The digital security and privacy of workforces are under attack. From trolls and petty thieves to cybercriminal gangs to state-sponsored agents, there are many different types of threat actors in the wild. To make matters worse, they employ various attack vectors to breach their target’s cybersecurity. What are these threats, and how can your workforce secure itself? Here we discuss the most common online threats workforces face today.
The Most Common Online Threats Workforces Face Today
The Most Common Online Threats Workforces Face Today
Computer Viruses
Computer viruses are legacy threats that spread by injecting their code into legitimate files and corrupting them. Threat actors interested in generating revenue typically don’t use them because they serve little purpose other than damaging data. However, online trolls targeting an organization for their amusement may use them. More complex versions of computer viruses are called macro viruses and can infect documents that use macro like Microsoft Word. Workforces should be wary of unsolicited Microsoft Office files on email and update their antivirus solution.
Spyware
Spyware is a type of snoopy malware that can read emails, texts, usernames, passwords, and other sensitive information. Hackers often use spyware like keyloggers to commit corporate espionage or catalysts for a more dangerous malware attack. Leading anti-malware technology with anti-spyware capabilities should secure your team from these threats.
Trojan Horses
Trojan horse attacks rely on deception. A Trojan may look like a legitimate program, like accounting software, while hiding malware underneath. Banker trojans are particularly dangerous because they can compromise an organization’s financial security. Your workforce must only use licensed software and avoid downloading random applications from the Internet to protect themselves.
Ransomware
The goal of ransomware is always the same — to hijack your system until you pay a ransom. While some types of ransomware will lock all your data, others may stop you from booting your computer. These attacks can hit organizations of different sizes, from small businesses to national pipelines, halting operations for days, if not weeks.
Many companies have permanently closed because of ransomware attacks. It’s a good idea to strengthen your IT strategy by consulting with a reputable cloud security solutions team to stop ransomware attacks because the malware can propagate from numerous infection vectors.
Phishing Attacks
In a nutshell, phishing attacks are fraudulent emails or text messages that trick employees into downloading malicious attachments, opening dangerous links, or visiting unsafe websites. The goal of phishing attacks is to either gain sensitive information or infect a company computer with ransomware, spyware, rootkit, or other malicious software.
Employee training can help prevent phishing attacks. However, phishing is becoming so targeted and sophisticated that it’s becoming increasingly difficult to stop.
The Solution
Let’s be honest. Your company’s employees want to concentrate on work instead of worrying about attack vectors. Many become frustrated with juggling multiple complex passwords, keeping up with cybersecurity risks like phishing attacks, or keeping their company and personal mobile devices and computers safe from downloads and websites. That’s why many organizations are investing in Secure Workspace with M365 for comprehensive cybersecurity against ransomware, viruses, and other malware.
This cloud-based security system enables a fully functional and managed Microsoft 365 environment with a robust security stance. It also shields their personal and company devices from phishing attempts, data loss, etc.
Ransomware gangs are becoming more dangerous, and conventional security solutions are no longer viable. Invest in suitable defense mechanisms today to avoid operational downtime and financial losses.
Founder Dinis Guarda
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