5 cybersecurity risks you probably aren’t prepared for

As our world becomes increasingly digital, cybersecurity risks pose a greater threat than ever before. While many organizations work diligently to safeguard against known security threats, there are still many that are not adequately prepared for the less visible and emergent cybersecurity risks.

Here are five of the most consequential cybersecurity risks you may not have considered:

1. Social Engineering Attacks

This is the art of manipulating people to divulge sensitive information by exploiting their trust. Social engineering attacks are particularly dangerous because they exploit the human element, targeting our biases, fears, and predispositions. Attackers might pose as a trustworthy source and trick you into giving away your login credentials with a spoofed email or fake website. It’s essential to educate staff on social engineering attacks and to be aware of phishing attacks.

2. Outdated Software and Systems

Software vulnerabilities are discovered frequently, and patches are quickly made available, but not everyone applies these updates timely. Outdated software significantly increases the chances of a data breach since criminals will search for ways to penetrate a company’s outdated security systems. Keeping software up-to-date is a necessary step in protecting against cybersecurity risks.

3. Unsecured Internet of Things (IoT) devices

IoT devices are becoming more common, making our lives increasingly connected. They also present security risks since these devices are usually designed with limited security measures in place. People often forget to update them, leaving them susceptible to hacking and malicious attacks.

4. Third-Party Security Risks

Many third-party service providers usually have direct access to your systems or data, and a security breach on their end can be catastrophic. Remember to ensure that third-party companies only have access to the data that they need and nothing else. Make sure they comply with relevant security policies and regulations.

5. The Threat of Ransomware

Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts a victim’s files and threatens to release them unless they pay a ransom. Quite often, the fear of having sensitive data released publicly makes companies pay the ransom instead of exposing themselves to additional risks. This makes ransomware an enduring threat to companies of all sizes, especially for organizations that lack robust disaster recovery plans.

In conclusion, companies should always be prepared for cybersecurity risks, whether known or emergent. Keeping systems up-to-date, training staff on social engineering attacks, and establishing protocols for handling third-party service providers are essential steps in mitigating these risks. Cybersecurity risks can be catastrophic, so it is necessary to take every measure to protect both personal and company data.