Whether you’re the chief executive officer (CEO) of a large corporation or the founder of a small start up, you likely have data you would prefer to keep away from prying eyes. However, cybercriminals are indiscriminate in their attacks. All they care about is gaining access to sensitive information.
Strong cyber security measures can help deter cyber criminals, but that doesn’t guarantee the safety of your network. If your systems were to succumb to a security breach, would you know what to do? Don’t worry, we’ve compiled a list of steps you can follow to defend your organization from further damage.
What Is a Cyber Security Breach?
A network security breach refers to when an outsider finds a way to bypass your cyber security to get inside your network. Once inside your system, they can gain unauthorized access to data, applications, and devices. Think of a cyber security breach like a burglar eluding security systems to break into a bank.
Although they are often used interchangeably, a security breach and a data breach are different things. A security breach means someone was able to exploit a vulnerability and break into your network. On the other hand, a data breach involves the bypassing of security and suggests that the intruder got away with information.
The Most Infamous Security Breaches in Recent History
Compromised cyber security is not rare in the business world. When a big corporation is invaded by an unauthorized user, it tends to make headlines for all the wrong reasons. Here are just a few of the most infamous breaches in the last 10 years:
- Yahoo: In 2014, a spear-phishing email gave hackers unprecedented access to Yahoo’s entire network. The company suffered two more breaches after the initial attack. In the end, the breach gave the criminals access to three billion user accounts.
- Equifax: Equifax is one of the largest credit reporting companies in the nation. In 2017, a website vulnerability gave malicious actors access to the personal information of over 145 million Americans.
- Ashley Madison: A dating site geared toward married people who are interested in having affairs was hacked in 2015. The fallout affected a large chunk of the website’s community, revealing their personal data.
What Are the Top Threats That Lead to Security Breaches?
Cyber criminals deploy a variety of techniques to infiltrate your network. Here are a few of the most common types of attacks:
- Web Application Attacks: Many companies rely on web applications for their operations; Google Suite being among the most popular. Unfortunately, these services are vulnerable to threats because of their accessibility and reliance on user input. These types of attacks may result in unvalidated redirects or links that trick users into clicking.
- Bots: These are automated programs designed to complete tasks online. They’re often used to help enhance customer service. However, a malicious bot can be programmed to attack to spam email, crack passwords through brute force, and more.
- Phishing: Phishing attacks use social engineering to trick your employees into performing an action that allows malware to be installed on your network. For example, a suspicious email may ask you to click a link. Once the link is clicked, a virus can install itself on your computer.
What To Do After a Computer Hack
It’s important to remember that even the best cyber security measures can fall to an experienced hacker. If you suspect your computer system has been compromised, you should act quickly and calmly. Here are some steps to follow to reestablish network security:
- The first step is to identify the source of the threat and notify your IT department to expel it from the network.
- Next, your IT specialist should take a look into the extent of the damage done.
- After the threats have been purged, fix the vulnerabilities in your infrastructure.
- Test the security fix to ensure an attacker can’t use the same route.
- Notify authorities and contact anyone who is affected by the breach.
Stay Protected With E-N Computers
If you want to prevent security breaches, the best way to do it is by taking a proactive approach to your cyber security. E-N Computers remotely monitors your network all day and night so suspicious activity is discovered immediately. If something is found, we act swiftly to close up any holes in your network and keep your data safe. Contact us today to learn more about how E-N Computers keeps your business safe.
