Cyberthreats SMBs Need to Know About
Since 2020, IBM has found the average cost of a data breach has increased 12.7%, reaching an all-time high this year at $4.35 million. Thanks to the ever-growing interconnectivity of business activity online, hackers can much more easily access sensitive data now than ever before. What can you do to protect your business against data breaches? Follow these three simple steps:
- Be aware: the first step in dealing with a problem is knowing that there is a problem.
- Be vigilant: the second step in dealing with a problem is taking precautions against it.
- Be prepared: the third step in dealing with a problem is having a plan if and when it occurs.
We can help you not only become aware and vigilant but also prepare for any cyber incident that might occur in your business!
In order to increase your awareness of cyberthreats, this article will help make you aware of some lesser known ones.
Don’t let these 4 threats ruin your business!
Juice Jacking
Juice jacking, also known as port jacking, is a cyberattack where a malicious actor installs malware on a public USB charging station. This malware can then infect the devices of anyone who plugs into the charging station. Once infected, the attacker can access the victim’s data.
This kind of attack needs to be proactively dealt with because more people are using public charging stations. And it’s not just phones that are at risk — any device connected to the infected public charging station is susceptible to juice jacking, including laptops and tablets. Prime locations for such attacks are hotels, airports, and restaurants.
If you must use a public charging station, take several precautions:
- Use only trustworthy stations, as ones that do not transfer data.
- Use a USB data blocker.
- Use MFA or biometric logins when available.
- Decline data transfer requests.
- Carry a portable charger or battery pack
- Ensure your device is in charging mode rather than data transfer mode.
- Keep your software up to date.
Malware-Laden Apps
The use of smartphones as well as apps that go on those phones has only grown over the years. While many apps in the app stores are legitimate and safe, there are also many malicious apps that cybercriminals release, despite the vigilant efforts to keep app stores safe. This malicious software can wreak havoc on your device, including stealing your personal data, vandalizing your files, and causing your device to crash. In some cases, malware even equips hackers to take control of your device remotely.
To protect yourself against malware-laden apps, follow these best practices:
- Research any app before downloading, even if it’s from an official app store like Apple or Google.
- Check reviews and ratings of apps to see if anyone else has had trouble with them.
- Only download apps from developers that you know and trust.
Malicious QR Codes
QR codes are becoming increasingly popular, whether it’s at a restaurant to read the menu or to connect with a business on social media or to score a coupon for a sale. Unfortunately, while QR codes offer a convenient way to share information, they also present a potential security risk. That’s because scanning a malicious QR code can give attackers access to your device and data.
Two ways to protect yourself against bad QR codes are:
- Use a reputable QR code scanner that checks for malicious content before opening it.
- Avoid scanning QR codes you don’t know or trust.
Using Public Wi-Fi without a VPN (Virtual Private Network)
Public Wi-Fi is ubiquitous; it’s everywhere. And it’s often very convenient to use when you’re out and about. However, what many people don’t realize is that using public Wi-Fi without a VPN can be a security disaster.
When you connect to a public Wi-Fi network, you unwittingly invite potential hackers and cybercriminals to access your data. Without a VPN, anyone on the same network as you can easily see what you’re doing online. They can intercept your data and even steal sensitive information. That’s why we recommend using a VPN. A VPN encrypts your data and provides a secure connection, even on public Wi-Fi.
Need Help?
We can help! We’re here to help you manage and implement all of these cybersecurity measures. Contact us today to find out how!