Companies’ reliance on technology grows stronger as it evolves and advances. Because most of the companies’ daily operations are conducted online or accessed using digital tools, it’s critical to be more vigilant to take strong precautions against network security risks. If companies are aware of typical network security risks, they can establish more comprehensive methods and procedures to protect themselves against them.

Understanding the Network Security Risks

SQL Injections Attacks

SQL injection attack, one of the most serious network security risks, is particularly significant because it targets data-driven websites using SQL. Malicious code is used in these attacks to access sensitive information, modify, and even delete it, putting the websites’ integrity and data confidentiality at risk.

Internal Security Threats

Around 90% of cyberattacks are caused by human error. Human error can manifest in phishing attacks, careless data sharing, weak passwords, and other difficulties. When it comes to insider activities that negatively damage companies’ networks or sensitive information, it can result in downtime, financial losses, and loss of clients’ trust.

Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS)

Websites crashing, malfunctioning, or slowly loading can result from DDoS attacks. Cybercriminals infect internet-connected devices, including mobile phones and computers, turning them into bots. Victims’ IP addresses are bombarded with requests from bots deployed by threat operators. A large amount of internet traffic bombards the websites, causing them to go offline. With the attacks, distinguishing between legitimate and compromised traffic is challenging.

Rogue Security Software

Rogue security programs trick companies into believing that a virus has compromised their IT infrastructures. These take the form of warning messages delivered by credible anti-malware solutions. A malicious program infects devices and sends spam messages to victims demanding they pay for security solutions that don’t exist.

Malware

Using malicious software, threat actors can utilize compromised devices to obtain information about the victims. Following a successful deployment, threat operators can mine devices for sensitive information, including email addresses, bank accounts, and passwords, and exploit them to commit identity theft, blackmail, or other business-damaging activities.
Malware can include:

• Rootkits – provide threat operators with unauthorized access to systems, impersonate authorized users, and grant them fraudulent access privileges.
• Worms – exploit vulnerabilities in systems to spread across networks and devices.
• Trojans – bypass networks’ defenses by piggybacking on legitimate software, granting threat operators unprecedented access to systems.
• Spyware – installed without users’ knowledge and can contain keyloggers that capture personal information, including email addresses, passwords, and credit card numbers.

Ransomware

Ransomware encrypts victims’ data and keeps them for ransom, forcing victims to pay for decryption keys to regain access. Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) is one example in which ransomware developers sell codes allowing users to create malicious software and execute cyberattacks. BlackMatter, LockBit, DarkSide, and REvil demonstrate RaaS.

Phishing Attacks

Social engineering is becoming a daily network security risk, with phishing attacks accounting for 90% of security breaches. Threat operators send emails appearing to be from trusted companies and attempt to gain access to networks and steal personal information, including credit card information, in phishing attacks. Victims are deceived into clicking on malicious websites or downloading malware-laden attachments.

Viruses

Computer viruses are usually attached to files that can be downloaded from emails or websites. When people open the files, the virus exploits software vulnerabilities to infect their computers with malicious code, interrupting network traffic and stealing data.

Protecting Companies’ Networks

Companies can secure their data and networks from malicious threat operators and natural disasters in numerous ways. Even though numerous procedures can be outsourced to cybersecurity companies, people must remain aware and respond to potential threats. Companies can protect their networks with these tips:

• Backing up data and files
• Investing in strong and comprehensive security awareness training program for employees
• Promoting a security-first culture within companies
• Restricting access to companies’ network security controls only to authorized users.
• Monitor networks using vulnerability scanning tools and ensure devices are secure.

Taking network security risks seriously can significantly minimize companies’ risks of becoming victims of data breaches and losing money and time. SpearTip’s cybersecurity professionals specialize in securing companies’ networks with integrable solutions and services. Companies can contact SpearTip today to improve their networks’ security and empower their business. Our pre-breach advisory services allow our engineers to examine security postures to improve weak points within companies’ networks and engage with their people, processes, and technology to measure the maturity of the technical environments. With every vulnerability uncovered, our experts provide technical roadmaps for companies, ensuring they have the awareness and support to optimize their overall cybersecurity posture. Our ShadowSpear platform delivers a cloud-based solution collecting endpoint logs regardless of machines’ location and monitoring companies’ networks for any irregular activities before they become devastating incidents.

If your company is experiencing a breach, call our Security Operations Centers at 833.997.7327 to speak directly with an engineer.