A recent security analysis has unveiled some concerning trends in the realm of cyber threats.
To begin with, the pace of cyber attacks is on the rise. The ‘breakout time’—the duration it takes for an intruder to navigate through your network once they’ve breached it—has seen a notable decrease. On average, it’s now just 62 minutes, down from 84 minutes in the previous year.
This is troubling news.
Not only are these attacks becoming more frequent, but the sophistication of cyber criminals is also increasing. The analysis has identified 34 new groups of cyber criminals, raising the total to over 230 groups being monitored by the firm.
And here’s the kicker: these cyber criminals are not just sitting idle; they’re evolving. The report points out a new record for breakout time, a mere two minutes and seven seconds. That’s hardly enough time to even grab a cup of coffee, let alone organize a defense.
But the real eye-opener is this: the human element is increasingly becoming the primary gateway for these cyber attacks.
Cyber criminals are targeting your employees, attempting to lure them into clicking a phishing link in an email, which redirects them to a fraudulent login page. Once your employee enters their credentials, they’ve unwittingly handed them over to the attackers.
Or they might impersonate a trusted figure within your organization—a tactic known as social engineering.
So, how can you safeguard your business against these cyber threats?
Educate Your Employees: Keep your team informed about the latest cyber threats and how to recognise them. Regular training sessions can significantly reduce the risk of costly errors.
Implement Strong Password Policies: Advocate for the use of complex, randomly generated passwords managed by password managers. Utilize multi-factor authentication for an extra security layer, requiring a secondary device to confirm the user’s identity.
Keep Your Systems Updated: Ensure all software and systems are updated with the latest security patches. Cyber criminals often target known vulnerabilities, so staying updated is crucial.
Invest in Cybersecurity Software: Consider investing in reputable cybersecurity software that can detect and neutralize threats in real-time (we can assist with this).
Back-Up Your Data: Regularly back up your data and store it securely. In the event of a cyber attack, having backups can help reduce downtime and data loss.
When it comes to cybersecurity, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. If you need assistance in enhancing your preparedness, don’t hesitate to get in touch.