The Biggest Cyber Vulnerabilities that Hackers are Feasting on Right Now

cyber vulnerabilities

Cyber hackers are a sneaky bunch. Sure, you have your run-of-the-mill hackers who aren’t all that good and just try the basic sneak attacks that have been around since the creation of email. But others are always on the lookout for quick and fool-proof ways of sneaking past cybersecurity to siphon off important data. You might be surprised about some of your network’s vulnerabilities because some are not what you might expect. Thankfully, by better educating yourself on these cyber vulnerabilities and by taking advantage of the IT vulnerability assessment services offered by our staff here at Charlotte IT Solutions, we can help make sure your cyber defensive systems are up and ready to protect you against any Internet-based attack.

Top Cyber Vulnerabilities

IoT Vulnerabilities

This is one of the biggest areas of vulnerabilities we find businesses don’t even consider when it comes to developing a network defensive system. Short for the Internet of Things, IoT is any device that connects to the Internet. For example, it can be that copy machine in the office that connects to Wi-Fi. It can be the smart thermostat you can access from your phone or even your lightbulbs that are controlled thanks to their connection to the office network.

You might not look at a lightbulb or scanner as a device that can lead to the downfall of an office network, but this is where a skilled hacker can work their magic. These devices have a direct connection to your wireless Internet network. In some cases, they are able to send information through this wireless connection through the network and onto a computer or network drive that is also connected to the same wireless network. Think of this as the unmarked dusty dirt road off the highway. It might not be on any map and isn’t a traditional means of transportation, but a skilled driver can navigate the dusty road before making their way onto the Interstate. The same is true with IoT devices on your wireless network.

An enhanced network security system is able to better defend you and your office from hackers looking to infiltrate your office network via this often exposed connection.

Microsoft

Yup, it’s an issue about as old as viruses themselves. And yet this will likely never change. Through the Microsoft suite of applications, skilled hackers are able to move their way onto your network and then, once in, siphon all kinds of data away.

Why has this always been a problem (and why is it likely not going to change anytime soon)? For starters, Microsoft Office programs need to work on just about any computer. Whether it is a decade old or brand new, it needs to function on these devices. This means the software isn’t designed for one specific device. It is made for hundreds, if not thousands.

The best way to protect your network is to stay on top of all the updates, patches, and security downloads. Whenever Microsoft sends a recommended download, you download and install it. Don’t keep pushing it off because that will only leave you exposed.

Google and Others

Microsoft isn’t the only software designer that may have some holes in its security defenses. Google, Adobe, and other large application manufacturers run into similar problems. Google is pretty good at staying on top of these issues, although the plug-ins that are common on Chrome are usually the problems. Always think twice about those Google Chrome plug-ins, and if you decide to download the plug-ins, make sure you always download the updates. The same holds true for Adobe. Adobe has moved to a more cloud-based software delivery system, which means you need to have an Internet connection to use many of the applications (which, we’ll admit, is a bit of a drag when compared to their pre-subscription software offerings). All you can really do is be mindful of the software you use and stay on top of your updates.

Phishing Emails

This continues to be one of the top vulnerabilities to businesses regarding cybersecurity. No amount of defensive services can protect your network if someone freely opens an infected email and downloads the infected information attached to the email. This is where you need to go over what is expected of your employees and how they can help avoid clicking on phishing emails. For starters, they need to avoid clicking on emails that come from recipients they don’t know (especially if there is an attachment). Additionally, if the email comes from a source that looks legit but it is stating there is an issue with a user account, PayPal address, or using financial data, it is important to double-check the sender. Often, those emails designed to look like authentic messages from Apple or Amazon are not authentic emails.

Begin Enhancing Your Cybersecurity Protection Today

Every moment you leave yourself exposed to cyber attacks is another moment a cyber hacker might target your business. A single successful data breach can end up costing a small business hundreds of thousands of dollars in lost revenue, legal fees, and lost sales from customers departing. Chances are your business can’t afford this kind of financial impact (and even if you can, you won’t want to deal with it). Instead, you can enhance your network protection by partnering with a managed IT provider such as our team here at Charlotte IT Solutions. Here we perform a complete IT vulnerability assessment to pinpoint exactly where your business network is vulnerable. It doesn’t matter if everyone works in a single location or if you allow BYOD (bring your own devices) so employees can work at home and anywhere else in the world. Regardless of your structure, we will analyze the entire network and craft a cybersecurity system around your business. To begin learning what sets our managed IT services apart and to begin rolling out an enhanced network security system, all you need to do is give our team here at Charlotte IT Solutions a call at your earliest convenience.

author
Adam Quan
Adam Quan is the President of Charlotte IT Solutions, an award-winning managed IT services provider serving over 200 businesses and nonprofits in the Southeast. Under his leadership, the company has become a staple in the Southeast IT landscape, known for its cutting-edge IT solutions, meticulous cybersecurity, and exceptional client support.