As cybersecurity threats against all types of businesses increase, many clients contact IT ArchiTeks with questions about what they can do to protect their business, how cybercriminals can get access to their information, and other basic inquiries about keeping their online business safe and successful. In this blog, we’ve taken the time to answer the frequently asked questions we hear about cybersecurity risks to online businesses. This is by no means a comprehensive list, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you want to learn more about our cybersecurity solutions.
Why do Cybercriminals Target Online Businesses?
Today, almost any kind of company conducts all or part of their business online. Whether you’re running a truly ecommerce business or you’re using a website to attract a greater variety of clients to your company, everything you, your employees, or your customers put online may be vulnerable to attack by cybercriminals. While many brick and mortar companies use online processes and applications to streamline their business functions, those companies that are entirely online are at the greatest risk from cyber-attacks because payment information, confidential documents, transaction details, and other data may all be accessible in one location. In short, ecommerce businesses are a one-stop-shop for cybercriminals.
What are the Most Common Cybercrimes for Ecommerce Sites?
Like any other business, ecommerce websites can fall victim to a number of different cybercrimes. Some of the most common include:
Phishing
This type of scam can happen over regular emails, text messages, social media messages and other forms of electronic communication. Essentially, a cybercriminal creates a message that appears to be from a legitimate source in order to trick people into clicking links and giving the hacker access to information. In most cases, phishing scams against companies are carried out through business email compromise (BEC). Essentially, this is a phishing scam that is perpetrated by sending messages to business email accounts. If employees click on links in these emails, they give cybercriminals access to company information on the individual employee’s device and data on shared networks.
Watering holes
A watering hole is a legitimate website that has been taken over by cybercriminals without the site owners’ knowledge. Once the watering hole site is hijacked, cybercriminals can use links, downloads, other methods of getting information from users. If your business website is taken over as part of a watering hole scam, your employees, vendors, and customers may all be at risk.
Drive-by downloads
This type of attack occurs when a website installs malicious software onto a device without permission. The software can be designed to take information, redirect data, or complete any number of other malicious tasks. Drive-by downloads can happen if devices don’t have adequate security measures in place or if operating systems and software are outdated.
Ransomware
Ransomware takes your company information hostage and prevents you from accessing it until you pay a ransom.
How do I Protect My Online Business?
There are simple measures that can protect your online business from these and other cybercrimes. Some of the steps every business should be taking to limit their exposure to cyber-attacks include:
- Keep all software up to date. Cybercriminals can use weakness created by outdated software and operating systems to gain access to your business devices.
- Create password policies for your business that encourage employees, vendors, and customers to use strong passwords that are updated regularly. You can also make passwords even more difficult to crack by setting up multi-factor authentication.
- Develop a cybersecurity awareness plan to educate stakeholders about the various ways that cybercriminals can gain access to information and how they can play their part in preventing breaches.
- Consider installing virtual private networks (VPNs). This may be especially beneficial for employees who use personal computers and mobile devices regularly as it is more difficult to ensure these computer systems are kept up to date and protected from security breaches.
- Partner with professionals to create and maintain a professional network security plan to ensure your business is always protected.
Can IT ArchiTeks Help with Network Security for My Online Business?
Even if you do everything in your power to protect your ecommerce website, cybercriminals may still access your business and wreak havoc. Professional cybersecurity solutions from IT ArchiTeks can significantly reduce your business’ risk. To learn more about our professional network security plans, call the IT ArchiTeks team. We’ll be happy to answer your questions and walk through customized network security plan options.