4 Lesser-Known Cyberthreats Your Business Needs to Beware Of

Data breaches have become more common in recent years, owing primarily to the rapid emergence of new threats. Here are 4 lesser-known cyberthreats your business needs to beware of.

The average cost of a data breach increased 2.6% from 2021 to 2022. (IBM Cost of Data Breach Report 2022). In today’s digital age, it’s more important than ever to take steps to protect your business from hackers. With the expansive growth of the internet and businesses working closer together, hackers have more opportunities than ever to access sensitive information. But by taking some simple precautions, you can make it much more difficult for them to succeed. They can either turn around and sell this type of data on what is known as the dark web or utilize it for other criminal purposes, like identity theft.

Here are three steps you can take to protect your business against data breaches: being aware of the threats that exist, taking precautions to protect your data, and knowing what to do if your data is compromised.

Here are four lesser-known cyberthreats to be aware of

Juice jacking

Juice jacking is a cyberattack where someone puts malware on a public charging station. This means that anyone who plugs in their device to charge can get the malware. The attacker can then get access to the victim’s data. This is a problem that we need to deal with because more people are using public charging stations. Phones, tablets, any device is at risk — any device connected to an infected public charging station can be attacked.

There are a few things you can do to make sure your device is safe when you have to use a public charging station. Only use stations that you trust, and use a USB data blocker to keep your device from becoming infected. Make sure your device is in “charging” mode rather than “data transfer” mode.

Malware-laden apps

More and more people are using smartphones, and with that comes the need for more apps. However, not all apps in app stores are safe. Some of them are malicious and can infect your device with malware. This malware can steal your personal data, vandalize your files, or even make your device crash. In some cases, hackers can take control of your device remotely by using this malware.

So, how can you protect yourself from downloading malware-laden apps? The best defense is to be careful and research any app before downloading it, even if the app is from an official store like the App Store or Google Play Store. Check reviews and ratings, and only download apps from developers that you trust.

Malicious QR codes

While QR codes provide a quick and easy way to share information, they can also be security risks. If you scan a malicious QR code, it could give attackers access to your device and data.

The best approach to defend yourself against this type of assault is to be aware of the risks and to take precautions when scanning QR codes. For example, you may use a reputable QR code scanner that checks for potentially harmful material before allowing it to open. You can also avoid scanning QR codes that you don’t trust.

Using public Wi-Fi without a VPN (Virtual Private Network)

Many people don’t realize that using public Wi-Fi without a VPN can be dangerous. When connecting to public Wi-Fi network, you’re giving potential hackers and cybercriminals access to your data. They can intercept your information and even steal sensitive information if you’re not careful. A VPN will protect your data and keep your browsing history private so you can use public Wi-Fi with peace of mind.

Instead of connecting directly to the internet, a VPN encrypts your data and routes it through a secure server. This helps protect your information from cyber criminals and identity thieves.

Partnering to Protect Your Business

Partner with an IT service provider to help you combat cyberthreats. We can also improve your employees’ readiness to deal with cyberthreats by helping you provide regular security awareness training. Employees can benefit from this training by learning how to identify and avoid phishing scams, protect their passwords and detect other types of cyberattacks.

To learn more about security awareness training, download our eBook “Security Awareness Training: Your Small Business’s Best Investment” by clicking here.