In today’s world, IT security threats are considered as an issue and concern for all organizations. Cybercrime is a big business and criminals always look for an opportunity to steal information such as financial details, credit card information, personal details, or any other information which can be sold or used for trade. These cyber criminals are sophisticated, and they employ different methods to attack companies’ computer networks.
The most basic weapon is the computer virus. Email is the most common method used to spread of computer viruses, however it is not the only method. The IT security threats can enter an organizations’ computer network by USB device, Internet download, visiting an infected website, instant messaging or messaging in social media platforms, file transfer and file sharing programs, or by remote users connecting directly to the corporate network with an infected PC.
Types of IT Security threats
Virus Threats
Without the permission or knowledge of the user, viruses alter the way a computer operates, which is among one of the most common IT Security threats.
Spyware Threats
Spyware is a program that monitors online activities of the user or installs program without user’s consent and captures personal information.
Hackers
Hackers are the programmers who persecute others for their own gain. They break into computer systems to steal, change or destroy information.
Phishing Threats
The method by which sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details are acquired for malicious reasons is known as Phishing. Cyber Criminals disguise themselves as a dependable and responsible entity. They use electronic communication medium to steal information. They use social engineering to convince user to install malicious software or hand over personal information under false pretenses.
Viral Web Sites
Users get email messages, to visit web sites that contain viruses or Trojans. These sites are known as viral websites and are often look like well-known websites and may have similar web addresses. Users inadvertently download and run a virus or Trojan and get infected or become subject of hacker attacks.
Bluesnarfing
The act of stealing personal data, specifically calendar and contact information, from a Bluetooth enabled device.
Social Engineering
Misleading computer users into revealing computer security or private information by exploiting the natural tendency of a person to trust or emotional response.
Spyware, Adware and Advertising Trojans
Spyware, Adware and Advertising Trojans are few IT Security threats that often get installed with other programs, usually without your knowledge. They record user’s behavior on the Internet, display targeted ads and download other malicious software on the computer.
Botnets
Software robots or bots create an army of infected computers (known as ‘zombies’) and are remotely controlled by the originator. They may send spam emails with viruses attached, spread all types of malware and can use your computer as part of a denial of service attack against other systems. These Bots are one of the latest IT Security threats
Ways to Protect Your Network
• Install Anti-Virus Software and ensure that the software is up to date.
• Employ a firewall to protect networks
• Filter all email traffic
• Educate all users to be careful of suspicious e-mails
• Scan Internet Downloads
• Don’t run programs of unknown origin
• Implement a vulnerability management program
• Make regular backups of critical data.
• Develop an Information Security Policy
• Monitor logs and systems
• Develop an Incident Response Plan
• Restrict end user access to systems
• Hire a managed SOC services that can help defend your organization from advanced persistent threats, new zero-day and targeted attacks with a comprehensive security intelligence solution.
Apart from all the above solutions, an organization should look for managed security service providers, who have their dedicated Security Operation center which monitors your network 24 X 7 365 days and protects your network with all the advance IT Security threats.
