Cyberattacks are constantly on the rise, stealing data, selling them, infiltrating your devices and the list goes on. But, how are you preparing strategies against future attacks? Or better yet, how are you recovering from the losses?
It really doesn’t matter whether you’re running a huge business, or a small one, using the internet at school for homework, streaming on Netflix, or even downloading certain apps that you thought was safe for kids.
Cyberattacks are fast, they’re frequent, and are becoming even more advanced with time – the consequences being severe.
Cyberattacks take place in all walks of life. In most cases you won’t even realize it till it happens! In this guide, you’ll learn how to value cybersecurity measures, how to incorporate it in your daily routine, and even how to develop defense mechanisms against them in the future.
Defense strategies against future cyberattacks
To recover from a cyberattack, you need to be able to create safe measures to avoid future ones. If you read ahead, you’ll understand how to tackle cyberattacks in the most common situations. Let’s start with:
- First understanding what was lost is a major step towards propagating effective defense methods. For instance, cyberattacks occur in different situations. It could target a hospital, stealing large amounts of patient data, or target a teen’s social media account, impersonating them to their peers. Effective cybersecurity measures can only be enforced depending on where the attack struck.
- If you already invested in security software, and still managed to make great losses during an attack, it’s time to throw out the old and bring in the new. Do a little research and find out the best security software available especially if you’re running a huge business and handling a lot of client data.
- Updates are important! Old versions of certain security software are often vulnerable or susceptible to cyberattacks. There was a time when an app like WhatsApp was hijacking a lot of user accounts, only to find out that it was mainly targeting the apps that weren’t updated.
- Back up your data or files! Ransomware attacks through email phishing is a real thing! In fact, it’s the most common kind of attack. A click on the wrong link can cause an entire system to crash! However, no issues! If you back up your data, you’ll be able to retrieve it in no time!
- Two-factor authentication is essential! If ever someone tries to hack or is about to hack into your accounts or system, you’ll immediately be alerted.
- Don’t click on suspicious links. If it doesn’t seem right to you, there’s a reason for that! Most phishing attacks appear to be authentic, but never just rush in to comply!
Where do Cyber-Attackers Usually Target?
There are quite a few areas where cyberattacks prevail, and in some circumstances are found even in the most obsolete situations. If you look below, I’ve highlighted the main areas where you can avoid future attacks.
For Large Business Corporations
Did you know that almost 60% of cyberattacks are targeted at smaller businesses? This is mostly because small businesses are easier to invade, and come with little to no security measures.
For business to survive future attacks, they need to first spread awareness and educate employees about cybersecurity measures. Using security features like a Firewall, a VPN, password managers, and Anti-virus software all help towards lowering the risk of future attacks.
Remote Workers
Did you know that almost 4000 cyber attacks took place in a day, during the Covid-19? Cyberattacks target smaller businesses and remote workers even more than larger enterprises. This is because remote workers aren’t equipped with the best or most suitable security systems.
The good news is, cybersecurity software doesn’t cost that much! There are many VPN services, Firewall, password managers that offer affordable prices. Other than that, there are a few tips and tricks you can do on your own to lower the risks. For instance, avoid clicking on malicious links, and never head to any unknown websites that seem a little peculiar.
School and Colleges
Sometimes, cyberattacks aren’t just targeted towards businesses, but towards schools and colleges. According to Armor, in 2019, more than 1000 educational institutions in the US were victims to ransomware attacks. Fortunately, the damage was only minimal. But, since most education systems nowadays are online, it’s extremely crucial that institutions take precautionary measures.
Streaming Devices
Streaming is now the number one form of entertainment, and almost everyone uses the best devices to access them, like Firestick, Chromecast, and Roku. But, did you know that even a streaming device can be hacked if not protected?
For instance, let’s talk about Firestick, since it’s the most popular streaming device right now. When you download third-party apps through Jailbroken Firestick, it leaves a door wide open to attacks. Third-party apps or downloads are technically considered as illegal and come with a few vulnerabilities.
If ever your jailbroken Firestick is hacked, it’s usually used as a cryptocurrency miner, where the perpetrator makes a quick buck. This is why using the best VPN for Firestick is most recommended for protecting your Fire devices against possible threats. The same goes for the other streaming devices that you use.
Gaming, Financial Websites, or Social Media
Have you heard of a Man-in-the-middle attack? Most gamers or financial corporations experience them during their sessions. It’s when a hacker stands in the middle, eavesdropping on communications, grasping whatever information they can, between a person and a system, or between two parties. This could cause major security breaches and the consequences are havoc!
To reduce the risks, you’ll need to take up measures like stronger router credentials, a VPN, stronger encryption, and enforce the regularity of HTTPS.
Lastly…
Cybersecurity measures are extremely crucial and it is better when you share the knowledge you have with everyone around you. It could save you a great deal of trouble in the long run. Actions taken to avoid future attacks aren’t always the biggest and shiniest software with a huge price tag. It begins with just a little awareness, paving the way for future defense mechanisms.
Author Bio: Jade Nazareth is a writer at topvpnservice. She takes a keen interest in writing how-to guides and awareness blogs related to cybersecurity measures and software. To instill a little cyber-knowledge in her readers using layman’s terms is what she aims to do.