Find out which virtual attacks are most common in companies and how to avoid them

We know that the protection and security of business activities and processes are of paramount importance for a company. This is because, in addition to cyber invasions being vastly frequent in the virtual space, they also offer several problems for a company, especially in the case of data leaks – whose action is intolerable by LGPD rules, for example.

For this reason, we understand that virtual attacks are actions provoked by cybercriminals, who seek to steal business and customer data in order to use them for illicit purposes. Therefore, it is important to know how to prevent cyberattacks and how to better protect our systems from cybercriminals.

Do you want to learn more about it? So, keep reading our post and get all your questions answered.

What are the consequences of cyberattacks for companies?

As we all know, the importance of knowing how to prevent virtual attacks in a company is crucial, as we are not only dealing with sensitive internal data, but also with our customers’ data.

Thus, we can predict some negative consequences for an organization as a result of the virtual attacks. Take a look at them:

1. Unstable systems

In general, one of the issues that we need to take into account as a consequence of virtual attacks is the instability in the entire infrastructure of the company. In other words, this can mean weaker and slower systems, causing processes and activities to be interrupted so that the repair actions themselves can be initiated.

This process complicates the routine of work activities, disfavoring the quality and deadline for products and services to its end customers.

2. Reduction of customers

As a result of a completely inefficient system, we ended up noticing the loss of customers in the medium term. Customers dissatisfied with products and services offered by a company tend to cancel contracts immediately, generating even more losses for the organization.

That’s because employee and customer data can be exposed, which tarnishes the brand’s reputation and makes it less competitive.

3. Increasing costs

If computational and technological issues turn out to be frequent, repair and maintenance costs will also be higher.

This is because criminal attacks – when carried out efficiently – generate continuous losses, leading to the contracting of outsourced personnel for performing preventive maintenance and monitoring, in addition to the purchase of new equipment, software, and other items to stabilize internal systems.

The 4 most common virtual attacks on companies

Now that you know the concept and consequences of cyberattacks, check out the ones that occur most often in the business environment:

1. Phishing

In general, phishing is extremely well-known for being basically a strategy to clone pages, websites, messages, among others. The criminal who uses this practice seeks to win customers by having them send personal data, thinking that they are getting involved with reliable companies.

A practical example of this type of virtual attack is when we regularly see some internet pages – be it from banks, streaming services, e-mail providers – asking for personal data in exchange for benefits and advantages.

2. Ransomware

When dealing with virtual attacks, one of the most feared is, certainly, ransomware. In case you do not know, this type of attack is nothing more than an intelligent way to hijack sensitive data and information, asking for their release.

In practical terms, it can all start with malicious advertising, a social media trigger, or even a fake message.

After a certain employee of the company downloads a file with ransomware, the malware already begins to work on the computer system.

As soon as it is installed, the ransomware encrypts data and allows criminals to enter the company’s virtual systems and start browsing folders and documents, looking for personal information, data and bank accounts, strategies, among others.

When this occurs, the related processes for preventing virtual attacks become much more difficult.

3. Spear Phishing

Spear Phishing is nothing more than another type of Phishing, however, it is focused on specific companies and employees who work in the virtual environment.

Thus, we consider that it is an invasion segmented by the criminals themselves, having techniques, devices, and tools of social engineering to elaborate deceptive schemes and share them as a completely harmless email, website, process, or even a downloadable file.

4. DDoS

Currently, DDoS is considered one of the most powerful virtual attacks. This is because it is simply a “mix of actions” that are directed exclusively to the companies’ servers. In practice, it is totally controlled through a master computer, which in this case, would be the criminal behind the action.

With this, it works as if it were a type of system completely secure for the victims, and from there, it offers space for hackers and cybercriminals to exploit vulnerabilities to invade the virtual environment of companies.

Thus, one of the symptoms that the system itself can show is its poor performance.

How to avoid virtual attacks?

After understanding the seriousness of virtual invasions, we can now think of efficient ways to protect ourselves from these possible attacks:

1. Using strong passwords

One of the first tips is to have the responsibility and awareness to create increasingly strong passwords, and preferably they should be different between each account. This makes access by cybercriminals much more difficult, since complex passwords end up not being deductible.

The greater the importance of a given systemic process, the more complex the password must be. Examples: bigger passwords for banking processes and applications, less complex passwords for internet login, among others.

2. Using a good antivirus

There are several efficient antiviruses on the virtual market. So, search for the one that best fits your needs, taking advantage of all its benefits and ensuring that it understands all the fields of protection your business needs.

3. Relying on specialized security companies

If your company does not know where to start or does not have a more complete idea of the security processes its working activities must have, it can be crucial to have the support of a company specialized in this subject. Therefore, look for a trustworthy brand, which has experience in the subject and an excellent reputation in the market.

In addition to your virtual information being under the care of highly trained specialists, you will have even more time to focus on more important business activities.

Conclusion

As we have seen, virtual attacks are extremely frequent and must be a factor to be taken into account by companies that wish to obtain excellence and quality in the market.