As technologies become more advanced, so do the threats to businesses. With the ever-evolving cyber landscape, it is becoming increasingly important for businesses to understand and prepare for potential cybersecurity threats in 2023. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the biggest and most common threats currently facing businesses and how companies can protect themselves.
Common Cybersecurity Threats for Businesses
As businesses continue to embrace the digital world for their operations, they must also be mindful of cybersecurity threats. As technology continues to evolve, the potential for malicious activity grows right alongside it, making cybersecurity one of the most important facets of operations. To understand the looming threats, it’s important to be aware of the most common kinds of cybersecurity threats that target businesses.
Malware
Malware is one of the most common cyber threats out there. Malware is a type of malicious software that is designed to cause harm to networks and computers. Malware can infect networks in numerous ways, from directed attacks (i.e., through printer ports) or even web browsers.
Phishing
Another typical cybersecurity threat is phishing. This type of attack attempts to trick unsuspecting users into giving away sensitive information, such as credit card numbers, passwords, social security numbers, etc. Phishing attacks take many different forms, such as emails, text messages, or fake forms on websites. By sending a user to a malicious website, phishing attackers can gather personal or business information and use it to commit fraud or identity theft.
Data Breaches
Data breaches are another popular form of cybersecurity threat. Data breaches occur when hackers gain access to a company’s sensitive information or system through various exploits. Common targets of data breaches include customer databases, financial records, and internal IT systems. Breached information can then be used for malicious purposes, such as selling the stolen data on the dark web or using it for identity theft or fraud.
Denial of Service (DoS) attacks
Denial of service (DoS) attacks is another common tactic used by malicious actors. This type of attack is designed to overload a system or server with false requests, ultimately blocking users from accessing a service or website. DoS attacks can also be used to take down entire networks and web hosts.
Ransomware
Finally, ransomware is one of the most dangerous forms of cyberattack. This type of malicious software is used to encrypt a computer’s data and effectively holds it hostage until a ransom is paid. Ransomware is becoming more and more sophisticated and is often used to target business networks and lock down data.
The Cybersecurity Problem of Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs)
An APT (Advanced Persistent Threat) is a form of cyber assault in which an attacker gains unauthorized access to a computer system or network for an extended period, often for months or even years. These assaults are typically conducted by well-funded, organized groups or governments and are aimed at stealing sensitive data or disrupting vital systems.
Just because a cyberattack comes from out of the country, it doesn’t necessarily make it an APT-level threat. For example, anyone running a WordPress installation has probably noticed a large influx of intrusion attempts from countries such as Russia, China, and even Ukraine (before the Russian invasion). But these are often small-time actors just looking to make some quick bucks with blog spam. Certainly, these threats are “persistent,” but they aren’t that advanced or coordinated on a large scale.
Think of Advanced Persistent Threats as the big baddies of the cyberattack world. APT attacks come from organized entities with power or seeking power…from mob-like tech criminal organizations to cyberterrorists looking to disrupt vital infrastructure. Some APTs may also come from rogue governments.
APT Cyberattacks Can Be Hard to Detect
APT attacks can prove hard to spot and protect against due to the use of advanced tactics and technologies used to evade detection. The most sophisticated technologies can also be leveraged to maintain a low grade, almost undetectable presence on the targeted system. Such methods can involve the use of legitimate tools and credentials, custom malware, and zero-day vulnerabilities, which are unknown security flaws, which can happen especially when vulnerable computer software isn’t patched quickly.
APT Attacks Are a Global Problem
APTs are not just of concern to business. Governments have become increasingly involved in a cyber “space race” of sorts. These days, world of APTs is rapidly evolving. Internal and external geopolitical changes are setting new standards in the way attack activity is coordinated. And attack geography is set to change consistently and significantly, because of the formation of new strategic and tactical alliances…or with existing ones shifting. As a result, countries that used to be allies can become targets.
Geopolitical shifts, alliances, and wars can dramatically change the cyberthreat landscape for governments, and when that happens, it also impacts businesses, even small ones.
Industries at High Risk of Cyberattacks
In addition, the industry focus of APT activity is changing too. With world economic changes and wars come shifts in cyberattack focus. In 2023, we can expect to see industries such as real economy sectors being targeted more and more. This means industries involved in the basic aspects of life – from energy to food.
We foresee corporations and even SMBs soon experiencing changes in APT activity inspired by today’s rapidly shifting geopolitical realities and economic fluctuations. To be prepared and survive, we recommend businesses in the following industries pay extra attention to their cybersecurity strategies in 2023:
- Agriculture, including fertilizers, agricultural machinery, and food products
- Supply chain, logistics, and transportation
- The energy sector, including mining and the alternative energy sector
- High-tech
- Healthcare, including pharmaceuticals and medical equipment producers
All of this means that businesses, small businesses and SMBs will soon face greater cybersecurity risks than ever before. It’s important that businesses start preparing themselves for the changes that are certain to happen in the near future.
The best way to handle this is to partner with a Managed IT solutions provider who can proactively monitor your networks, lock down your peripherals and devices, and keep software patched and updated.
Improve Your Cybersecurity With Managed IT Services
At CDS Office Technologies, we understand the importance of staying ahead of these threats and are dedicated to providing our clients with the best possible cybersecurity protocols and friendly, professional service. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you would like to learn more about how we can help protect your business in 2023.
CDS Office Technologies can keep your network safe from cyberattacks with comprehensive cybersecurity through our expert Managed IT Services. Contact us today to get started.
