors.
How can you identify a possible cyber threat?
Phishing emails or instant messages marauding as a legitimate company. You should look out for misspelled words, dubious links, or requests for a password, credit card, or other personal credentials. Never log in through links provided by emails, if unsure, head to the login for the company via the usual path and verify if there is an issue. Also, think about calling your confirmed number for bank or customer service assistance to verify if the issue mentioned in an email is real.
Ransomware which involves encrypting a device by hackers to restrict access to the authorized user. Your information may be held hostage until a payment is made and possibly corrupted regardless. To avoid the ransomware trap, a multi layered security infrastructure is necessary.
Malware is software designed to harm computer systems that can be done via the web, USB, files, etc. These viruses or spyware steal information inputted into a machine. Look out for suspicious free document or template downloads, files in emails that are unexpected, and clicking on random links on webpages.
Unauthorized visitors are one of the easiest ways to introduce a cybersecurity threat to a company. Holding a door for someone to enter a keycard access door gives a bad actor full access to a space they were not authorized to be in.
There are many other cyber-attacks that you will need to look out for, but the key is to stay vigilant. If you didn’t purchase something or request information, do not click.
Tips to avoid cyberattacks
- Avoid downloading documents from persons if unverified, an easy way to do this create a shared cloud drive or implementing other secure sharing platforms.
- Refrain from writing down passwords. This would give quick and easy access to company systems to a hacker. Also, practice using passwords unrelated to you.
- Do not give an unauthorized person access to your office, notify the relevant personnel when such persons arrive and request access to the building and the necessary steps taken by security.
- Properly store data that has been printed. If they cannot be stored in a locked cabinet, shred and properly dispose of them.
- If an access card is lost, report it to administration and security immediately.
To learn more about how your company can regulate employee device usage and design policies to prevent cyberattacks, reach out to us at smse@resolveit.com.jm