You’re probably well aware of the most common cyber threats as a business owner or manager. But did you know there are other potential sources of cyber threats that you may not have considered? Here, you’ll learn about a few potential sources and how to protect your business from them.
Suppliers and Vendors
Your organization is only as strong as its weakest link—and when it comes to cybersecurity, that weak link could be one of your suppliers or vendors. After all, these are often third-party companies that you may not have as much control over.
To mitigate this risk, thoroughly vet all suppliers and vendors before working with them. Make sure they have robust security measures in place and consider requiring them to sign a contract that holds them liable for any data breaches they cause.
Embedded Devices
The internet of things (IoT) refers to the growing popularity of connecting various physical devices to the world wide web. This includes everything from Fitbits and smart watches to industrial machines and vehicles.
While IoT has many benefits, increased connectivity also comes with increased risk. That’s because many of these devices are poorly secured, making them easy targets for hackers.
Online Activities
When your employees are browsing the internet or checking their social media profiles during work hours, they may expose your business to cyber threats. This is because malicious websites and fraudulent posts can easily infect their computers with malware or steal sensitive information. To prevent this from happening, consider implementing a strict internet usage policy that clearly outlines online activities that are and aren’t allowed at work.
In addition, consider investing in cybersecurity software such as anti-virus programs, spam blockers, firewall protection, and more. These tools can help protect your employees’ devices while at work and keep their personal information secure when using them outside of work.
Additionally, you should partner with a reliable IT support service provider. They can help identify and prevent potential cyber threats and provide assistance in the event of a security breach. They can also help you stay up-to-date on the latest cybersecurity best practices and trends, allowing you to stay ahead of evolving threats.
Mobile Devices
With more and more employees working remotely, it’s no surprise that mobile devices have become a popular target for hackers. After all, these devices are often left unsecured and are easy to lose or steal.
To protect your business, require all employees to use a VPN when accessing company data on their mobile devices. You should also consider implementing a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy that outlines how employees can securely use their personal devices for work purposes.
Social Engineering attacks
Social engineering attacks refer to scams where hackers exploit human gullibility instead of technical vulnerabilities. For example, an attacker may send an email pretending to be from your IT department to get access to your network password. Or they may call posing as a customer service representative to obtain sensitive information like credit card numbers or social security numbers. The best way to protect your business from social engineering attacks is by educating your employees about these scams and ensuring they know how to spot them.
Also, don’t forget the importance of two-factor authentication (2FA). This extra layer of security requires users to enter both a password and a one-time code before being granted access to an account or system. By requiring 2FA for all accounts, you can make it much harder for hackers to gain access, even if they trick one of your employees into giving up their credentials.
Phishing
Phishing is one of the most common scams, and it’s also one of the most dangerous. Phishing emails often look legitimate, making it difficult for even the savviest user to spot them. These emails typically contain links or attachments that redirect users to fake websites where they’re prompted to enter sensitive information like login credentials or credit card numbers.
Once again, employee education is key when it comes down to protecting your business from phishing attacks. Teach your team members how to spot these emails and ensure they know never to click on any links or attachments unless they’re absolutely certain they’re legitimate.
These are just a few potential sources of cyber threats that you may not have considered. By being aware of these risks, you can take steps to protect your business from them. Whether it’s investing in two-factor authentication or educating your employees about social engineering scams, there are many things you can do to reduce your organization’s cybersecurity risks. So don’t wait until it’s too late—take action today.
