Cybersecurity

Getting the basics right

Cyber attacks happen

It may be easy to ignore cyber security and take
the, “it will never happen to me or my business”
stance. We get it – cyber security is an
overwhelming topic. That’s why we have partnered with Field Effect.

We believe all businesses deserve powerful,
cost-effective, and easy-to-use cyber security to
protect their operations from cyber threats. No
matter your security knowledge, resources, or
budget, cyber security should be approachable and attainable for you.

Why your small business is a target

Small and mid-size businesses (SMBs) are increasingly becoming targets for cyber attacks, contrary to the Hollywood depiction of hackers focusing solely on large corporations. In reality, cyber criminals often exploit human error and target SMBs, which manage a wealth of valuable data, including customer and employee information. Despite accounting for nearly 30% of all data breaches, many SMBs underestimate the cyber risks they face, often overlooking the necessity of robust cybersecurity measures.

The digital transformation has empowered businesses of all sizes, but it has also highlighted the need for appropriate cybersecurity. While the internet and cloud services have enabled SMBs to scale and compete with larger enterprises, the cybersecurity solutions available are often designed with large businesses in mind. This leaves many smaller companies vulnerable to attacks that can disrupt operations and compromise sensitive data, underscoring the importance of implementing tailored, proactive security strategies.

Protecting your threat surface

Understanding your threat surface is a crucial step toward bolstering your organization’s cyber security. It involves mapping out all elements of your IT infrastructure, from on-premise servers to cloud services and remote access points. This comprehensive knowledge enables you to identify potential vulnerabilities and secure your network effectively.

As threats constantly evolve, maintaining threat awareness is equally important. Cyber attackers exploit vulnerabilities and deceive users, making it essential to stay informed about the latest threats. By combining a thorough understanding of your network with up-to-date threat intelligence, you can build proactive defenses to protect your systems and data

Cyber Threats

Understanding the major cyber threats facing your company can help you secure your operations. Some common threats are:

Ransomwarea type of malware that encrypts files or prevents access to data, demanding a ransom for restoration. It often spreads through phishing and social engineering techniques. The impacts include financial loss, operational downtime, data breaches, potential regulatory fines, and reputational damage.

Business Email Compromise (BEC)involves attackers spoofing emails from executives to trick employees into transferring money. This scam can lead to significant financial losses and potential legal actions.

Phishinga major cause of data breaches, trick users into clicking malicious links or downloading harmful files. They have become more sophisticated and harder to detect.

Third Parties & Internal Threats:

  • External Risks: Vulnerabilities introduced by third-party software or services.
  • Internal Risks: Potential threats from human error or malicious insiders, affecting operational security.

Zero-Day Vulnerability: is a security flaw in software, hardware, or firmware that is unknown to the vendor or developer. Because the flaw is not known, no patch or fix has been developed. Attackers can exploit these vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to systems or data before the issue is discovered and addressed, making them particularly dangerous. The term “zero-day” refers to the fact that the vendor has zero days to fix the vulnerability once it is discovered.

 

Threat monitoring & detection

Key Considerations for Choosing a Monitoring Solution: 

Comprehensive Coverage: Ensure the solution monitors your entire IT network, including all systems, software, cloud services, and BYOD devices.

Ease of Use and Automation: Opt for a solution that is easy to set up and includes automated analytical capabilities for early threat detection.

Actionable Insights: Choose a solution that provides clear, understandable notifications and actionable recommendations to address potential threats.

Get Your Free Vulnerability Assessment Today!

Black Diamond Technologies (BDT) provides affordable and personalized Information Technology (IT) solutions  to small to medium sized businesses.

BDT has partnered with Feild Effect to provide our clients with complete cybersecurity protection in one simple solution.