Reconheça os tipos de ataques cibernéticos e proteja sua empresa

As new technologies evolve, they bring new functionalities, new ways of operating, but also new potential attack points for hackers. That's why it's essential to stay very up-to-date, know the weak points in advance, and protect your information, as many malicious programs have been emerging every day, invading devices and systems through different forms of attacks - misappropriating and often diverting valuable data from companies worldwide. According to reports from PSafe, a specialized cybersecurity laboratory, the number of cyberattacks practically doubled in Brazil in 2018. On the laboratory's page, you can also see the number of cyberattacks detected in the last 24 hours, functioning as a good real-time thermometer. It is important to correctly understand the types of cyberattacks to avoid problems and, of course, know how to remove them. Are you concerned about your company's security? We will show you how to identify the main threats and how to protect yourself from them.

Types of Cyberattacks

Cyberattacks come in different forms, depending on the type of information the hacker (or cybercriminal) is after. And this applies to any company. Cybersecurity has become an essential item that ensures success in data security strategies. Therefore, investing in technology has begun to be seen as a key point in IT management policies. And disagreeing with this can bring great losses to a company. We have listed four main types of cyberattacks:

1. Malware: the term originating from English (Malicious Software) defines an attack in which malicious programs illegally infiltrate a device to perform different types of actions with the intent to cause damage or steal information. Examples such as: Adware, Backdoor, Trojans, Keyloggers, Spyware, Rootkits, Worms, and Ransomware are all classified in this attack category.
2. Phishing: one of the most traditional scams, the term originates from English (Fishing) and in IT refers to a type of online identity theft where the hacker uses links to fake websites via emails or other call-to-action forms. The goal is to induce the user to download malware or lead to a site that steals data, such as passwords, credit card information, bank account numbers, etc.
3. Cryptojacking: this type of attack was identified in greater numbers starting in 2017 and is based on hijacking a device's processing capacity to make money through cryptocurrencies. The user becomes 'infected' through scripts that run in the account's browser. All it takes is for the victim to visit a site containing the malicious code.
4. Cyber Extortion: this is one of the most recent and frequent scams. These are scams focused on extorting the user based on supposed information obtained to harm them, leading the victim to believe that all threats from the data they hold are indeed true.

How can companies protect themselves from these attacks?

Working together with a company's users, employees, and collaborators can help minimize losses and prevent cyberattacks. We have listed the main techniques that can help protect you. Check them out:

• Educate all users: by showing what the company's security policies are and how each person can contribute to a safe work environment.
• Monitor the use of mobile devices through apps or software that track corporate data, or encryption tools, to protect confidential information.
• Stay alert to new risks and changes in the technological world, following new trends and observing any emerging threats or attacks.
• Constantly modify security policies so that the company can keep up with changes in the virtual environment as technologies evolve.
• Invest in acquiring and using security software and firewalls capable of preventing or identifying attacks or theft of information important to the company's business.
• Encrypt important data, because with encrypted information, the hacker will not be able to obtain it until they discover the decryption key.
• Back up all data, protecting not only against theft but also against loss due to accidents, file problems, or other incidents that may occur.

Given the current reality of the importance of using digital tools for business, and considering the growth of cyberattacks over the last few years, the need for smart investment in cybersecurity is clear - whether through purchasing software tools or hiring a fully dedicated IT outsourcing service, ensuring continuous protection with constant monitoring and updates.

Learn about the services in Information Security at Zamak Technologies which includes managed antivirus, web protection, patch management, and firewall, keeping your company 100% protected from cyberattacks. Request a quote!