Introduction
Any business should prioritize data security because even a single breach can severely impact operations across the board. Protecting sensitive corporate information has to be one of the top priorities of any organization. In order to safeguard their companies’ assets, owners of businesses need first to be aware of the threats they faceThey might also be the targets of criminal activity, such as being stolen, misused, or hacked. In addition to being valuable, intangible assets, economically sensitive data, and strategic information such as intellectual property are also susceptible to various risks because of their intangible nature. This study article investigates and evaluates the vulnerabilities and dangers that businesses face and derives protection strategies to combat those dangers.
Threats and Vulnerabilities
A vulnerability in a computer system is a flaw or weakness in a system or network that could be exploited to cause damage or allow an attacker to influence the system in some way. Vulnerabilities can be found in both standalone systems and networks. This is not the same thing as a cyber threat because while a cyber threat could entail anything from the outside, vulnerabilities in computer systems already exist on the machine that serves as the network asset [1]. The fact that cybercriminals will employ these vulnerabilities in their assaults has led some people to use the phrases interchangeably, even though vulnerabilities are not typically the product of a conscious effort by an attacker. How a computer vulnerability is exploited is determined, in part, by the nature of the vulnerability itself and the goals of the person carrying out the attack [1]. These vulnerabilities may manifest themselves as a result of unanticipated interactions between several software programs, components of the system, or fundamental defects in an individual application. Below are some of the security vulnerability and security threat in business organizations.
Malware
Many malicious software programs aim to gain access to private information and then copy it. Some particularly sophisticated forms of malware can independently copy data and transmit it to a designated port or server [2]. An adversary can then exploit this capability to steal information covertly. For example, ransomware is a type of malicious software designed to encrypt the data storage devices of the victim, making the data unavailable to the owner of the drives. The recipient is then presented with an ultimatum that includes a demand for money in exchange for the encryption key. If the demanded ransom amount is not paid, the key will be destroyed, and the data will be lost for good.
Hidden Backdoor Programs
This is an example of a purposely created vulnerability in a computer network. The phrase “backdoor” refers to the access program used when a manufacturer of computer components, software installs a program or piece of code designed to allow a computer to be remotely accessed. This happens generally for diagnostics, configuration, or technical help. Backdoor software can be referred to as a hidden backdoor program if it is placed in computers in a way that is hidden from the user [2]. Concealed backdoors are a significant source of software vulnerabilities since it is too easy for anyone who knows where the backdoor is to have unauthorized access to the impacted computer system and any network.
IoT Devices
The term “Internet of Things” (IoT) refers to a network that connects various appliances and gadgets, including those with Wi-Fi connectivity, such as refrigerators, printers, manufacturing robots, coffee makers, and countless other machines. The problem with these devices is that they can be taken over by attackers, who then construct slave networks of other devices that have been compromised in order to launch additional attacks [2]. Worse still, many companies need to be aware of how many Internet of Things devices they have connected to their networks, which means that their systems are exposed in ways they are unaware. These unknown gadgets give attackers ample opportunity and present organizations with massive risks.
Business Employees
Employees present the greatest threat to an organization’s security, more so than any other factor. The majority of data breaches can be linked to an employee of the company or organization that was compromised, regardless of whether the breach was the result of intentional misconduct or an accident [4]. For instance, staff may misuse their access credentials to benefit themselves personally. Alternatively, a worker might accidentally give their user login information to the wrong person, click on the wrong link in an email. They may download the wrong file from a website, or give the wrong person their user authentication tokens, all of which would make it easier for attackers to gain access to your systems.
Phishing
Phishing is a form of online attack in which the perpetrator tries to deceive the victim’s employee into divulging confidential information, such as account passwords or sensitive data, or downloading malicious software. The most typical method of this assault is to send a phishing email in which the sender pretends to be a member of your company’s vendor community or an employee with significant managerial responsibilities [5]. A link in an email like this typically leads to a website that will download malware onto a user’s computer, putting their security at risk. Other types of phishing attacks may ask users to provide the attacker with their user account credentials to resolve the issue. The primary objective of this tactic is to take advantage of the workers within an organization to circumvent one or more of the security levels and gain more accessible access to the data.
Physical Assets Threats
A fixed or physical asset is any intangible item that can be seen, touched, or experienced. Physical assets include many items such as equipment, supplies, types of machinery, furnishings, structures, and land [5]. The most significant dangers come in the form of natural calamities like fire, as well as unauthorized access to the buildings and vandalism.
Data and Assets Protection Mechanisms
Education is the primary strategy that can be used to protect consumers from malicious software educating them on the importance of following stringent behavioral guidelines when participating in activities on the internet and informing them of this necessity [3]. Protecting your computer with antivirus software is highly recommended. The owners of businesses should take precautions to protect their data by implementing antivirus software and a firewall.
Most antivirus software packages offer protection against all forms of computer-based dangers, including viruses, worms, Trojan horses, and adware. Integrated security solutions can filter spam, prevent network attacks, and restrict access to undesirable and potentially dangerous online resources. Employees should be made aware that they should not place any faith in any information, the origin of which cannot be verified, regardless of whether the information is communicated to them via email, hyperlink, instant message, or any other medium [4]. Even unanticipated messages from friends or coworkers should be cautiously approached due to the ease with which a sender’s address can be fabricated. Users have a responsibility to remain always cautious when using the internet because it might be a risky environment.
Conducting security audit that identifies all of the different assets on the network and the operating systems that each of those assets is using is recommended to reduce risks posed by Internet of Things devices. In this manner, these Internet of Things devices will be able to be appropriately accounted for in the company’s cybersecurity plan. Audits of this form should be carried out regularly to consider any new devices that may be introduced to the network in the future.
When implemented, a policy of least privilege prevents users from simultaneously having access to an excessive amount of data, making it more difficult for those individuals to steal information. In addition, employees benefit from cybersecurity awareness training since it teaches them how to recognize phishing and other social engineering-style assaults so that they are less likely to fall for them. When you give users access to your network using various authentication methods, such as biometrics and physical tokens, you make it difficult for attackers to take over user accounts with only the login and password.
Regarding network security, utilizing a defense-in-depth strategy offers additional layers of protection between each of the different assets hosted on the network. In this approach, even if attackers breach the network’s most basic defenses, there will still be additional levels of security between the asset that has been hacked and the rest of the network [5]. If the user’s account privileges are abused in any way, the damage that can be done will be contained in this manner. Phishing is a problem that can affect business employees, and protective methods can be employed to combat this threat.
Set up surveillance for the company’s physical assets
A sensible initial step would be to lock the door to the central server; even if the door is locked, someone might still break in, or someone with authorized access could abuse their privileges. The simplest way to achieve this objective is to use a log book in which individuals check in and out at regular intervals; however, using a log book comes with several problems. Someone with bad intentions will probably ignore it and go around it. An authentication system built into the locking devices is a superior alternative. This system makes it necessary to use a smart card, token, or biometric scan to unlock the doors [4]. It also keeps a record of the identification of each individual that enters the building. A log book or electronic access system should be supplemented by a video surveillance camera. It should be positioned in a location that makes it impossible to tamper with, disable, or even find while also providing an excellent view of people entering and exiting the building. Surveillance cameras can be set to record continuously or be equipped with technology that detects motion so that they only record when someone is moving in the area. They can even be programmed to send a notification to the security personnel’s e-mail or mobile phone if motion is detected in an area where it should not be.
Conclusion
Businesses and their owners must place a high priority on protecting their physical and ephemeral assets. The fast development of technology has made organizations increasingly susceptible to cybercrime. As a result, hackers are preparing to undertake cyber-attacks on specific businesses using sophisticated technology and devices. For this reason, it is crucial for businesses to keep up with technological developments so they can defend themselves against cybercriminals.
References
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- R. Kumar and R. Goyal, “On Cloud Security Requirements, Threats, Vulnerabilities and Countermeasures: A survey,” Computer Science Review, vol. 33, pp. 1–48, 2019.
