Common IT Security Risks in the Workplace

07 July 2021

When it comes to your business, it is important to recognize some of the highest security risks that are present. Your security needs to be a top priority. To run your business, you will collect a lot of information about customers and even other businesses you work with. If a data breach happens, you could end up with a huge loss in reputation and other issues.

There are a number of big IT security risks that can show up in the workplace. Recognizing these and finding ways to prevent them can keep that data safe. Some of the common IT security risks that can happen in the workplace include:

1. Insider Threats

According to one study, about 57% of the recorded data breaches were not done by outside attackers. Instead, these were done by a threat that is inside the organization. And often this is not because someone is being malicious within the company. Negligent employees who click on the wrong link or give off information carelessly were often the cause.

One of the top causes of a data breach still remains human error. Companies need to maintain focus on the inside as much as the outside to ensure data stays safe. However, it is sometimes hard to detect an insider threat.

In addition to watching for these insider threats, a company needs to invest in the right training for its employees. Since most of this issue comes from negligence or carelessness, rather than malicious intent, things like security awareness training may help more than anything.

2. Social Engineering

Another threat to watch out for is something known as social engineering. It can affect companies as much as it will affect individuals. Humans are susceptible to manipulation, which is why many attackers will use a variety of psychological tricks to get what they want.

With social engineering, the right protection software or looking for different indicators of compromise will not be enough. It is hard to really predict human behavior all the time. All it takes is for one person to click one lucrative offer that is too good to be true, and your company has to deal with a data breach.

What makes it even worse is that malicious attackers can easily find new ways to trick individuals to give up private data or granting access to critical areas. There are many different types of social engineering attacks that can be used including:

Spear phishing
Whaling
Baiting
Pretexting
Tailgating
Scareware
Vishing

Since this issue can exploit the basics of human behavior, it is sometimes hard to find the best way to combat it. Even tech-savvy users have fallen victim in the past from some of these. Educating your employees about these attacks and updating your training procedures is one of the best ways to help.

3. Ransomware

Another thing to be careful about is ransomware. This can be a scary type of tactic that will make even the best in IT have to do a lot of work to prevent and fix it. Basically, this is when a hacker is able to get ahold of private or sensitive information and they demand a ransom to get the information returned.

Sometimes the hacker just has the information, other times they will choose to freeze up a whole system and make it impossible to use. Even when. You agree to pay the ransom, there is little chance that the data will be returned and that the hacker will leave you alone in the future.

Ransomware is simply a type of malware that can infect a network or a computer. It then encrypts the files or finds another way to deny others access to them before demanding some kind of ransom in the process. Usually, the malware will not delete the files. They will be present on the network, but without the decryption key, no one can access them.

There are a lot of threats that come with this kind of attack, such as the permanent deletion of the files. But whether you pay or not, the hacker is already on the system and is the one in control the whole time.

There are a few things you can do to prevent this security threat. First, teach your employees about how it works and how to not open suspicious files or attachments in their emails. This can help keep the chance of ransomware off the computer.

Backing up your data and keeping records off the main part is a good idea too. This will allow you to start over with the information you need, without having to play the games, and most often lose, with the hacker.

4. Consider a Cybersecurity Audit

If you are worried about some of the security risks that show up in the workplace, it may be a good idea to do a full audit of your system. A cybersecurity audit allows a professional to take a look at your network and the way it is used to determine whether there are any weaknesses that could increase your risk of an attack.

Getting this audit done is one of the best ways to see where your security is right now. When it is done you should have a complete report about what is working and what is not when it comes to your network. Expect there to be things wrong with the audit. This is just a chance to fix them.

When the audit is done, take some time to go through all the different recommendations and suggestions and find ways to improve your network security. Even small steps in the right direction make it less likely someone will get onto the system who should not be there.

5. Keeping Your Network Safe

There are a number of IT security risks that you need to be careful about when it comes to the workplace. Planning ahead, recognizing some of these issues, and completing a cybersecurity audit can help you get the right level of security you need.

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Ariana Smith

I enjoy writing and I write quality guest posts on topics of my interest and passion. I have been doing this since my college days. My special interests are in health, fitness, food and following the latest trends in these areas. I am an editor at Content Rally.

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4 Ways To Address Privacy Concerns Around Customer Data

A single data breach can expose tens of millions of customers to spam, scams, identity theft, fraud, and more. It’s also a quick, easy way to destroy your brand reputation and lose a massive chunk of your customer base. In the worst-case scenario, you could end up paying millions of dollars in fines. If serious enough, your team members or executives could even face some jail time. But customer data still needs to be kept safe and private, even when the risks are far less grand in scale. Simply leaking your customers’ email addresses and exposing them to junk mail can erode their trust in you. To protect your customers and assuage any customer concerns, always handle their data with care. Here are a few important ways to protect data, limit the risks, and put your customers at ease. 1. Use Zero Party Data Perhaps the best way to put customers at ease about their data is to give them more control over what you know. Letting them decide what they share with you — and don’t — can protect their privacy and boost your brand reputation. Giving customers a chance to consent or opt out of sharing first-party data when they visit your site or app is a nice touch. But if you really want to put your customers in the data driver's seat, zero party data is the way to go. With zero-party data, your customers and prospects respond to surveys, polls, questionnaires, and more. These inputs can be used to personalize their experience, or anonymized and aggregated to help your brand make data-driven decisions. Either way, when customers provide this data, they usually expect some kind of user benefit. A personalized product recommendation, useful content, or a customized landing page are all ways to deliver that small reward. 2. Be Transparent Ideally, you should tell all of your customers exactly what you collect, what you use it for, and why. As long as you’re not up to anything nefarious (you aren’t, right?) transparency should be as simple as a brief pop-up disclaimer. In fact, transparency could help improve your credibility and customer trust in your brand. And that trust can in turn have a direct impact on your business growth and performance. It’s particularly important not to collect any extra bits of customer data you don’t need and they haven’t agreed to share. Gathering and storing extraneous data heightens the risk to your customers if there’s a breach. In some countries, regions, or industries, it could even be illegal. Besides all this, it can take up unnecessary room on servers, cloud storage, etc. To be on the safe side, always get permission from customers before collecting any kind of data. 3. Anonymize and Encrypt Some of the worst data breaches on record have also turned out to be some of the most ridiculous. Companies have accidentally leaked massive spreadsheets with customer names, addresses, passwords, and credit card data all linked together. But even anonymizing data doesn’t necessarily give customers any real protection or privacy. It’s all too easy to put two-and-two together and figure out someone’s identity. To ensure that data is truly safe, your company should always use the latest encryption methods and data protection protocols. Consult with experts about the best practices, software programs, and other tools to suit your company’s needs. Data security is not the place to cut corners, so be willing to dedicate a significant portion of your budget to protecting customers. Otherwise, you risk putting them in danger of identity theft, financial loss, reputational damage, and more. 4. Train Employees and Vet Vendors Customer data should be kept strictly confidential and only shared with employees and vendors on a need-to-know basis. Your employees need to understand how crucial it is to protect sensitive data and how exactly they need to do it. Before handling potentially sensitive data, employees should undergo appropriate screenings and training. Train them not to share details like passwords or door codes, and limit access to sensitive cabinets, rooms, or computers. Third-party vendors and contractors can be a potential cause of concern for data privacy. That’s why it’s important to carefully vet them, just as you would employees. The more you share data, the higher the risk of a breach or exposure along the way. If a vendor has access to your data, and its systems are compromised, your data could be leaked. Or, bad actors at the company you shared with could use the data in unsafe or inappropriate ways. Worst-Case Scenarios In the event that a data leak or cybersecurity event does occur, your company should have an emergency plan in place. Know what you’ll do in the event of a breach — how you’ll stop it from progressing and contain the damage. The plan should clearly indicate roles and responsibilities and include considerations for various scenarios. Many companies, universities, and government agencies have their plans publicly available online, as a resource. Whatever you do, never attempt to conceal a data breach from the media, your customers, or the public. You could end up facing fines, lawsuits, sanctions, jail time, and irrevocably brand-damaging press. Instead, own up to the breach immediately and let your customers know how you plan to handle it. In order to earn back their trust, you’ll have to prove you know how to do the right thing. Read Also: Data Security In The Cloud: Strategies For A Safe Migration Process Mining and Data Privacy – Key Points to Remember 5 Ways To Prevent Cyber Attacks

MYST: A Decentralized VPN Protocol

While the internet has had a big role in the development of society, that doesn't mean it's been perfect over the years nor that it will be in the future. There are many areas in which the internet has failed, and perhaps the biggest and the most significant one for everyday internet users is privacy. And while people are afraid of sharing everything on this massive platform, there’s perhaps a light at the end of the tunnel for our online privacy—the mass adoption of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies in the form of a decentralized VPN protocol. You've probably heard about VPNs by now and even started thinking about how they can improve your online security. But if you're new to the world of VPNs, you might be confused as to what VPNs actually do and how they work. The advantage of using a VPN is that it provides military-grade encryption, thereby allowing you to protect your IP address. Unfortunately, there are still many disadvantages associated with traditional VPNs; most importantly, these networks are expensive and require plenty of server nodes around the world. However, the MYST VPN seeks to solve these issues by using nodes that are hosted on home users' laptops. In this article, we will try to demystify the concept of the decentralized VPN protocol, known as MYST. What Exactly Is The Mysterium Network? The Mysterium Network is an open-source and free environment that intends to "liberate the web" through tools, protocols, and digital infrastructure. In actuality, developers are attempting to build a "censorship-resistant" technology for a new generation of online products, with the VPN serving as the first of many examples. Their blockchain-based strategy has proven to be successful, with over 100,000 active members and 3,800+ nodes around the world. Along with Orchid and Sentinel, it claims to be the first decentralized VPN of its sort. Payments are handled through a native cryptocurrency token called MYST in the peer-to-peer decentralized private virtual network (VPN). VPN Payments With Mysterium Mysterium VPN is a pay-as-you-go service that accepts MYST coins as its native form of payment. According to Mysterium, 1 MYST is about equivalent to 10 GB - 30 GB of streaming, with a single MYST coin costing around $0.17 at the moment. Instead of the subscription-based model used by most other premium VPN services, MYST tokens can be used to pay for the date and time you use. According to the official website of MYST, Mysterium only accepts cryptocurrency as payment, enabling you to pay for your privacy discreetly. This isn't necessarily a negative thing, but it would probably make the system less accessible to new users. The most recent version of the app (10.1.0), however, now allows you to top up your account with a credit card using USD, GBP, or EUR. Mysterium's Aims MYST’s goal is to create a more secure, private, and decentralized internet through the use of blockchain technology. The project aims to build a global community where everyone can connect freely. MYST’s objective is to decentralize access to internet services such as Facebook and Twitter by allowing users to access them directly from their own devices at any time, with no restrictions or censorship. This will allow individuals and businesses alike to share information freely and collaborate with their peers without having to rely on centralized servers. Comparing It To Other VPNs Traditional VPNs are based on centralized technology, which means they have a single point of failure. However, Mysterium is decentralized, meaning there's no single point of control or storage for the user's records. As a result, even if they wanted to, they can't keep or track logs of the user's traffic. That's a big positive for anyone concerned about internet privacy, particularly in a world where alliances like the 9 Eyes, 5 Eyes, and 14 Eyes exist. It moves users away from a trust-based system in which we must rely on periodic audits to ensure that VPNs adhere to their logging policies. Because traffic is dispersed across their vast network of residential IPs, it is technologically difficult to store user records centrally in a decentralized system. Instead of sending data via tunneled servers for encryption, they use a vast network of nodes that are managed by volunteers. They claim that the service closely matches the design of TOR, but has the same ease of use as a VPN and that there is no way to sign in with a number, email address, or any other identifying information. Final Thoughts Mysterium VPN seems to be a useful Web 3.0 application with enough features to set it apart from other VPN providers. Take, for instance, the pay-as-you-go approach or the lack of centralized infrastructure. These are important advantages that set it different from other well-known brands in the industry. It works to unblock streaming services, and they have a vast global network of nodes. Overall, Mysterium VPN is expected to improve further in the future. Decentralized systems may be a reasonable alternative to most competitors' successful subscription-based model, but limited payment choices may be a major barrier to customer acceptance. We'll have to wait and see. Additionals: Top 7 Torrent Applications with VPN SupportYou Don’t Need A VPN To Access The Pirate BayHow VPN works on Windows and how you can benefit from it

Deciphering the Myths About Home Security Cameras

Security cameras are the in-thing today. They are used in many homes as a way of enhancing security. However, despite the fact that they are common; there are many wrong perceptions about them. Surveillance cameras usually play a key role to fortify your house. These home security cameras can be installed in either the indoor or outdoor areas of your home. They are used to capture the photos and footages of possible intruders. Since home security cameras are significant in safeguarding your home, you must know the misconceptions about them. This will enable you not to pay due regard to these misconceptions. By doing this, the effectiveness of your home security system will not be affected. Here are six myths about home security cameras; All Security Cameras Serve the Same Purpose: Many people think that all security cameras are the same, so they can serve the same purpose. As asserted by Tech Web Space, this is not true. There are many types of security cameras. They all work differently. Each of them is designed to fulfill a distinct security need. For instance; there are dome, bullet, and IR day/night cameras. Bullet and dome cameras can only be installed in indoor areas, while IR day/night cameras can only be put in outdoor areas. So, a dome camera is effective to monitor your staff; while an IR day/night camera is effective to prevent burglary. Also, IP security cameras can record a video of the ongoing activities of an intruder; while other normal surveillance cameras cannot. There is no security camera which can fulfill two roles at the same time. So, you should know your major security problem which you intend to address. With this problem in mind, you can then choose the most appropriate type of security camera. Security Cameras Are Super Heroes: When some people purchase a security camera, they tend to think that they have solved all their security issues. They believe that their houses will be fortified by the virtue of them possessing a security camera system. They equate home surveillance cameras to superheroes in regard to matters of security. This is a very wrong perception. As much as you buy a security camera, you should still take other appropriate measures to safeguard your home. Security cameras can be limited in discharging their functions. For instance; bullet and dome camera types will not function well in dim lighting. Also, when you don’t position your camera well; you may create a blind spot. This blind spot will give a leeway which will allow criminals to operate in. It Is Very Easy to Install a Security Camera: You cannot learn to install a security camera after watching some few DIY tutorials. Installing a security camera is a difficult task that requires some specific skills. You will have to be equipped with basic scientific knowledge. You will also have to understand how to match the lighting conditions and the recording angle with the camera capabilities. This is not something which you can learn within a few minutes. So, never attempt to install a security camera by yourself. You can only attempt to do so when you have received appropriate guidance. You may tamper with it right from day one. Instead, as provided for by Tweak Your Biz; you should contact your security company which will help you out with the installation. You Can Use a Dummy Camera Instead of a Real One to Keep Off Intruders: Of course, there are some foolish robbers who can be frightened off at the sight of a dummy home security camera. However, this trick will not work well with an experienced thief. In fact, most thieves can detect a non-authentic camera at an arm’s length. So, never go for shortcuts. Use real home security cameras, not fake ones. Home Security Cameras Are Expensive: It is only in the past ages when home security cameras were a reserve of the rich. Nowadays, surveillance cameras are affordable to all and sundry. There are many security companies today. This has enhanced market competitiveness. Different companies are using different strategies to have an edge over each other. This has significantly reduced the costs of security cameras. Moreover, their operation and installation costs are cheap. Home Security Cameras Are Only Used to Keep Off Intruders: Apart from preventing the entry of intruders, surveillance cameras can serve others more purposes. For instance; you can use them to monitor your employees in your servicing business. You can also use them to check on your kids’ activities when you are away from home. Though security cameras are mainly used to prevent crime, they can improve your general living standards. With them, your daily tasks will be simpler and more effectively done. Conclusion: All in all, surveillance cameras will grant you immense assistance in safeguarding your home. They will keep off intruders, reduce crime rates and, prevent robbery and burglary. Therefore, you should not allow these myths to restrain you from owning one. Read Also: How To Improve Workplace Security WiFi Security: Mediocrity To Excellence Why DRM Is the New Standard for Document Security

Common IT Security Risks in the Workplace

1. Insider Threats

2. Social Engineering

3. Ransomware

4. Consider a Cybersecurity Audit

5. Keeping Your Network Safe

Identify Malicious Emailers With Online Tools

Benefits of penetration testing To Businesses

Tags

Ariana Smith

I enjoy writing and I write quality guest posts on topics of my interest and passion. I have been doing this since my college days. My special interests are in health, fitness, food and following the latest trends in these areas. I am an editor at Content Rally.

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4 Ways To Address Privacy Concerns Around Customer Data

MYST: A Decentralized VPN Protocol

Deciphering the Myths About Home Security Cameras

Common IT Security Risks in the Workplace

1. Insider Threats

2. Social Engineering

3. Ransomware

4. Consider a Cybersecurity Audit

5. Keeping Your Network Safe

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Identify Malicious Emailers With Online Tools

Benefits of penetration testing To Businesses

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I enjoy writing and I write quality guest posts on topics of my interest and passion. I have been doing this since my college days. My special interests are in health, fitness, food and following the latest trends in these areas. I am an editor at Content Rally.

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Follow Us

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