Did you know that internet crime complaints soared in 2020 from 467,361 to 791,790? Internet crime remains high two years later because of the success of attackers.
Small businesses are common victims of cybercrime and fall for the bait often. To avoid problems, it’s best to know the different types of cyber attacks on businesses.
Keep reading to learn them.
Table of Contents
Malware
One of the main types of cyber attacks is malware. The term refers to different attacks that include viruses, worms, and spyware.
Malware uses a vulnerability to breach a network through dangerous links. When someone clicks on a bad link, malicious software is installed inside the system.
Vulnerability scanning can help keep your network and website safe. Follow this link to discover the details.
Malware inside a computer can do the following damage:
- Deny access to critical network components
- Obtain information by retrieving data from the hard driver
- Disrupt or render the network inoperable
Malware is common but can be prevented with the right safety additions.
Phishing
Preventing cyber attacks like phishing scams is hard because these are sent to an email address. Trying to block phishing emails is possible through the right protocols.
These fraudulent emails look legitimate but link the recipient to a malicious file. Attackers will then try to extract personal data or install malicious files on a system.
Phishing attacks also come in the form of messages on social networks. If your company is on social media, you’ll need to be wary of suspicious messages.
Spear phishing targets specific companies while whaling attacks senior executives and stakeholders. Knowing how to spot these messages can prevent your business from falling for the bait.
Denial-of-Service (DoS) Attack
Small business cybersecurity should have systems in place that avoid denial-of-service (DoS) attacks. These attacks flood servers, systems, and networks to overload them with bandwidth.
The result leads to a rendered system so you cannot process or fulfill legitimate requests.
Distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks are launched from several infected host machines to take a system offline. This allows for more attacks to enter the environment.
Password Attack
Online security always involves the use of a username and a password. Passwords authenticate access to a secure system which makes them attractive to cyber criminals.
After receiving a person’s password, the cyber attack gains entry to critical data systems which allows them to control data.
Password attackers use different methods to identify a password such as social engineering and even guessing. This is why it’s important to have a unique password and to change it often.
Your business should utilize two-factor authentication to prevent a password attack.
Types of Cyber Attacks to Avoid
Small businesses are a common target for cyber attacks. However, there are some practices you can implement to avoid these cyber crimes and others.
Malware, phishing, DoS, and password attacks are the main crimes that businesses face. It’s best to have a security plan in place that acknowledges all of the possibilities.
For more informative articles on business, check out the other posts on our website.
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