Knowing the common information security issues can help you better deal with today’s cyber risks.
For instance, every year, US companies lose more than half a billion dollars due to cyberattacks. Besides, most of these are due to human error or employee’s innocent mistakes.
This is why in this article, we will be listing the most common information security issues existing today. We will also be listing practical tips on how you can mitigate the risks out of these issues.
Most Common Information Security Issues & Tips on How to Mitigate their Risks
1. Ransomware
Ransomware is a special malware that demands a ransom in exchange for the company’s data.
Besides, it is by far the most used and effective attack today. And not to mention, disastrous.
What can ransomware do?
- It can reach your company systems and corrupt your data
- It can also force or demand you to pay the decryption code or an amount to reclaim your data
Thus, ransomware can corrupt your data and put your finances at risk. Not to mention it can cause downtime and affect your company reputation.
How to avoid ransomware attacks:
Always secure your company data with a comprehensive data backup solution, for instance. If in case your data are stolen, then you can quickly recover your systems through cloud backups. So you can get back to operations. Thus, reducing system downtime from an attack.
Also, one way is to update your software and systems regularly. Attacks can lurk in outdated software applications and systems, for instance. So make sure to update them as soon as software updates are available.
2. Phishing
Phishing is another cybercriminal’s favorite attack. In fact, in 2019, it impacted more than two-thirds of companies in the US.
The phishing attack appears simple yet disastrous. For instance, it can come through malicious emails. Perhaps it can pretend to be coming from a business partner, friend, coworker, or acquaintance, for instance.
Today, malicious emails may appear legitimate and trusting. But how can you spot and avoid these malicious baits?
How to avoid phishing attacks:
Make sure to educate employees on email security best practices.
For example, always confirm the sender’s email address. Also, never download any attachments from unknown sources. Next, do not click on email links quickly. Lastly, do not send funds easily via email. It is always best to confirm every transaction with the executives before finalizing them.
3. Social Engineering
Social engineering works by manipulating the human workforce into disclosing confidential data. It can be in different ways. For example, through a phone call, an online quiz, or an in-person survey.
How to avoid social engineering attacks:
Social engineering works like phishing attacks. So the best way to handle them is to analyze any situation first before hanging any corporate or personal information.
You Can Win Over these Issues
Summing up, there exists a lot of different information security issues today, which are putting every company at risk.
There are ransomware, phishing, social engineering, drive-by downloads, and patch management issues, for example.
Although these issues exist, you can win over them. That is if you keep up with cybersecurity maintenance and monitoring. Most of all, educating employees helps mitigate these risks. So make sure to invest in cybersecurity training.
