Though fileless malware has been around much longer, it only became a mainstream method of cyberattack in 2017. With fileless malware, cybercriminals are able to use legitimate tools and services, such as existing software, applications, and authorized protocols, to carry out malicious activities like unauthorized data retrieval or data damage.
The term “shadow IT” may sound like something out of a Hollywood techno-thriller, but in reality, it is a serious threat to businesses of all sizes. So what is shadow IT, and why should you be concerned? Let’s take a look.
What is shadow IT?
Shadow IT refers to the use of IT systems, hardware, software, and services that have not been sanctioned or vetted by a company’s IT department.
Modern web browsers and password managers come with a feature called password autofill. This helps users store and automatically use their account credentials to access websites and other applications. While password autofill is convenient, it comes with security risks.
2021 was a tough year for cybersecurity. In fact, in just the first nine months of the year, there were already 1,291 data breaches. And as cyberattacks become more sophisticated, we can expect cybercrime to continue ramping up in 2022. To help prepare your business, we have listed five top cybersecurity predictions for the new year and tips to protect your IT systems from future attacks.
If you've watched the news or scrolled through social media even once during the past year, you've probably heard about the uptick in the number of cyberattacks in 2021. In fact, according to IT security firm Check Point Software, global cyberattacks increased by 29% as hackers continued exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic and the shift to remote work to launch more sophisticated attacks against individuals, businesses, and governments.
In business, as in life, there are things within our control — and things that are outside of it. For instance, we can control how we design and implement our marketing strategies, but not how our customers will react to these. We can also implement all sorts of cybersecurity tools, such as anti-malware programs and firewalls, but we can’t stop cybercriminals from trying to thwart your defenses.
When it comes to entry points for cyberattacks, business owners usually think of computers and routers. Did you know, however, that printers can also be exploited by cybercriminals to infiltrate your network?
In 2017, researchers found vulnerabilities in internet-connected printers that could have allowed hackers to steal passwords, hijack network printers, and remotely obtain soft copies of printed documents.
Business leaders invest a lot of time and resources into cybersecurity because they understand that protecting sensitive data is a necessity in the digital age. One business component that often gets overlooked are business printers. They are also vulnerable to cyberattacks, so make sure to follow these tips to ensure your company stays protected.
Social media is one of the best tools you can use today to grow your business. It can help you:
Discover what people are saying about your brand
Engage with your customers
Build customer loyalty
Improve your market reach
Grow your website traffic and improve the website’s search engine ranking
Monitor your competitors
While utilizing social media offers plenty of benefits, it can also expose you to security risks, such as attackers looking to steal your sensitive data.
Virtual private networks (VPNs) keep your online activities secure and private, which is especially useful if you’re using a public Wi-Fi network. But considering the variety of VPNs in the market today, it’s hard to find which one is the best for your business.
