CYBERATTACKS COMPANY MUST DEFEND AGAINST

Today's companies must face situations unimaginable years ago, such as cyber threats. In this sense, development and investment in cybersecurity becomes even more important.

There are various types of cyberattacks that are evolving and improving on a daily basis. Therefore, there is no other option but to be prepared and respond in the most effective way: using research and technological advances. But to be able to face these threats, it is essential to know them thoroughly and know how to differentiate them.

What Are Hackers Looking For?

Before analyzing the different types of cyberattacks, the figure of the hacker must be well understood. Hackers are people with great computer skills that they can use in very different ways. On the one hand, they can be used to improve Internet security for companies and institutions and, on the other, to damage and manipulate computer equipment.

The goals of 'bad' hackers or hackers are varied. They may even have political or military interests, thus encompassing the concept of cyber warfare. But one of the most common purposes is the theft of information from companies, identity theft and the paralysis of computer networks.

The Most Common Cyber Attacks

There is no doubt that the consequences of a cyber-attack can be dire for any organization. And even more so considering that these attacks are being renewed and exploring new ways to harm companies and take over their data. Therefore, it is vital to be clear about the most common types of basic cyber-attacks and what they can lead to in a company. These are some of the most repeated:

1. Spyware

The purpose of this malware is to infect a foreign computer to collect information contained in it. Once it is in possession of that data, it transmits it to an external entity without the knowledge and / or consent of the owner. Many hackers use it to profit from the sale of sensitive information. Taking into account that we live in the era of big data and the large amount of data that companies generate and handle on a daily basis, it is a very harmful type of virus.

2. Phishing

Another danger that companies frequently face is phishing. This type of cyberattack is especially dangerous because it spreads via e-mail, which makes its transmission very fast. Again, information theft is the main purpose of cybercriminals. And how do they access the required data of specific people or companies? Through infected emails.

3. Adware

Actually, this software used to show advertising is very focused on stealing data from users, but it can also affect companies. In this case, the support is not emails, but advertisements through which information is obtained from Internet users.

4. Ransomware

The frequency of this type of attack is increasing. What is achieved with them is to block the system of a company or institution, requesting a ransom in exchange for releasing it. The effects can be catastrophic, as the company in question is completely paralyzed. Large companies have suffered such attacks recently, generating considerable media hype. The positive side is that ransomware viruses, increasingly refined and focused on mobile devices, have become much more visible in society.

5. Worms

Along with Trojans, worms are one of the most common attacks on the Internet. Its method of action is simple: they are transmitted by replicating themselves, thus sending copies to other computers and promoting a rapid and dangerous extension. The first computer worm in history, the Morris worm, dates back to 1988, and since then the formula has continued to be refined to attack all types of computers.

New Threats

Betting on digital transformation is a necessary challenge that companies are assuming little by little. Within it is cybersecurity, an aspect that must be taken care of to avoid unpleasant and harmful situations for the organization. The reality is that the dangers are presented in a more sophisticated and incisive way, so the precautions that must be taken have to be even greater.

And it is that no longer only the most common cyberattacks have to be faced, but other alternative ways that hackers are taking advantage of to fulfill their malicious purposes. What are the most striking and the most talked about lately?

First, hackers are channeling devices widely used in companies. An example? The printer. These devices, which already have access to the Internet, can become very vulnerable as well as simple when it comes to spreading the virus in question.

But the truth is that the printer is not the only one, but there are other devices that end up infected and damaged by the cyberattack and connected to the Internet. That is the case from the smartphone to the fridge and the router itself.

Finally, another very widespread technique is the use of drones. In this case, the consequence is much more practical and direct. Drones enter the private spaces of companies and institutions, record and obtain data without consent and, on many occasions, sell it on the black market.

What Is The Best Solution?

The answer to this growing problem must be based on training, research and innovation. Companies must  be up to date on cybersecurity and have total security over all their networks and devices, not only to find the best protection tools, but also to know how to renew and update existing shields and, above all, to have the necessary information to anticipate and prevent possible cyberattacks.