A major part of protecting you and your business against cyberthreats is being aware of what goes on behind the scenes and the latest defense mechanisms. In addition to hiring a managed IT company to monitor and protect your data, here are a few things you should know about computer privacy in 2022.
[Related: 5 Cybersecurity Threats You May Not Have Considered]
Hackers Exist in Three Main Categories
You probably know that cyberthreats come in a variety of packages, from phishing scams to malware and everything in between. But did you know that different types of hackers exist as well? Hackers typically fall into three main categories: white hat hackers, black hat hackers, and gray hat hackers. Here’s how to identify them.
White Hat Hackers
White hat hackers are also known as ethical hackers, meaning that they tend to use their hacking skills for “good.” These hackers work with the permission of the owner of the system, in order to expose vulnerabilities and system failures that could be exploited by the bad guys later on.
Black Hat Hackers
Black hat hackers are what we tend to think of when we think of cybercriminals. These hackers steal personal data and financial information from businesses and individuals and then sell it to a third party or use blackmail for their own personal gain.
Gray Hat Hackers
Like the name suggests, gray hat hackers work in a sort of “gray area” between good and bad. They hack systems without permission, but they aren’t out to blackmail or intentionally harm anyone.
These hackers tend to find vulnerabilities and holes in the security systems of corporations and post them online for public visibility and attention. Because they aren’t hired by the system owners themselves, this activity is still considered illegal.
[Related: Reasons You Should Have Switched to Cloud-Based Security Yesterday]
Your Smartphone is at Risk
In this modern age we use our smartphones for just about everything. We listen to podcasts on long commutes, we order food delivery through an app, we answer work calls and emails, and snap photos of our dogs as well as official documents to scan.
It’s a rare thing when our smartphones aren’t being used. So it only makes sense that they’re at a big risk when it comes to cyberthreats.
To avoid being a victim of mobile phone hacking, use secure networks and keep your business and personal life separate on your devices.
Online Privacy is an Issue—and We All Know It
Almost 80% of internet users around the world confess that they’ve “lost control over their personal data” and 9% of internet users in the US simply stated that they didn’t believe online privacy actually exists.
While it may seem jaded, it’s a good thing that people aren’t blissfully unaware of what’s at risk. Instead of simply standing by and giving up on having any semblance of internet privacy, take some steps to ensure security. Update your passwords, make sure you are working on secure networks, enable multi-factor authentication, and consider privatized email platforms.
[Related: Your Remote Workplace Isn’t as Secure as You Think—Here’s Why]
Secure Email Means Private Email Platforms
Speaking of privatized email platforms, it may be the future of secure, smart business. Secure your data by moving away from free providers such as Yahoo and Gmail. Private email domains can provide encryption, attachment scanning, and other methods of protection to keep your data protected.
Cyberattacks Will Continue to Be on the Rise
Last year, the total number of cyber attacks increased by nearly 50% of what it was in 2020. This included harder hits on the education, research, and healthcare industry.
A lot of this is due to the move from in-office to at-home work and the compromised security measures that come with it. It also shows a focus on rapidly growing industries that are reliant on technology and less focused on cyber-defense.
As cyber criminals fine-tune their methods and techniques using automation and machine-learning, the number and impact of these attacks is only more likely to grow.
[Related: Can You Spot These 5 Warning Signs Your Business Might be Getting Scammed?]
Contact CMIT Solutions of Richardson Today!
Boost your business’s defense against cybersecurity threats by contacting CMIT Solutions of Richardson today. We know how important keeping up to date with the latest threats is, and we’re able to provide 24/7 monitoring, anti-malware, and anti-virus protection.
Contact us today for a consultation.
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