The coronavirus pandemic has forced lots of businesses across the world to work differently. Whether this is remotely working from home, using collaborative tools and data storing in the cloud, or perhaps it requires entirely rethinking how they conduct their business safely and in accordance with new government guidelines.
One of the main challenges that has emerged in this new normal and more digital way of working is the need for increased cybersecurity. The pandemic became the perfect time for opportunistic hackers and online scammers to take advantage of businesses who hadn’t strengthened their cybersecurity quick enough after lockdown restrictions were put in place.
What is cybersecurity?
Every company has internet-based and connected systems such as hardware, software and data. This needs protecting otherwise it is vulnerable to cyber-attacks and threats. Cybersecurity involves protecting hardware, software and data from being accessed by unauthorised individuals or enterprises.
It is best practice to implement cybersecurity on computers, servers, networks, mobile devices and data that is stored on those devices or in a cloud-based system, in order to protect from hackers with malicious intent.
What are cyber-attacks?
Cyber-attacks can affect all types of different industries: medical, government, corporate, financial and more. A cyber-attack is designed to access, delete or extort an organisation’s or user’s sensitive data. The other industries all hold personal information on individuals throughout a nation, making them particularly vulnerable to attacks; therefore, cybersecurity is vital.
Technologies are constantly developing, evolving and changing, making it imperative that companies, no matter how big or small, have effective cybersecurity in place.
Types of cybersecurity threats
What are the different types of cybersecurity threats? While it’s a challenging task keeping up with new and changing technologies, it is necessary to have a basic understanding of what the different cybersecurity threats are.
- Malware – this is a malicious form of software, meaning that any file or program can be used to harm a user. It can take the form of worms, computer viruses, Trojan horses and spyware.
- Ransomware – this type of cybersecurity attack is a type of malware that involves an attacker locking a victim’s computer system files (often through encryption) and demanding payment in order for them to be decrypted/ unlocked.
- Social engineering – this is a slightly different form of cyber threat and relies on human interaction to trick users into breaking security procedures so hackers can gain sensitive information that is usually protected.
- Phishing – this cyber threat is a form of fraud. It involves fraudulent emails that resemble typical emails sent from reputable sources. The intention is often to steal sensitive information and data such as bank details or login information.
Contact
If you would like any further information on security services delivered by Umbrella Security, or you would like a non-obligatory quote to protect your property, please contact our team today on 0121 554 2761 or fill out our online enquiry form.