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15 Ways To Protect Against Cyber Attacks in 2023

Many significant methodologies are there that can sincerely protect against cyber attacks in the coming year of 2023.  One only needs to find them out and check out the pros and cons of the same procedure.

In order to protect an individual or an organization’s datasets from any criminal data breach from a black hat hacking professional attempting one’s ill deeds from a remote location just to gain some unnoticeable benefits, we need to be one step ahead of them in every possible manner.

What is Cyber Crime?

Cybercrime refers to criminal activities that are committed using the internet or other forms of computer networks.  It can be explained as a type of crime that is committed using technology and the internet.  In addition, it can range from identity theft to phishing scams and malware attacks and can cause serious financial and emotional damage to its victims.

Moreover, Cybercriminals can use a variety of methods to steal personal information, such as social engineering or malicious software. They can also launch attacks on websites and networks or use ransomware to extort money from victims.  In addition to this, cybercrime is an ever-growing threat, and it is important to stay vigilant and take steps to protect yourself.

Here are some of the best cyber crime precautionary practices that one can exercise just to make sure no data breach could happen to one of one’s near-dear ones:

Check the Strength of Your Passwords

It is pretty imperative to check the strength of your passwords on a regular basis.  In addition, strong passwords should be made up of a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters.  They should also be at least 8 characters long.  Moreover, It is also important to use different passwords for different accounts so that if one of your passwords is compromised, the other accounts will remain secure.

Additionally, it is important to change your passwords regularly and to avoid using the same passwords for multiple accounts.  In addition, checking the strength of your passwords is an essential part of staying secure online.

Trust No One (On Emails)

It is important to remember to trust no one when it comes to emails.  In addition, cybersecurity threats are more prevalent than ever, and hackers are constantly coming up with new ways to access personal information.  Moreover, emails are one of the most common ways for hackers to gain access to your personal information. It is important to be wary of any emails that you receive, even if they appear to be from a reliable source.

All in all, it is highly advised not to open any attachments or click any links unless you are absolutely sure that the email is genuine. In addition to this, never share any sensitive information or passwords through email, as this can give hackers access to your accounts.

Secure Your Device

It is highly vital to secure your device from malicious attacks.  One can follow the below-mentioned commands to save oneself from any data compromisation:

• You should always keep your device updated with the latest security patches and antivirus software.
• In addition, use strong passwords for all accounts and use two-factor authentication for accounts where available.
• Ensure that all of your devices are protected with a firewall and that you use encryption for sensitive data.
• Make sure to enable remote wiping in case of theft or loss.
• Finally, be aware of phishing emails and malicious websites, and avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources.

Use antivirus and antimalware software.

Using antivirus and antimalware software is genuinely essential for everyday computer users.  It helps to protect your system from malicious software, spyware, and viruses that can cause irreparable damage to your system.  You can ensure that your system is safe from malicious software and viruses by using antivirus and antimalware software.

In addition, it can also help to detect and remove any existing malicious software and viruses that may be present on your system.  Additionally, it can provide real-time protection, making sure that any malicious software or viruses that try to enter your system are blocked.  All in all, using antivirus and antimalware software is a must for any computer user.

Server Security

The phenomenon of Server security is a pretty vital part of any organization’s network security strategy.  It is important to ensure that the server is protected from malicious attacks and data breaches.  In addition, server security should include a combination of physical security, such as firewalls and antivirus software, as well as logical security, such as access control lists and regular patching.

Additionally, server security should include measures to monitor the system for suspicious activity, such as changes in user accounts, file permissions, and system configurations.  It is also important to regularly monitor the server for any vulnerabilities that could be exploited by hackers.  Finally, server security should include a disaster recovery plan in case of a security breach or other catastrophic event.

Payment Gateway Security

As the name suggests, Payment Gateway Security is the technical feature that is implemented to secure the payment gateways that we use at the time of checkout or payment of an online product.  Our highly sensitive banking details can be fetched from the very spot if we do not implement proper payment gateway security there.

Moreover, it is an important factor in ensuring secure online transactions and protecting customers from identity theft and fraud.  Payment gateways use the latest encryption technology, secure socket layers (SSLs), and other security measures to protect sensitive data and encrypt transactions.  Furthermore, payment gateway providers also have fraud protection systems in place to monitor suspicious activity and alert customers.

So far, payment gateways also offer customers the option to use additional authentication, such as Verified by Visa and MasterCard SecureCode, which provides an extra layer of security for online transactions.

Be aware of phishing attacks.

Phishing attacks are a type of scam in which an attacker attempts to gain access to personal and sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, and Social Security numbers by sending out emails or messages that appear to be from legitimate companies or organizations.  These messages often include links to malicious websites that contain malware or malicious software.  In addition, it is important to be aware of phishing attacks and take steps to protect yourself.

Be suspicious of any emails or messages that appear to come from an unfamiliar source and never respond to them.  If you receive an email that appears to be from your bank or an online store, make sure to double-check the sender’s address before clicking on any links or providing any personal information.  Finally, if you receive a suspicious email, delete it immediately.

Use firewalls

A firewall is a network security system that controls incoming and outgoing network traffic by analyzing the data packets and determining whether they should be allowed through or not based on a set of security rules.  In addition, firewalls are used to protect private networks from malicious attacks, such as viruses and hackers, by blocking access to unauthorized sources.

Moreover, firewalls can also be used to restrict access to specific applications, such as email and web browsers, and to monitor the activity of users on the network.  Firewalls are an essential component of any network security system, as they protect against a wide range of threats and provide the first line of defense against malicious attacks.

Mitigate cyber threats on mobile phones

Mobile phones are an essential part of our lives.  Unfortunately, they are also prone to cyber threats.  To mitigate cyber threats on mobile phones, users should ensure that their phone is up to date with the latest version of the software.  This will help to protect the device from malicious activities.

Additionally, users should also install and use mobile security apps such as antivirus and firewalls to protect their devices from viruses, malware, and other malicious activities.  Furthermore, users should also avoid downloading apps from untrusted sources, as these can contain malicious code.  Finally, users should also exercise caution when using public Wi-Fi networks to access the internet, as they can be easily accessed by cybercriminals.

Update your software.  In fact, turn on automatic software updates if they’re available.

Updating your software is a very important part of keeping your computer secure and efficient.  It is particularly important to keep your operating system and any programs you have installed up to date.  By doing this, you can ensure that your computer is running with the latest security patches and bug fixes, as well as taking advantage of any new features or improvements that have been added.

Updating your software is something that should be done regularly, as well as when you first install the software.  Keeping your software up to date is one of the best ways to ensure your computer is secure and running as efficiently as possible.

Strengthen your security on Wi-Fi

To strengthen your security on Wi-Fi, it is important to use a strong password that contains all letters, numbers, and special characters.  Additionally, it is important to enabling a firewall on your router to prevent any unauthorized access.  In addition, it is highly crucial to turn on encryption to protect your data as it is transmitted over the network.

Moreover, it is pretty vital to disable the broadcast of your SSID to make it more difficult for hackers to find your network.  Finally, it is important to keep your router’s firmware updated to ensure that any security vulnerabilities are patched.  Following these simple steps will help ensure that your Wi-Fi network is secure.

Use a full-service internet security suite.

A full-service internet security suite is a comprehensive security solution for your computer and online activities.  It offers protection from viruses, malware, and other online threats, as well as parental control and privacy protection.  In addition, it also helps to keep your computer running smoothly and securely, with automatic updates and scans and a range of features to help you secure all your data.

In addition, many security suites provide additional features such as identity theft protection, anti-spam, and anti-phishing protection.  With a suitable security suite, you can keep your computer and online activities safe and secure.

Protect your privacy, especially on social media

Protecting your privacy on social media is essential to keeping your personal information secure.  Start by limiting the amount of personal information you share on social media, such as your address, phone number, and other sensitive information.  Additionally, be mindful of the photos and posts you share, as they can be seen by anyone and could be used against you in the future.

In addition, you should also adjust your privacy settings on each social media platform to limit who has access to your profile.  Finally, be aware of the apps that you use and make sure they are secure before giving them access to your account.  With these simple steps, you can take control of your digital privacy and ensure your information is kept secure.

Avoid using free public Wi-Fi.

Public Wi-Fi networks can be very convenient when you’re on the go, but they can also be a major security risk.  While they may be free and easy to access, they are also unsecured, meaning that anyone with the right tools can access your personal data.  To protect yourself, it’s best to avoid using public Wi-Fi networks when possible.

If you must use them, be sure to use a virtual private network (VPN), which will encrypt your data and protect it from being accessed by anyone else.  In addition, make sure the network you’re using is legitimate and not a fake network created by a hacker.  If you’re unsure, ask the business or establishment if they provide Wi-Fi.  Finally, don’t access any sensitive information, such as banking or personal information, on a public Wi-Fi network.

Regularly update your device’s operating system.

Regularly updating your device’s operating system is an important practice that should not be overlooked.  Operating system updates are released to fix bugs, patch security vulnerabilities, and add new features.  Keeping your device up to date helps to ensure your device is running the most secure and stable version of the software and can help to prevent malicious attacks.

Moreover, having the latest version of the operating system may enable you to access features that are only available in the newest version.  In addition, it is significant to keep in mind that operating system updates can sometimes cause compatibility issues, so it is important to make sure that you are running compatible versions of applications and other software before updating.

Conclusion

To wrap up, the emergence of cyber-attacks is an ever-growing problem in the 21st century.  However, with the continued development of advanced technologies and the increased awareness of cyber threats, we can be optimistic that by 2023, organizations and individuals will be better protected against cyber-attacks.  Furthermore, implementing robust security measures, such as two-factor authentication and encryption, will be paramount in protecting against the malicious actions of cybercriminals.

This blog post was optimized by Cyber Varta – An InfoSec Talk Show hosted by Mohit Yadav, a world-famous cyber security expert recognized globally for his notable contributions in the varied domains of cyber security.  In addition, Cyber Varta is the first of its kind in the trade of information security talk shows in India, even hosted by an eminent cyber security personality.

What are Enterprise Security Threats?

In this world full of newly emerging technologies, each passing day, there are various enterprise security threats also erupting simultaneously altogether for corrupting the IT Security systems and compromising the datasets possessed by these systems.  In addition, there are many different types of enterprise security threats that numerous organizations need to be aware of and take steps to protect against such circumstances.

Moreover, as several organizations gradually add new technologies to the business structure, Computer Information and Office Systems (CIOs) should frequently be getting alerts to the cybersecurity threats that those particular technologies extend.  As per a survey conducted by Midmarket CIO Forum in Savannah, GA, in the year 2017, Brian Hill, the vice president of corporate investigative services at Computer Forensic Services, described numerous significant enterprise security threats that many organizations are facing in today’s era.

In regard to this, Brian Hill explained, “Cybersecurity is ever-changing; with technology, we gain a ton of convenience, but every time we gain convenience, we always give up some security.  It’s about trying to find that fine balance in between those.”

How To Avoid Enterprise Security Threats?

Many distinguished Enterprise Security Threats lie in this technology-filled world where businesses face many challenges related to solving several enterprise security threats by various means and methodologies.  In addition, here are the top 6 enterprise security threats and tips for how to avoid them:

• Malware
• Ransomware
• Distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks
• Spam and Phishing
• Corporate Account Takeover (CATO)
• Automated Teller Machine (ATM) Cash Out

Now, we will explain the above-mentioned top 6 enterprise security threats one by one in the following paragraphs:

Malware

Malware is software that is specifically designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to a computer system.  It can be delivered through email attachments, websites, or other means.  To avoid malware, organizations should use the following exercises to mitigate enterprise security threats genuinely:

Precautions:

• Ensure all software programs and applications are updated with the latest security patches.
• Install anti-malware and antivirus software and configure the software to scan and regularly update automatically.
• Use strong passwords, change them frequently, and never share them.
• Back up important files regularly and store them offsite.
• Disable macros on documents received from unknown sources.
• Do not open emails from unknown sources.
• Do not click on suspicious links in emails.
• Set up a firewall and configure it to block suspicious traffic.
• Monitor network traffic for any suspicious behavior.
• Educate employees about the risks and best practices for avoiding malware.

Ransomware

Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts a victim’s files.  The attackers then demand a ransom from the victim to restore access to the files; failure to pay could lead to the permanent loss of the encrypted files.  In order to prevent ransomware attacks, businesses should adopt the below-mentioned techniques:

Precautions:

• Regularly back up important files and store them on an external drive
• Regularly update and patch software and operating systems
• Disable macro scripts from office files
• Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication
• Be wary of suspicious emails and attachments
• Install a reputable antivirus/anti-malware software and keep it up to date
• Avoid clicking on unknown or unsolicited links or pop-ups
• Refrain from downloading from untrusted websites
• Install browser and plugin updates as soon as they are available
• Restrict users from having admin privileges to their local machines
• Configure access controls to limit the extent of damage caused by ransomware attacks

Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks

DDoS stands for a distributed denial-of-service attack.  It is a type of cyber attack that attempts to make a computer or network resource unavailable to its intended users by flooding the target or its surrounding infrastructure with a flood of Internet traffic.

Moreover, an enterprise can sincerely adopt the below-mentioned techniques to safeguard an organization from the DDoS Attacks initiated by an insider or a remotely sitting black hat hacking individual.

Precautions:

• Implement firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor traffic patterns and detect malicious activity.
• Use web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests.
• Monitor the network for unusual traffic levels or patterns.
• Ensure that patches and security updates are applied to all systems on a regular basis.
• Limit access to services and applications to only trusted sources.
• Use access control lists (ACLs) to limit the number of requests from a single source.
• Use load balancers to distribute traffic across multiple servers.
• Implement rate limiting to limit the number of requests from a single source over a given period of time.
• Implement an attack mitigation plan to respond quickly to any detected attack.
• Train personnel to recognize the signs of a DDoS attack and take appropriate action.

Spam and Phishing

Spam is unsolicited, unwanted emails that are sent in bulk.  These emails often contain malicious links or attachments and can be used to spread malware and phishing scams.

Moreover, Phishing attacks are fraudulent attempts to obtain sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details by disguising oneself as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication.

Furthermore, in order to escape phishing attacks, businesses should educate their employees about how to recognize and report phishing attempts and use spam filters to block known phishing emails.  In addition, they can follow the below-mentioned best practices to secure these attacks massively:

Precautions:

• Don’t open emails from unknown or suspicious senders
• Don’t click on links or attachments in emails from unknown or suspicious senders
• Don’t share personal information, such as bank account details, via email
• Don’t respond to emails asking for personal information
• Don’t click on pop-up ads
• Install spam filters on your email account
• Regularly update your antivirus software
• Be wary of emails asking you to confirm or enter personal information
• Be aware of the website’s URL or address before entering your personal information
• Pay attention to the email address of the sender

Corporate Account Takeover (CATO)

Corporate Account Takeover is a type of cybercrime where a hacker gains access to a corporate bank account or another financial account, allowing them to access sensitive financial data and transfer funds to their own accounts.  This type of attack usually involves the use of stolen credentials, such as usernames and passwords, or by exploiting vulnerabilities in applications or operating systems.  It can also involve the use of malware or social engineering tactics.

Moreover, all businesses can undoubtedly adopt the following steps to evade this corporate account takeover by black hat hacking techniques:

Precautions:

• Establish a strong password policy that requires frequent updates and the use of complex passwords and two-factor authentication
• Monitor user activity for any suspicious behavior or logins from unknown locations
• Regularly review security logs and system configuration for any anomalies
• Train employees on best practices for online security, such as not sharing passwords or clicking on suspicious links
• Limit user access to only necessary systems and data
• Install and maintain up-to-date antivirus/malware software
• Use a secure VPN when accessing sensitive data
• Implement a secure firewall that restricts access to certain IP addresses
• Ensure that all hardware and software are updated with the latest security patches
• Isolate corporate accounts from other accounts on the same system
• Monitor accounts for unusual transactions and investigate any suspicious activity promptly

Automated Teller Machine (ATM) Cash Out

Automated Teller Machine (ATM) Cash Out is a service that allows you to withdraw cash from an ATM without the need for a bank teller or human interaction.  It is typically used for transactions that require a large amount of cash, such as cashing out a paycheck or withdrawing cash from a savings account.

In addition, these can ATM Cash Out scenarios can undoubtedly be evaded with the use of these below-mentioned best practices:

Precautions:

• Keep your ATM card safe and secure
• Change your ATM PIN regularly
• Avoid using public ATMs
• Do not disclose your PIN to anyone
• Monitor your account regularly for any suspicious transactions
• Report any suspicious transactions immediately to your bank
• Use ATMs located in well-lit and secure areas
• Be aware of your surroundings when using the ATM
• Avoid using ATMs in secluded areas
• Be aware of people or objects that may be skimming devices or cameras
• Shield the keypad when entering your PIN
• Collect your card and cash immediately after a transaction is completed

Conclusion

In the bottom line, there can be many enterprise security threats that can be mitigated with the use of proper techniques implemented by a professional cyber security expert.  This blog post was an initiative by Cyber Varta – An InfoSec Talk Show, to let all understand the basic functionalities that enterprises should take to escape from any enterprise security threats.

Cyber Varta is hosted by a highly renowned cyber security expert – Mr. Mohit Yadav, who is well-known all across the world for his outstanding contributions in the cyber security domains.

Why Cyber Security Is Important for Business?

We are quite used to hearing a number of data breaching incidents happening to every second organization, irrespective of its size, trade, or genre.  As a result, we require a valuable plan and cyber security best practices to evade ourselves and our businesses from any enterprise security threats and security flaws that our security posture possesses due to coding errors and other types of vulnerabilities.

In addition, we genuinely need to have cyber security in our day-to-day life to secure ourselves from any unauthorized access to our highly crucial and sensitive information to fall into the wrong hands of a black hat hacking professional.  Moreover, this can be happened by adopting some highly professional methodologies to secure our sensitive information from the preying eyes of an adversary.

Why Cyber Security is Needed for Small Businesses?

Cyber attackers often target small businesses because they may not implement the same level of cyber security measures as major enterprises.  In addition, this makes it essential for small businesses to prioritize cyber security to protect their sensitive data and systems.

Moreover, several other methodologies can lure cyber adversaries into initiating cyber attacks on small businesses compared to medium and large enterprises.  Some of those numerous reasons why small businesses need cyber security are mentioned below:

1. Data breaches can devastate small businesses.  In this regard, a data breach can certainly compromise sensitive customer and business information, leading to financial loss and damage to the company’s reputation.
2. In addition, cyber attacks can disrupt business operations and lead to financial loss.  Moreover, cyber attacks can cause a small business to lose access to its systems and data, which can be costly and time-consuming to recover from.
3. Furthermore, small businesses may be highly necessary to fulfill specific regulatory and compliance standards connected to cyber security, such as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) for companies that handle credit card transactions.
4. Furthermore, cyber security is efficiently influential for securing a small business’s intellectual property and proprietary info.  Ahead this can include financial data, trade secrets, and strategic plans.
5. So far, investing in cyber security measures can assist a small business in protecting its assets and maintaining customer trust.  Small businesses can build customer loyalty and boost their reputation by demonstrating a commitment to security.

Impact of Cyber Security

The impact of cyber security can be significant for both individuals and organizations.

On an individual level, a lack of cyber security can lead to identity theft, financial loss, and damage to a person’s reputation.  In addition, it can also lead to the loss of sensitive personal information, such as medical records and personal photos.

On an organizational level, the impact of cyber security can be even more significant.  A cyber attack can compromise sensitive business and customer information, leading to loss of trust, financial loss, and damage to a company’s reputation.  Moreover, cyber attacks can also disrupt business operations, causing financial loss and damaging the company’s reputation.  In addition, businesses may be required to meet certain regulatory and compliance standards related to cyber security, which can result in fines and legal consequences.  Furthermore, cyber security is also important for protecting a company’s intellectual property and proprietary information.

Across the board, the impact of cyber security can be significant and can have long-lasting effects on individuals and organizations.  In addition, individuals and businesses need to prioritize cyber security in order to protect themselves and their assets.

Advantages of Cyber Security in Business

This technology-filled world is booming at par with a full-on pace to proliferate the human race with its advantages.  In this regard, there are several advantages of investing in cyber security standards for businesses that are described below:

• Protecting sensitive data: Cyber security helps to protect sensitive business and customer information from being compromised in a data breach.
• Maintaining customer trust: Businesses can build customer loyalty and trust by demonstrating a commitment to security. This is especially important in industries with highly sensitive customer information, such as the financial and healthcare sectors.
• Ensuring compliance with laws and regulations: Many businesses are required to meet certain regulatory and compliance standards related to cyber security. Investing in cyber security can help businesses ensure that they are in compliance with these standards.
• Protecting intellectual property: Cyber security is important for protecting a company’s intellectual property and proprietary information, such as financial data, trade secrets, and strategic plans.
• Minimizing business disruptions: Cyber attacks can disrupt business operations, leading to financial loss and damage to the company’s reputation. In addition, investing in cyber security measures can help to minimize the risk of such disruptions.

Ultimately, investing in cyber security can help businesses protect their sensitive data, maintain customer trust, ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations, and minimize disruptions to their operations.  Moreover, these are the Top 5 Reasons Why Cybersecurity is Important for Businesses.

Information Security Plan for Small Businesses

As they describe, an information security plan is mainly a document that outlines the measures a business will take to protect its sensitive data and IT Security systems from cyber threats and the vulnerabilities that can cause them.

Here are some steps that a small business can take to create an effective information security plan:

• Identify and prioritize the assets that need to be protected. In this regard, it can include hardware, software, data, and networks.
• Assess the current state of the business’s cyber security measures. In addition, this can include evaluating the strength of passwords, the security of the network, and the use of antivirus software.
• Determine the risks that the business faces. For accomplishing this, it can include external threats, such as hackers, and internal threats, such as employees accidentally exposing sensitive information.
• Develop policies and procedures to mitigate identified risks. Moreover, this can include creating strong passwords, implementing two-factor authentication, and training employees on cybersecurity best practices.
• Implement security measures like firewalls, antivirus software, and intrusion detection systems.
• Regularly review and update the information security plan to ensure that it protects the business’s assets effectively.

All in all, an effective information security plan is essential for small businesses to protect their sensitive data and systems from cyber threats.  In addition, we can sincerely state that by taking good cyber security for companies, it’s always a sure shot that we mitigate all the future enterprise security threats that can badly affect our business and the datasets possessed in them.

Conclusion

In our verdict, you might get why cyber security is important for business with the help of this wonderful blog post initiated by Cyber Varta, An InfoSec Talk Show hosted by Mohit Yadav, a widely renowned cyber security professional known for his vital contributions in the varied fields of cyber security.  Moreover, stay tuned for our international broadcast of knowledgeable podcasts of Cyber Varta episodes on YouTube featuring Mohit Yadav and other eminent cyber security personalities.