26. February 2024
Linda Fritzler

Company-wide cyber security: protection against digital threats

In today's digital era, companies are facing increasing challenges related to cybercrime and cyberattacks. The continuously evolving threat landscape means that the number of data breaches is increasing every year. In order to respond appropriately to these threats and ensure cyber security, it is vital that you understand the ways in which different hacker groups operate.

Despite efforts, security from cyber threats remains a constant challenge. The future of cyber security requires continuous adaptation to new attack methods, close cooperation with international organizations and increased awareness of data protection regulations. In this blog post, we, IT-Planet, provide you with in-depth insights into this important topic of cyber security.

Threats in the digital age

Current trends in cybercrime and cyberattacks can increasingly impact your business. The ever-evolving threat landscape includes various attack methods such as hacking, malware, ransomware, phishing, insider threats and DDoS attacks.

Hackers typically infiltrate computers through networks to identify vulnerabilities, extract data, view information or even take control of systems, devices and vehicles. There are different types of hackers, including white-hat, grey-hat and black-hat hackers. Black-hat hackers act with malicious intent and cause damage by stealing personal data, destroying information or taking computers hostage. They act without the consent of the owners and with the intention of spreading chaos. Grey-hat hackers operate in an intermediate area between white hat and black hat hackers. Although they uncover security vulnerabilities, they act without the express permission of the company. In contrast to black hat hackers, however, they do not pursue blackmail or causing damage. Instead, they inform the affected companies about the vulnerabilities they have discovered and demand financial compensation.

In the dynamic world of cybercrime, it is crucial to be aware of how these different hacker groups operate in order to respond appropriately.

3 types of threats:

  • Cybercrime: Attacks for financial gain or business disruption
  • Cyberattacks: Mostly politically motivated information gathering
  • Cyberterrorism: Infiltration of electronic systems to cause panic or spread fear

Types of cyber attacks

Malware (malicious software):

  • Malicious software developed by cybercriminals
  • Spread via fraudulent email attachments or seemingly legitimate downloads
  • Motivation: Financial or political
  • Goal: Sabotage, damage or infection of computers

Different types of malware:

  • Virus: Self-replicating program that makes dangerous software changes and spreads uncontrollably
  • Ransomware: Locks and encrypts files/systems, blackmails victims into paying a ransom; payment is not recommended as there is no guarantee of data recovery
  • Trojans: Malicious software disguised as a trustworthy application, installed on computers by cyber criminals; aim: to cause damage and collect data
  • Spyware: Secretly infiltrates computer systems, records user input, forwards information to unauthorized parties; significant security risks
  • Adware: Advertising-financed software, spreads malware, generates revenue for developers through unwanted clicks on advertising; disguises itself in free applications, affects devices
  • Botnet: Infected computer networks, used by cybercriminals without user consent; consist of networked bots that perform tasks autonomously, often without the user's knowledge

SQL Injection (Structured Query Language Injection):

  • Danger for websites, especially with vulnerabilities
  • Serious consequences: Data manipulation, access to confidential information
  • Signs of attacks: Advertising, data leakage, error messages
  • Protective measures: Clean source code, input data validation, web application firewalls
  • Financial impact and loss of trust in the event of successful attacks

Phishing:

  • Fraudulent IT technology
  • Cybercriminals use fake messages or emails
  • Messages appear to come from legitimate sources
  • Goal: Steal personal, confidential or financial information
  • Victims are asked to disclose sensitive data

Man-in-the-middle attack (MITM attack):

  • Unlawful positioning of an attacker between communication partners
  • Data manipulation: Controlling the exchange of information in order to steal sensitive data
  • Attack methods: Rogue access points, ARP spoofing, DNS spoofing, phishing, sniffing and SSL stripping
  • Protective measures: TLS, secure WLAN practices, VPN and HTTPS are critical
  • Potential damage: Financial losses, identity theft and manipulation of online activities

Distributed denial-of-service attack (DDoS):

  • Flooding networks and servers with data traffic
  • DDoS attacks overload servers, websites or networks
  • Goal: Incapacitation of the system
  • Companies can no longer perform essential functions
  • Coordinated data traffic blocks legitimate traffic
  • Use via the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP)

Insider threats:

  • Risk of data misuse by persons with access
  • Affected parties: Employees, business partners, suppliers, criminals with unauthorized access
  • Consequences: Data breaches, fraud, sabotage
  • Causes: Malicious intent, whistleblowing, unintentional errors
  • Not only malicious ex-employees, but also mistakes made by ordinary employees with access

Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs):

  • Sophisticated, long-term network attacks where intruders remain undetected
  • Procedure: Specific steps from strategy development to data theft
  • Signs: Backdoor Trojans, Inexplicable logins and data flows
  • Defense measures: Technologies such as SIEM, endpoint protection, monitoring, training, and early expert involvement

Company-wide cyber security - what is it?

Cybersecurity, also known as IT security, is a comprehensive concept that includes technologies, services, strategies, practices and policies. The focus here is on protecting networks and computer systems from theft, damage to hardware and software and from interruption or misuse of the services and functions provided. This data may include both personal and business information. The defensive measures relate to servers, computers, mobile devices, electronic systems and networks to protect them from malicious attacks.

In an increasingly decentralized work environment where employees use personal devices, cybercriminals are increasingly focusing on attacks against employees. To effectively counter these threats, a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy is critical. This strategy should integrate best practices and advanced analytics to ensure a robust level of protection.

Key components of cyber security

  • Network security: Protective measures against unauthorized access in computer networks (wired and wireless WiFi connections)
  • Program security: protecting software and devices from threats through early security integration
  • Critical infrastructure security: cyber security practices to protect national interests and public safety
  • Application security: Integration of security measures in applications for local and cloud operation; consideration of data management and user authentication
  • Cloud security: Holistic encryption in the cloud for data protection at rest, in motion and in use
  • Information security: data protection through measures such as the GDPR to protect data integrity and privacy during storage and transmission
  • Operational security: management of access rights and data storage - processes for backing up and handling databases
  • Disaster recovery and business continuity: cybersecurity incident response policies, post-event recovery through disaster recovery policies and business continuity planning for uninterrupted business operations despite unforeseen events
  • End-user education: raising awareness of security principles to prevent unintended threats to the organization

Solutions and measures for more security in the company

Companies use modern technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning and blockchain, supported by special software, hardware and IT policies to ensure the security of their systems. White-hat hackers can be hired to identify and fix security vulnerabilities.

Anti-virus programs, security practices and regular software updates are essential to ward off viruses. Ransomware requires regular security measures and backups to minimize financial losses. At the same time, you should protect yourself from Trojans by regularly updating software, avoiding suspicious links and using complex passwords. Protection against spyware, adware and SQL injections is achieved through clean source codes, regular checks and caution with attachments and downloads. General malware protection is ensured by firewalls, anti-virus software and timely software updates. DDoS defense services offer companies protection against financial losses and damage to their image. A zero-trust strategy ensures that every connection is checked for authenticity and purpose.

An analysis of risks and vulnerabilities forms a useful basis for security concepts. By implementing the following measures, you can significantly increase security in your company:

  • Regular updating of software and operating system
  • Use of anti-virus software and encryption for customer data
  • Use strong passwords
  • Do not open email attachments from strangers
  • Avoid public WLAN networks
  • Controlled information flow in security management
  • Immediate installation of security updates
  • Regular review of security measures

Contingency planning for emergencies

As frustrating as it sounds, despite all your efforts, you will probably never be 100% safe from cyberattacks and other threats. But at least you shouldn't assume that you are. So protect yourself with an IT contingency plan.

This takes the form of a manual that defines precise instructions and measures to be implemented in the event of an incident. In this way, you can react quickly to outages, attacks or problems caused by external influences. Sometimes it takes just seconds to decide whether you can protect your data.

Challenges and future prospects

One of the main problems is the lack of central organizations for cybersecurity and cyber resilience development worldwide. Nevertheless, we list some of the organizations here:

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requires increased documentation and reporting, with information ethics emphasizing the moral aspects and pointing to the importance of IT security for trust and accountability. Growing cyber threats are leading to increased investment in cyber security solutions worldwide.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the USA recommends, among other things, continuous real-time monitoring of electronic resources for the early detection of malicious code. Similarly, the UK Cyber Security Center emphasizes systematic monitoring in its "10 steps to cyber security".

The Australian Cyber Security Center (ACSC) regularly issues recommendations on current cyber threats. Despite intensive efforts by cyber security experts, attackers are constantly looking for new ways to exploit security vulnerabilities. New threats are increasingly focused on home office environments, remote access tools and cloud services, requiring organizations to continuously adapt to current attack methods.

The importance of cyber security for you and your company

At a time when cybercrime threats are constantly increasing, it is crucial to respond appropriately to these threats. Any company that uses networks could become the target of attacks. Therefore, it is relevant for everyone to deal with the management of such threats. Deepen your knowledge of IT security in companies and obtain important information and relevant facts in our article entitled "IT security in companies: Importance and solutions".

Modern attackers take advantage of changing business dynamics to attack people where they work. It therefore requires not only continuous adaptation to new attack methods, but also in-depth awareness of data protection regulations. This future outlook makes it clear that companies need to take a proactive stance. Protect your infrastructure and hardware, consisting of servers, switches and routers, from potential threats - we present you with a customized selection of suitable hardware in our online store.

Cybersecurity is therefore not just a technological issue, but a company-wide responsibility based on a comprehensive understanding of threats, proactive measures and a constant willingness to adapt. This is the only way to ensure the integrity, confidentiality and availability of data and systems in your company.

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