Stop Overlooking These 10 Areas That Expose You to Cybersecurity Threats

Cyber attacks in the digital age can have far-reaching consequences. Not only can these sophisticated and damaging threats disrupt business operations and tarnish reputation, they can also lead to significant financial losses and intellectual property (IP) theft. In the worst case scenario, cyber attacks can result in assaults on physical infrastructure such as power plants and gas pipelines.

With cybercrime costs expected to surge in the coming years, it is essential for us, as both business owners and individuals, to learn what can strip away our defences and leave us vulnerable to the dangers lurking in the digital space. KnowledgeTree Training Centre uncovers 10 common areas that malicious actors exploit to perform unlawful activities, including infiltrating, stealing and compromising our data. 

1. Weak Passwords and Inadequate Authentication

Short and overused passwords, like those that involve sequential characters and your personal information (name, birth date, identity number), are easily predictable by attackers. It’s a common vulnerability that cyber criminals target to gain unauthorised access to sensitive information. Conversely, strong and complex passwords can withstand attacks. The process of user verification before access, known as authentication, is another layer of protection that deters criminals from gaining illicit entry — for example, facial recognition and token-based authentication.

2. Unsecured Wi-Fi Networks

How and where you’re connecting to the internet can affect your cybersecurity posture. Unsecured Wi-Fi networks are internet connections that can be used without authorisation, such as a password, alongside other lax security measures (weak encryption, unfiltered traffic and more). Public Wi-Fi is widely known as a hotspot where hackers actively seek out targets.

3. Outdated Software and Systems

Reconsider postponing a software update the next time it comes up: patches and updates are rolled out for pertinent reasons, such as bugs and security issues in older operating systems. Outdated software provides malicious actors who have discovered new vulnerabilities an easy way in, and it might not work with the latest security technologies. Plus, some criminals see this as a red flag indicating that you haven’t updated your system’s security features recently. 

4. Unmonitored and Unsecured Endpoints

The Internet of Things (IOT) has made it progressively difficult for organisations to maintain consistent oversight of the devices (endpoints) connected to their networks. Driven by flexible and remote work arrangements, along with Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies, networks are now inundated with countless devices, ranging from mobile phones and tablets to laptops and beyond. This volume of devices also translates to more conduits for hackers to slip into.

5. Neglected Security Audits and Reviews

Regular security assessments are critical for identifying vulnerabilities and weaknesses in your system. Identifying potential security threats before they strike, these checks are the embodiment of “prevention is better than cure”, enabling you to avert the lasting effects of data breaches and their associated costs. From a business standpoint, planned security audits also reflect that your brand prioritises data protection and compliance with evolving industry standards, building trust with clients and stakeholders.

6. Cloud Security Misconfigurations

Cloud security misconfigurations basically refer to the mistakes and oversights in your cloud infrastructure and services, such as settings, permissions and access controls, which put your security at risk. According to Harvard Business Review, 80 percent of data breaches in 2023 pertain to information stored in the cloud. This convenience, accessibility and efficiency has made such platforms very popular and thus, attractive to cyber attackers. Weak permissions, often to make it more user-friendly, are often the reason why sensitive data is easily exposed and consequently compromised.

7. Lack of Employee Training

Most companies don’t realise the importance of cybersecurity awareness until it’s too late. Your staff members are the primary defence against cybersecurity assaults, and can determine whether your organisation receives the brunt of potential reputational and financial damage. Phishing emails designed to trick people into revealing personal information and weak passwords are a common area of exploitation. Highlighting the gravity of employees’ role in protecting against cyber attacks should be a priority.

8. Third-Party Service Providers

The dangers of engaging with third-party vendors comes from the possibility of these external entities misusing your data and resources. This is a prevalent concern as most third parties require access to internal databases and networks, and may even be managing certain systems on your behalf. Implementing risk management strategies is crucial to safeguard your company’s cybersecurity stance. Limiting third-party access, clearly defining terms in your contracts, and maintaining an inventory of their scope and impact on your business are effective measures to prevent potential incidents.

9. Remote Work Arrangements

As much as remote work setups are increasingly embraced, these arrangements also expose organisations to data breaches through poorly secured home networks and personal devices. By exploiting a compromised individual, attackers can access a network and potentially infiltrate another remote worker’s device, leading to a troubling chain reaction.

10. Insufficient Data Backup and Disaster Recovery Plans (DRPs)

Cybersecurity attacks targeting your systems and infrastructure, such as through malware, viruses and SQL injections, can be detrimental, causing data loss, identity theft and operational disruptions. Although not an area of vulnerability in itself, having backups of your data can help you bounce back faster and mitigate critical, irreversible harm. Organisations should leverage external hard drives, cloud storage and disaster recovery sites to ensure their data is safeguarded and readily recoverable.

The Bottomline

Adopting preemptive measures is a wise move that can significantly bolster your defences and fortify your resilience against the threats of the cyber space. In an era where such invisible hazards are growingly commonplace yet sophisticated, the internet has become a double-edged sword, where every little action can either expose you to risk or shield you from harm. One proactive step you can take is to enrol in cybersecurity courses with us at KnowledgeTree. Discover how to protect yourself and your organisation by reaching out to us today.