In recent years, we’ve all been witnessing a blurring of online life and real life. It almost seems impossible to separate the two. Screen time happens all the time, and just about everyone is connected to the web in some way or another. As we have more devices and more data connected to the web, how are individuals and organizations keeping information safe?
In a lot of situations, they’re not. Many individuals and businesses are not adapting to the changing digital landscape as quickly as those who use the web to do harm. Cybercrime is everywhere and businesses need to be familiar with how they are at risk.
Web security threats for businesses and organizations
When web servers are vulnerable, so are the websites they host, the people who visit those websites and the devices used. Attackers exploit whatever vulnerabilities they can in order to compromise websites and gather sensitive data. Businesses without cybersecurity measures in place to defend against web threats become easy targets for attackers.
As corporate cyber security increases, attackers are also looking for different ways in. While larger systems may be in place, employees can click on one wrong link and accidentally infect the entire company with malware. This can lead to loss revenue, downtime – and event ransom demands.
I know these examples of security breaches can seem scary, especially when you’re not sure what level of security you currently have. Protecting yourself, your organization and your users from web threats is a real thing that requires attention. This is especially true for smaller entities who may not have proper protection on their networks.
How can I protect my business?
From phishing emails to malware lurking on social media, employee education is key in protecting your business. Teaching your employees to recognize a suspicious link or website means threats against your organization will be minimized.
Failure to regularly patch and update websites and servers can leave your company vulnerable to an attack. For cyber criminals, past-due patches and updates are like an unlocked door for them to access your data and take whatever they find. Keeping your computers (and smartphones) updated with the latest bug fixes is a critical line of defense against these current web threats.
Even with a heavy focus on digital efforts, businesses can still leave themselves vulnerable. Web application security threats can show up in physical spaces, too. Investing in physical security hardware, like restricted points of entry that require badge swipes, can go a long way in keeping data and network endpoints secure. Unkempt workstations can reveal sensitive information, like a confidential document or a sticky note with a password scribbled on it.
When it comes to security, it’s better to take a proactive approach. Cybercriminals have near-endless options for accessing sensitive data. Protecting your business from cyber attacks, ransomware and data breaches needs to be part of the conversation.
