The Top Four Common Cyber Threats Small Businesses Should Know
Data breaches have been on the rise due to the emergence of new cyber security threats. Cyber attack trends show that the average cost of a data breach increased by 2.6% from 2021 to 2022, according to a recent study. The internet’s growth and the increasing interconnectedness of businesses have made it easier for hackers to access sensitive information. They can then sell the information on the dark web or use it for other crimes, such as identity theft. As new emerging cyber threats continue to evolve, it is important to stay informed and take necessary measures to protect sensitive data.
So, what can you do to safeguard your business against data breaches? The first step is being aware of the threats that exist. Second, you must take precautions to protect your data. Third, you need to know what to do if your data is compromised.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss a few of the threats you need to look out for to protect your business from emerging cyber threats.
New Cyber Security Threats-What's Currently Trending?
Here are some lesser-known threats that you need to be aware of:
Juice Jacking
Juice jacking is a cyberattack where a malicious actor secretly installs malware on a public charging station. This malware can then infect the devices of anyone who plugs into the charging station. Once infected, the attacker can access the victim’s data. Crazy, right?
An attack of this nature needs to be proactively tackled because more people are using public charging stations to charge their devices. Remember, it’s not just phones that are at risk — any device connected to the infected public charging station is susceptible to juice jacking, including laptops and tablets.
If you must use a public charging station, take a few precautions. To start, only use trustworthy stations. Second, to keep your device from becoming infected, use a USB data blocker. Finally, ensure that your device is in “charging” mode rather than “data transfer” mode.
Malware-laden Apps
The number of smartphone users has grown and along with it the number of mobile apps. While there are many legitimate and safe apps available in app stores, there are also many malicious apps cybercriminals release despite valiant efforts to keep app stores safe.
One of the biggest dangers of downloading bad apps is that they can infect your device with malware. This malicious software can wreak havoc on your device, including stealing your personal data, vandalizing your files and causing your device to crash. In some cases, malware even equips hackers to take control of your device remotely.
So, how can you protect yourself from downloading malware-laden apps? The best defense is to be vigilant and research before downloading any app, even if it’s from an official store like the App Store or Google Play Store. Check reviews and ratings, and only download apps from developers that you trust.
Malicious QR Codes
It’s no secret that QR codes are becoming increasingly popular. Unfortunately, while they offer a convenient way to share information, they also present a potential security risk.
That’s because scanning a malicious QR code can give attackers access to your device and data.
The best way to protect yourself against this type of attack is to be aware of the dangers and to take precautions when scanning QR codes. For example, you can use a reputable QR code scanner that checks malicious content before opening it. You can also avoid scanning QR codes that you don’t trust
Using Public Wi-Fi Without a VPN (Virtual Private Network)
Public Wi-Fi is everywhere, and it’s often very convenient to use when you’re out and about. However, what many people don’t realize is that using public Wi-Fi without a VPN can be a security disaster.
When you connect to a public Wi-Fi network, you unwittingly invite potential hackers and cybercriminals to access your data. Without a VPN, anyone on the same network as you can easily see what you’re doing online. They can intercept your data and even steal sensitive information.
That’s why we recommend using a VPN. A VPN encrypts your data and provides a secure connection, even on public Wi-Fi.
Collaborate to Tackle Cyber Threats
If you can’t devote sufficient time and effort to combating cyber threats, partnering with an IT service provider is your best option. An IT service provider, like Prime, can help you with cybersecurity, backup, compliance and much more.
We can also improve your employees’ readiness to deal with cyber threats by helping you provide regular security awareness training. Employees can benefit from this training by learning how to identify and avoid phishing scams, protect their passwords and detect other types of cyberattacks.
Learn more about how Prime can help you and your business protect against cyber threats by visiting us at Prime Secured.
