The use of technology has become part of people’s lives and businesses. More people are working from home or conducting online businesses. But as technology advances, hackers are also taking advantage of defrauding businesses through digital crime. These threats range from insider threats to more advanced threats.
Insider Threats
These are threats caused by employees or people close to the business. Some hackers act out of ignorance or intent to harm business. Mostly, employees are promised bigger pay and allow hackers to access the company’s data. A business should use specialized tools to detect unauthorized logins to combat the problem.
Phishing Attacks
Phishing attacks are a threat that tricks the user into giving out sensitive and confidential information to the hacker. They mainly ask for login credentials, names, addresses, or social security numbers. Often, hackers send a fake email that seems like a legit one, such as an email from your bank, friends, or PayPal. They lure users into clicking on some links, which direct them to a fraudulent site that asks for personal information. Entrepreneurs should avoid clicking on unknown links or websites.
Malvertising
Hackers use this technique to inject malicious code into businesses’ online advertising networks. The code installs malware into users’ mobile phones or laptops and redirects them to fraudulent websites. Businesses should scan ads for malicious content before publishing online, check their websites for suspicious activity and hire IT support Huntsville to combat the problem.
Deepfakes
Hackers have defrauded businesses and industries by millions of dollars using deepfakes. A deepfake is a voice recording or a video that manipulates another person’s voice or image. In businesses, deepfakes impersonate CEOs and other company members to trick unsuspecting customers. A company employee can also give out important data without knowledge of hacking.
Ransomware
Ransomware is malware that locks you out of your computer and demands a ransom in exchange for the key. If you fail to comply, they threaten to destroy or release your company’s data. Ransomware is usually spread via email attachments, infected apps, or storage devices. To stay safe from such attacks, a business should install a firewall to block unauthorized access to storage devices.
Mobile Malware
Some years back, only remote employees used mobile phones for work. Nowadays, even professionals and business CEOs are moving from PCs to smartphones for work purposes. They store and share important business information using mobile devices. Hackers use malicious software to steal sensitive data on phones and gain access to a company’s accounts.
Cloud Jacking
Companies keep sensitive data and information on the cloud. Cloud jacking happens when a third party-mainly, a hacker, gets access to the company’s cloud. They sabotage the cloud’s code and eavesdrop on the company’s communication or create phishing schemes such as uploading fake instructions and memos to workers. In return, unsuspecting workers download the files and release sensitive information or transfer the company’s money into fake accounts.
Businesses have lost a lot of money through cybercrimes, so management needs to stay informed on the latest threats. The employees should also learn about deepfakes, ransomware, insider threats, phishing attacks, and cloud jacking.