Cyber Readiness: The Most Common Cyberattacks

In today's digital landscape, cybercriminals are continually enhancing the sophistication of their attacks, posing significant threats to businesses worldwide. Enhancing your organization's cyber readiness is crucial to mitigate potential financial, reputational, or operational damages resulting from such attacks. A fundamental step in this process is understanding prevalent cyber threats and implementing effective response strategies.

Common Cyberattacks to Be Aware Of:

Phishing

Phishing remains a pervasive cybersecurity threat, with attackers employing increasingly deceptive tactics. In 2024, 94% of organizations reported being victims of phishing attacks, with 96% experiencing negative impacts as a result. Egress Email Security Notably, social media platforms were the most frequently targeted sector, accounting for 30.5% of all phishing attacks. APWG

To combat phishing, it's essential to educate employees on recognizing suspicious emails. Indicators include generic greetings, unexpected attachments, or URLs lacking "https." Implementing regular training sessions and simulated phishing exercises can enhance awareness and preparedness.

Password Attacks

Password attacks, such as dictionary attacks, involve cybercriminals attempting to guess user passwords using common words and variations. To bolster defenses against such attacks, implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) is crucial. MFA requires users to provide multiple forms of verification, such as a password and a code sent via email or text, thereby adding an extra layer of security.

Ransomware

Ransomware attacks involve malicious software that encrypts an organization's data, with attackers demanding payment to restore access. To mitigate the risk of ransomware:

• Regularly Update Systems: Ensure all software and systems are up-to-date with the latest security patches.
• Perform Routine Data Backups: Regular backups can help restore data without paying a ransom.
• Adopt the NIST Ransomware Profile: The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) provides a comprehensive framework to manage ransomware risks. The Ransomware Risk Management: A Cybersecurity Framework Profile (NISTIR 8374) offers guidelines to help organizations identify, protect, detect, respond to, and recover from ransomware events. NIST Computer Security Resource Center

Conclusion

Understanding these common cyber threats is vital for enhancing your organization's cyber readiness. Implementing robust security measures and following established frameworks, such as those provided by NIST, can significantly reduce the risk of cyberattacks.

By staying informed and proactive, your business can better navigate the evolving cybersecurity landscape and protect against potential threats. To be extra prepared, you can receive a cyber risk assessment with TechGuard Security. We’ll help you further understand what you need to do to be cyber ready in today’s world. If you want to learn more about cyber readiness, check out additional blogs in our resources section. make this better with up to date citations and example articles