The Risk of a Cyberattack: A Matter of When Not If

Every business is at risk of cyberattack. In fact, it’s really a matter of time before your company experiences one. Your organization’s response to a cyberattack is going to have a significant impact on whether it’s able to recover swiftly-or even recover at all. Here’s what you need to know about preparing yourself for the upcoming threats.

You Will Be a Target for a Cyberattack

Don’t say “it won’t happen to you“– every organization is at risk. Whether you’re a small business or a larger enterprise, it’s likely that there are cybercriminals targeting you. The stakes of an attack are incredibly high-it’s not just about your organization’s operations and security, but also the reputation and personal/financial well-being.

Keeping an organization’s computing resources secure is everyone’s responsibility, from a new intern all the way up to the CEO. That means that you need a comprehensive security infrastructure, as well as the processes and training to match.

Types of Attacks to Prepare For

2019 has brought with it a variety of new challenges, with malware technology becoming more advanced every day. Both old and brand new attacks are currently being used to a devastating effect. Here are some of the most popular attacks you need to watch out for:

• Phishing. Phishing attempts are still one of the more dangerous types of attack because they’re difficult to automatically block. Phishing attempts masquerade as ordinary emails, with the purpose of enticing the employee to click on a link or submit information to a malicious attacker.
• Social engineering. In addition to phishing, other social engineering attempts have proven to be very difficult to protect against, especially as an organization scales upwards. A social engineering attempt can be as simple as asking someone for their password and pretending they are from IT. There’s no software-based method of getting past this because it entirely relies upon the employee’s training.
• Cryptojacking. A cryptojacking solution won’t directly impact a system, but will instead use the system’s resources to mine cryptocurrency. This cryptocurrency will then be sent back to the malicious attacker. While cryptojacking doesn’t intend to hurt the system, it will drain the system’s resources and will harm productivity. It may also work in a way that damages the system unexpectedly.
• IoT attacks. As the IoT grows, IoT attacks become more common. IoT devices are connected to networks but often are running outdated firmware and software, or are not properly secured to begin with. IoT devices must be used carefully and securely.
• AI-based attacks. AI isn’t just being used for antivirus solutions and security software. AI is also being used by malicious attackers themselves. AI can be used to create learning malware, which can modify itself on-the-fly. Malicious attackers may also seek to manipulate the AI in antivirus solutions, by training the AI to recognize the wrong types of threats. Both of these require updated, modern solutions to defeat.
• Mobile. Mobile devices are introducing a wide array of new threats. Many employees are now using their mobile devices for work, both at work and at home. Connecting to the wrong WiFi system can potentially be dangerous, as can downloading third-party applications.

These attacks are constantly evolving and your risk is growing. As cyberattacks on businesses grow, businesses must meet them with preparation, training, and improved technology.

Start Preparing For an Attack Today

With the sheer number of cyberattacks on businesses, businesses should be proactively modernizing their security yet many aren’t. Many may feel as though cybersecurity can continuously be pushed off in lieu of revenue generation, especially if they haven’t been attacked “yet.“ However, the risk of a cyberattack is constantly growing. A company needs to be aware that a cyberattack is going to occur eventually and that it must be protected against.

Your company can prepare for an attack by:

• Updating your training solutions and making sure that employees are trained at intervals.
• Looking into next-generation antivirus and malware solutions to provide additional protection.
• Creating a disaster-preparedness plan, to ensure swift action when a cyberattack does occur.

Additional Resources

To start protecting your organization, you first need more information. You can visit and follow sites such as StaySafeOnline.org and StopThinkConnect.org for recommendations and updates. You should also connect with the right security partner, as these partners will be able to protect your interests and update your security infrastructure. A managed service partner will be able to stay current on threats, give you advice for your current infrastructure, and create a training plan for your business.

It’s not just about the right training, it’s about the right technology. You need an advanced, next-generation system that can withstand modern threats. With the help of Red River, you can protect your business from the risks ahead. Contact Red River.