In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, companies face cybersecurity risks that require proactive measures. The most frequent causes of failure are related to infrastructure, systems, or poorly developed applications.
As Benoit Tremblay, a cybersecurity crisis manager, points out, 95% of these issues are caused by human error. However, with proper training and protocols, these risks can be mitigated and catastrophic consequences can be avoided. A significant outage at Rogers in July 2022 caused a partial paralysis of the Canadian banking system. The outage was caused by an untested update made by an employee.
Assuming complete protection is an error.
It is a risky approach to assume that your business model doesn't attract hackers and bury your head in the sand. Even if you believe that your company is too small to be of interest to cybercriminals, no one is immune to mass attacks. Paying for backups regularly does not guarantee total protection. To ensure their effectiveness, it is essential to test the restoration of these backups regularly. To improve cybersecurity, invest in awareness programs and ensure that all team members understand the risks associated with handling files,
What to do: Invest in cybersecurity awareness programs. Make sure every team member understands the risks involved in handling files, opening suspicious e-mails and making potentially dangerous decisions. Regular training can help strengthen corporate security
Underestimating the threat of phishing
Cybercriminals excel at deceiving users and tricking them into divulging sensitive information such as login credentials or financial data. Ransomware, which encrypts files and demands payment for the decryption key, and malware, which causes significant problems for IT departments and employees, are among the preferred tactics of cybercriminals. Additionally, cybercriminals utilize booby-trapped USB sticks, fake websites, and Wi-Fi network vulnerabilities to carry out their attacks with ease.
What to do: To prevent phishing attacks, establish anti-phishing filters and encourage employees to systematically verify the senders and links in emails. Employees are the first line of defense against these types of attacks, so it is important to make them aware of the risks.
Blindly trusting backups
It is crucial to have a multi-layered approach to cybersecurity that includes backups as well as other measures to mitigate risks.
Backups are an important component of cybersecurity, but they are not foolproof. Cyber attacks can compromise backups if they are not properly protected.
What to do: Regularly test the effectiveness of your backup restoration process by performing restoration tests. Utilize key performance indicators to measure the success of your backup system. Monitor service calls and conduct regular audits to ensure the system is functioning properly. Do not assume that paying for backups on a monthly basis is sufficient to protect your business. Ensure that your backup system is robust and reliable when you need it.
Forget the need to constantly challenge your protections
Cybercriminals are constantly developing new tactics to circumvent existing defenses, so frequent checking and updating of systems, software, and security policies is necessary. Regularly challenging existing security measures is essential to detecting and remedying emerging vulnerabilities quickly.
What to do: Maintain a confident attitude towards your company's security. Consistently inquire about existing systems, security policies, and incident procedures. Avoid complacency and encourage a culture of continuous improvement.
Underestimating new emerging risks can be extremely detrimental.
Artificial intelligence presents a range of new cybersecurity challenges, including automated attacks that are difficult to detect, and the threat of deepfakes, which are information manipulation techniques that can significantly harm a company's security and reputation. It is important to note that hackers are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their attacks, with SMEs being specifically targeted. As such, methods of avoiding detection must also evolve.
What to do: Stay informed about new threats, especially those related to artificial intelligence, automated attacks, and deepfakes. Continuously adjust your security strategies to keep up with these advancements. Establish a structured technology monitoring system to predict and prevent emerging attacks.
Anticipating and preparing for new risks strengthens the resilience of your systems and minimizes the potential impact of cyberattacks on operations. Constant technology monitoring, participation in security forums, and proactive implementation of appropriate solutions help maintain an effective barrier to threats.
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