According to the latest predictions, damages from cybercrime will cost the world $10.5 trillion annually by 2025. For hackers, this type of crime is worth more than the combined global drug trade—so it’s no wonder scams like phishing and ransomware continue to grow. It’s not just enterprise organizations that should worry either; small businesses are more frequent targets, partly because they lack the internal cybersecurity expertise to mitigate these risks.
But what are the risks you should worry about? Cyber threats are all over the news, but which ones could target your business?
Five Scams to Be Cautious About This Year
Phishing Attacks
Phishing attacks remain one of the most prevalent and deceptive scams. Hackers send out 3.4 billion phishing emails daily, trying to snare the unsuspecting or unwary. But what are phishing scams?
Phishing is when cybercriminals masquerade as trustworthy entities, often using emails, messages, or fake websites to trick individuals into providing sensitive information such as passwords or credit card details. These messages may appear legitimate, containing official logos and language. Always verify the sender’s identity and avoid clicking on suspicious links or sharing personal information without confirmation to prevent these threats.
Impersonation and Social Engineering
Social engineering involves manipulating individuals into divulging confidential information by exploiting trust. Impersonation is a common tactic where attackers pose as someone familiar, such as a colleague, boss, or friend, to gain access to sensitive data. To mitigate this risk, be cautious of unexpected personal or financial information requests, especially if the communication feels out of the ordinary. Verify such requests through alternate means before taking any action.
Tech Support Scams
Tech support scams involve fraudsters pretending to be from reputable tech companies, claiming that your computer has a virus or other issues. They often contact potential victims through unsolicited phone calls or pop-up messages, urging them to grant remote access to their computers or pay for unnecessary services. Legitimate tech companies will never contact users in this manner. If you receive such a call or message, hang up or ignore it and contact the company directly to verify the information.
Ransomware Attacks
Every day, hackers launch 1.7 million ransomware attacks. Ransomware is malicious software that encrypts a user’s files, rendering them inaccessible until a ransom is paid. Cybercriminals often distribute ransomware through phishing emails or by exploiting vulnerabilities in software. Employers can protect against these threats by regularly updating software, running network backups frequently, and employing robust cybersecurity measures, such as firewalls and antivirus programs.
Fake Wi-Fi Networks
Public Wi-Fi networks are convenient but can be a breeding ground for security threats. Cybercriminals often create fake Wi-Fi networks with names similar to legitimate ones to lure unsuspecting users. Once connected, they can intercept sensitive information transmitted over the network. Talk with your remote employees about connecting to secured networks with strong passwords and avoiding accessing sensitive information on public Wi-Fi. Employers should also consider a virtual private network (VPN) for an added layer of security.
Need Cybersecurity Help—Talk to ADD STAFF
As cybersecurity threats evolve, employers should consider adding IT talent to their internal staff to stay on top of these challenges. ADD STAFF can help by providing top-tier talent to protect your IT networks. Talk with our team today about your options. We can help.
