Cyberattacks are shifting focus from large networks with highly privileged data to easier targets like SMBs. Organizations without dedicated MSSPs (Managed Security Services Provider) or CIOs, who rarely have sufficient IT resources at their disposal to neutralize the cybersecurity threats, are the prime targets.

Nearly 45% of cybersecurity attacks are targeted towards SMBs.

Opting for managed IT services in Vancouver or elsewhere with specific expertise in IT security deliverables is vital to ensure data security for your business and you.Any business with IT-enabled processes at organizational levels operating on the cloud or even on a fundamental network infrastructure connected (at some point) to the internet is susceptible to cyberattacks.

The IT security niche is forecasted to become a $170+ billion market by 2022.

Combine this with the reality that COVID-19 oversaw a 300% increase in cyberattacks, as per US FBI, securing your business against such threats suddenly becomes mandatory.

Malware

Almost all types of harmful software are designated as malware, commonly used in cyberattacks. At least 20% of internet users have experienced some form of malware attacks related to different cyber threat types and the numbers are growing exponentially.

The average internet user faces a steep learning curve to safeguard against such basic cybersecurity threats. Nearly 95% of malware gain access via Emails, disturbingly easy access to an individual’s PC or an organization’s network.

Malware can be used to gain remote input controls, access to confidential data, or worse.

Viruses

Viruses replicate rapidly, infect PC systems and networks, hamper operations, and make them vulnerable to other security threats.

69% of organizations are unsure that their antivirus software can provide cybersecurity.

Cyber Threat Management is severely disrupted as IT security against the sharply increasing number of threats cannot be managed with just a SaaS as the deliverable service. Your anti-virus can detect and safeguard threats it can identify. What you need instead is constant IT support in Vancouver or elsewhere from an MSSP. A Cybersecurity specialist will monitor and neutralize threats before they reach your private network.

Trojans

Injecting Trojans into systems was the most common type of cybersecurity attack before the Cloud happened. Trojans are programmed to remain cloaked under unsuspected PC apps and create backdoors for other malware to infiltrate.

Worms

Worms overload network servers, block operations and are currently used to initiate DOS/DDOS attacks.

Ransomware

Ransomware leverages confidential data accessed from an already infiltrated system and then demand ransom against it. Struct cybersecurity framework is needed to encounter cyber attacks. Ransomware attacks are more common than you may think – 70% of all malware attacks were ransomware payloads!

Phishing

$18,000/ minute – Damages caused by phishing attacks.

Phishing attacks commonly involve rigged emails with malicious attachments sent to unsuspecting individuals. Cyberthreat payloads carried by these attachments can be any malware.

Targeted individuals are not randomly chosen and instead carefully selected, viz. –

Spear Phishing

Singular targets ranging from business networks to specific employees in them. This is the most common type of phishing attack, deployed on the most gullible of targets!

Whaling

Specifically targeted white-collar entities with access to highly confidential data.

Pharming

Manipulating individuals to rigged login pages to capture unwarranted user credentials and gain illegal access.

Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks

Infiltrating networks and sabotaging transactions between two parties as the ‘man-in-the-middle’ while securing access to unsolicited and confidential data, mostly financial.

Denial-of-Service (DOS) Attacks

18/minute – frequency of DDOS attacks in 2020.

DOS or Distributed DOS (DDOS) attacks overload server networks and hubs forcing system shut down. Such cybersecurity attacks predate further advances into the system ranging from malware infiltration or complete network capitulation.

Password Attack

Only 30% of SMBs enforce password policies.

Passwords can be gauged by simple behavioral analysis (social engineering) of the target individual. Checking the network for security protocols and then accessing unencrypted passwords is another common type of password attack.

Maintaining password life cycles can be enough to reduce the percentage of cyber threats and security breaches. Change your passwords and similar credentials across your logins every 20 – 40 days, randomly.

Internet of Things (IoT) Attacks

Around 5,500 attacks target IoT every month.

IoT devices have penetrated deep into operational structures and personal spaces as well but they commonly lack basic software protocols found in other mobile devices at the very least. IoT devices are connected to multiple other devices via Wi-Fi. Alarmingly, an IoT device as simple as a smart thermometer can provide unwarranted access to the whole connected network.

Business Email Compromise (BEC)

Like MitM phishing attacks, BEC attacks are even more meticulously targeted, planned, coordinated, and executed on unsuspecting individuals with access to finances.

These attacks are criminally performed by duping the target into making transactions while posing as a related individual who is authorized to the funds. BEC attacks are scams that utilize cybersecurity lapses in a business’ operational structure and can be avoided with just the proper IT security clearances and protocols in place.

SQL Injection Attacks

SQL or Sequenced Query Language injection attacks target SQL databases stored in servers or virtual databases. SQL cyberattacks utilize software on software, initiating queries (and commands) to expose weak database permissions and access unsolicited data, gain network control for further infiltration, or worse.

AI-Powered Attacks

Using AI to execute cyberattacks may seem far-fetched although it is possible, and few can guarantee that such attacks have not been coordinated yet. AI can be progressively used to launch large-scale DDOS attacks on a compromised network node to rapidly bypass already predictable protocols and firewalls, gain access to controls, and proceed thereon.

The necessity for SMBs to invest resources in cybersecurity is here. So, while referring to IT Consulting in Vancouver or elsewhere, make sure to check if the MSP has the required expertise and experience to provide the IT security you need.