Cyber attacks are becoming more and more common with attacks making headlines on an almost daily basis. In fact, it is quite likely many readers have experienced some such cyber attack. The reality is, businesses and organizations, no matter their size or industry, must protect themselves against the very real threat of malware, phishing scams, Denial-of-Service (DoS) attacks attacks and more.

The effects of a cyber hack can be serious and long lasting. Not only costly for a small business, it can also ruin a company’s reputation. Furthermore, most businesses don’t even realize they’ve been hacked until it’s too late. However, there are ways to protect hard working entrepreneurs in the cyber world.

1. Understand the Risks

In order to combat cybersecurity, an organization must understand the internal and external vulnerabilities of their business. It’s important to know how a hacker can gain entry to a business’s information. It’s also important to assess motive and work backward analyzing weaknesses in the organization’s digital security.

Businesses should also take the time to learn about different types of online fraud and common threats. This insight can help employees understand everything from phishing to spoofing scams, malware issues, systems hacking, and pharming.

Hacking opportunities can vary meaning a business might not experience the same type of hack on their website as on their app. Pre-packaged hacking scripts are available online for anyone to use, even beginners. These scripts essentially educate your average internet user on how to access personal data, including bank login credentials. Experienced hackers are no longer the only threat facing businesses.

Hacking threats are a growing concern for small to medium sized businesses. Photo credit: Shutterstock.

2. Utilize Penetration Tests

A penetration test can be used to find vulnerabilities on apps, websites, IoT devices, or smart contracts, helping to combat future hackers from accessing information. Buglab uses a community of pentesters to identify security flaws and fix vulnerabilities.

The buglab solution detects and remedies vulnerabilities on various business applications by transforming penetration test services into challenges, referred to as contests, for a community of independent information security consultants with certified qualifications. Once a fix has been implemented, buglab then attempts to verify the vulnerability.

The buglab platform leverages blockchain technology to securely host these contests, and to utilize smart contracts. A blockchain is a chain of digital records across which different types of data are stored. Together, these distributed (or decentralized) records make up a database similar to the pages of a large ledger book. These virtual ledgers are hosted across many servers, which helps verify and authenticate any given transaction.

Dedicated to helping small- to medium-sized businesses, buglab’s penetration testing services are affordable and secure. Plus, buglab offers a money-back guarantee in the event that no vulnerabilities are detected. In other words, buglab provides an easy and cost efficient way for businesses to address security issues on their websites, IoT devices, applications, smart contracts, and mobile apps.

3. Use Caution Clicking Links and Attachments

Whenever an email contains an attachment or link to foreign websites there are three things you should do before interacting with it, according to the Infosec Institute.

Check the email address of the sender. The email address may appear legitimate, when in reality it is from a hacker trying to mimic the organization. Make sure to look carefully at the address to ensure that it matches perfectly with the legitimate organization.

Email hacking is a common threat facing small to medium sized businesses. Photo credit: Shutterstock.

Look for spelling and grammar mistakes because more often than not, phishers are not adept with English grammar, and language errors may be an indicator that the email is not coming from a reputable company or organization. If suspicious of the email, check the IP of the sender. The IP address can be found following the lines “Received: from.” Once you have this information, you can google the IP address and view information about the computer it was sent from. The easiest way for a hacker to send malware pieces is through attachments. Do not open an attachment unless you are certain of the contents, and who the sender of the email is. Keep in mind that word documents, PDFs, and EXEs are among the most dangerous files. Moreover, if one recipient opens an attachment, it could spread to every computer connected to the network.

4. Use Two-Factor Authentication

Over the last few years, websites have developed ways to strengthen security and provide users with various ways to protect themselves against cyber attacks. These include a tool called two-factor authentication, which entails using a confirmation from a cell phone, or some other kind of identity verification method, to access an account. This verification process is in addition to general password requirements.

If a business has a website or application, it is in their best interest to consider implementing this strategy to help combat breaches. If a company is hacked, the hackers most likely won’t be able to access individual account information, but only if two-factor authentication is enabled. However, that is assuming the hacker does not have some kind of personal device or sensitive information from the individual already.

5. Use Advanced Passwords

Using advanced passwords might seem completely obvious, but it is often overlooked. Use a strong password, including uppercase, lowercase, numbers, punctuation, and even gibberish. Do not make the password a personal reference, don’t store a list in a saved file, and most importantly, don’t use the same password for multiple accounts. If you’re having a hard time keeping track of unique passwords, try using a tool such as LastPass or 1Password to store passwords securely.

Change passwords frequently, especially ones used for accounts like banking and email. It is recommended to change a password every month, but if using websites that have two-factor authentication, the stint between a password change can be lengthier than one month.

About Buglab

The buglab solution detects and remedies vulnerabilities on various business applications, websites, mobile applications, IoT devices , and smart contracts by transforming penetration test services into challenges, referred to as contests, for a community of independent information security consultants with certified qualifications.

The buglab project is moving towards implementing blockchain capabilities, so be sure to stay tuned for website and white paper updates, as well as project information. In the meantime, follow the buglab team on Telegram, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.