In the modern era, where digitalization is at an all-time high, there is one more factor that demands attention as well as prevention. Yes!! You guessed it right.
It’s Cybercrime.
Cybercrime is carried out by hackers/intruders who are constantly trying to penetrate your networks by gaining unauthorized access.
Cybercrime statistics indicate that Phishing attacks rose by 48% in the first half of 2022. 11,395 incidents of cybercrime were reported, amounting to a whooping total of $12.3 million.
Malware, ransomware, trojans, phishing, etc., and many more cyber-attacks are carried out by hackers in a sophisticated way. Data theft, extortion, and other reputational damages including business closures are the results of such attacks and hence strict measures need to be taken to prevent them.
Before moving to security solutions, let’s check out the hacking methods used by these intruders.
Types of Hacking/Cyber-attacks:
Gaining knowledge about cyber-attacks will help in preventing them. Below are mentioned types of hacking that will enhance your knowledge.
Types:
- Malware Attack – Malware is malicious software is inserted into the victim’s computer. It penetrates through security lapses present in the network.
- Phishing Attack – Phishing attacks are social engineering attacks carried out by an attacker by impersonating themselves to be a trusted identity. The attacker sends fake emails which seem genuine, and when the victim opens the email or the malicious link, the attacker can access/steal sensitive data and misuse it.
- Password Attack – This is carried out with the help of password-cracking tools like Hashcat, John the Ripper, etc. Brute-force attacks and dictionary attacks can also help hackers in cracking passwords and gaining unwanted network access.
- MITM (Man-in-the-Middle) Attack – The hacker penetrates the two-way communication happening between two legit parties. In short, it penetrates the session going on between the client and the host and steals data.
- SQL Injection Attack – The attacker injects malicious code in SQL statements through vulnerabilities present in the web page input.
Some other attacks include:
- DOS (Denial of Service) Attack
- Insider Threats
- Cryptojacking
- Zero-Day Exploit
In short, the main motto of all these attacks is to steal data, misuse it, damage networks, and destroy businesses and their reputation.
Digital, as well as physical security, is pivotal for your device, be it a computer or smartphone. Let’s check out some security tips to secure your networks and devices.
How to Protect Computers from Hackers?
Connect to a Secured Network:
When you connect to an unsecured network like public Wi-Fi, or HTTP sites (hypertext transfer protocol) you are bound to invite intruders who can infiltrate your network. They can steal your data and mess up your settings.
Using a VPN network (Virtual Private Network) that is secured by passwords and encryption (by installing SSL/TLS certificates (Secure Socket Layers/Transport Layer Security) can prevent such mishaps.
Ensure that you view/use only HTTPS (hypertext transfer protocol secure) sites which are always secured with SSL certificate.
Install a Firewall:
Firewalls serve multiple purposes apart from securing the information exchanged between a computer and a network. Its other benefits include:
- Prevention of unauthorized access by restricting bad network traffic. They restrict IP addresses or malicious networks from penetrating and destroying systems.
- Prevention of threats and malware, by blocking suspicious traffic from entering networks.
- Controlling network access by restricting access to specific individuals, networks, or services.
- Tracking of network activities, identifying shady behavior, and blocking their access.
Install a firewall and lock it with a password for network and data security.
Use Anti-Virus & Anti-Spyware:
Anti-virus and anti-spyware software are essential to secure your device against cyber threats. Anti-virus software scans your hard disk, removes viruses and malicious activities, and fixes threats. Anti-spyware software also does the same task and it fixes the threats or prompts the user to remove them.
Keep this software updated at all times to prevent hacker entry into your systems.
Implement the PoLP (Principle of Least Privilege):
The PoLP concept works on restricting user access, thus preventing cyber threats from entering networks. Since the liabilities are few, the possibilities of data breaches are limited.
Implement this principle by restricting rights, permissions, and privileges given to your employees for securing your network.
Use a Secured Web Browser:
A secured web browser ensures that unauthorized personnel is prevented from accessing the network. With extra security measures, these browsers prevent breaches, malware, and threats, and ensure data privacy.
Update your browser regularly so that the security lapses are sealed and intruder entry is restricted.
Use Best Security Practices:
Ever since hackers have become more tech-savvy, securing networks by using complex passwords alone is insufficient. Implementation of 2FA (two-factor authentication) as an additional layer of security apart from passwords is essential.
Password – Use unique, complex, and alpha-numeric passwords which include characters too. Never share it with anyone.
2FA – Dual identification and authentication in the form of facial scan, OTP, fingerprint, retina scan, etc. can be added for strong network security.
Educate Your Employees:
Statistics indicate that 95% of cyber threats are caused by human error.
Ignorant employees can pose a threat to the organization. Hackers target small businesses that function on limited budgets. They don’t have the funds to spend on employee awareness training programs and this is a benefit for hackers.
Ensure that your employees are educated regularly about the upcoming cyber threats and are given knowledge about how to deal with them. Preventing cybercrime at an initial stage will save your business and data from falling into the wrong hands.
Take Backups Regularly:
Lastly, a recovery plan should always be ready in case of disasters. Backups are essential in managing the continuity of business operations in case of emergencies.
Data backup helps in the protection of data when human errors, system crashes, virus attacks, and other natural disasters occur.
Back up your systems regularly, to prevent major damages from occurring in case of such emergencies.
Use Encryption:
As stated above, encryption security is established when an SSL certificate is installed on the website. This security converts your plain data into a non-readable cipher form.
The main benefit of securing networks and data with encryption is that even if hackers surpass the security tools installed on the network, and gain access to the same, they will be unable to misuse the information since they can’t decipher the same.
Be Careful About What You Click:
Phishing attacks are successful when users are not alert in clicking emails or links. Hackers are smart in impersonating third parties, banks, etc., or any other individuals to gain information.
Example: You may receive an email from a bank statement to confirm your account number or password.
Think before submitting such information. Verify the same by calling the concerned and prevent yourself from phishing scams.
Final Words:
Alertness, awareness, and implementation of strong security solutions as stated above can help prevent hackers from creating chaos in your network. You can also hire cyber-security professionals who can help you in securing your data and networks and in hardening your systems against these unwanted intruders. Best Wishes!!