According to research conducted by the National Cyber Security Alliance, sixty percent of small and medium-sized businesses fail within six months after suffering a cyberattack. Don’t allow your company to become a part of the statistic! Your network security could be vulnerable

If your business relies on a big number of interconnected devices, it’s likely that your network is big and complicated. Despite the fact that this is helpful for your business and makes it easier to maintain your workflow, it also presents a security threat. Unwanted users might roam your network freely and wreak harm without you even realizing it because of the openness of your network’s infrastructure. Your business is at risk of a data breach if your company’s network security is attacked.

What is a Network Security Attack? 

A network security attack is when someone tries to get into an organization’s network without permission, usually to steal data or do something else illegal. There are two main ways cybercriminals attack a network. Either: 

  1. A cybercriminal gains access to your network and collects data without changing anything.
  1. They get into your network and delete, encrypt, or damage the data in some way. 

During a network security attack, the goal of the attackers is to get past your network’s perimeter and into the internal systems. Once an attacker is inside, they often combine different types of attacks.

These network security attacks may include:

  • Malware Attacks
  • Endpoint Attacks
  • Sabotage 
  • Exploiting Vulnerabilities

 

network security - under attack by hacker

What are the Types of Network Attacks?

Cybercriminals have changed how they attack networks because people are becoming more aware of how crucial it is to keep their data safe. In recent years, cybercriminals have found more ways to attack computer networks. As a business owner, it’s critical to know how they may target your business network so that you can make better decisions to strengthen your security.

  • Malware

Malware attacks are made to disable or get into a computer system without permission. Most malware is self-replicating, which means that it gets into a device through the internet and then spreads to all other networked devices from there. If you connect another endpoint computer, it will also get infected.

  • Trojan Horse

Users are enticed to download a Trojan horse. They pretend to be a harmless program. After installing the software or application, the database is used to alter the data, steal data, or watch keystrokes.

  • Virus

A virus can’t spread without a user’s participation. They must perform an action that allows the computer to become corrupted.  Emails with harmful links or attachments are examples of one of these actions. When a recipient opens the attachment or clicks the link, the virus is inadvertently allowed to disable system security.  

  • Worm

Worms will infect computers without user participation. Malware attackers can distribute malware to a susceptible network program using the same Internet connection. The program accepts and executes internet malware to create a worm.

  • DOS

DOS stands for Denial-of-Service, and it does exactly what it sounds like; Denial-of-Service attacks the victim’s network or IT infrastructure to prevent users from having any access to it.

  • IP Spoofing

The cybercriminal sends packets into the Internet using a fake source address to make them look like they came from another user.

Every year, an average of 130 security breaches are attempted, according to a study done by Accenture and Ponemon Institute. The only way to protect yourself from network assault is by having a qualified IT administrator who knows the signs. 

So what are those signs?

 

network security - computer with padlock

Signs Your Network Security Was Attacked

Most of the time, you have the power to prevent a network security attack. Know the signs and educate your employees to create a safer work environment and protect your network.

  • Ransomware

Ransomware messages typically appear on the main page of websites and limit access to information until victims pay a set amount. Sometimes an email or spam message leads to a download of malware-infected files. Once the bait has been taken, hackers install ransomware on the person’s PC, infiltrating the business network.

  • Website Redirects

Even the most well-meaning websites will redirect us from time to time, but what happens when the redirect is strange? If you notice anything odd about a redirect, leave right away. These are often ransomware pages posing as a trustworthy site. 

  • Your Files are Encrypted

You don’t remember encrypting that file, yet there it is. Did you drink too much last night? Or is that a hacker? Cybercriminals will hack your network and encrypt important files and hold them hostage until the user pays up. Having your files backed up on the cloud will prevent a hacker from putting you in a tight spot. 

  • Possessed Computers

If your mouse cursor starts moving around on its own, and your computer appears to be controlled by a ghost, hold off on calling the Ghostbusters. Instead, call your IT Security Specialist at IGTech. The hacker has remote control over your device, and you need to disconnect your computer(s) from the network right away! 

  • Your Friends or Colleagues are Sending You Weird Stuff

If someone you know has been hacked by a cybercriminal, oftentimes, the first thing the hacker does is send messages to the contacts. When you see that your trusted friend has sent you a link, you’re more likely to click on it. But don’t be fooled! No matter who sends you a message, if it looks suspicious, delete it! 

Network Security Service Providers in Tampa Bay

When cybercriminals carry out attacks, they may want your valuable data to use or sell. They might want to ruin your company’s reputation. Or they could just be out for the fame. After all, if your company makes headlines for being hacked, it gives them bragging rights.

Don’t let your business’ network security become compromised. Hire IGTech Network Security Service Providers and rest easy knowing your company is in safe hands.

 

 

See also:

What is a Backup and Disaster Recovery Plan? Keeping Your Data Safe
4 Basic Safety Measures for Your IT Security