Cyber Attack: Common Mistakes that may invite Cyber/Web Security Risks

 Most organizations today, howsoever small or large are conversant with cyber security and the risks it addresses. Both the frequency and cost of breaches have continued to grow across technologies, security processes, employee training and customer data. According to Symantec threat report, more than 552 million identities were exposed through security breaches in 2013. The increased use of mobile devices for internet has also sparked a rising threat with 38% of users encountering some kind of vulnerability.

Hackers have continued to grow with technology. However, it doesn’t take much to make your data secure and confidential. Here are some of the top reasons why many businesses, comprising of both banks and ecommerce platforms have been exposed to an unwarranted third party.

1. Weak and common passwords

Inspite of the repeated threats, users both individuals and businesses have continued to used passwords that can be easily exposed. Four out of every five incident occurs on the basis of hunch. 20% of users would have their birth date, their pet’s name or even their girlfriend’s name as a password! Personal information is easily guessable and if you are using it as a password to your email address or bank account, you can already guess the risk. Google also suggested that strong passwords must be a combination of characters, numbers and special characters (#, *, etc) and nothing close to something that could be guessed. Below are top 10 passwords which reportedly most used password sin 2014 by users.

1	123456
2	password
3	12345
4	12345678
5	qwerty
6	123456789
7	1234
8	baseball
9	dragon
10	football

Report: Splashdata

Another thing to note here would be that 12 percent of users have stored or shared their passwords through text massages, written it down on paper, on the desk, etc. This can encourage a breach.

2. Not using SSL certificates

SSL certificates are applicable to websites. SSL or Secured Socket Layer acts as a cipher code that can only be recognized by the users at both ends – the customer and the seller. Even if the information is hacked by a third party, the data is rendered incomprehensible. Using SSL certificates not only secures the information passed online but also helps build the customer’s trust.

SSL Certificates are most important factor for every business including eCommerce because it prevents cyber threats and secure online transaction details with high encryption feature. ClickSSL is leading SSL Certificates provider in the business which provides major types of SSL Certificates from trusted brands and allows businesses to secure their website from cyber threats.

3. Using untrustworthy plugins and software

The evolution of open-source era has really made web and app development easier. However, you never know the real motive. Hidden in the script could be some lines of codes that can give access to critical information once you have installed it in your system. Whenever you are downloading a third party software or plugin, ensure that it comes from a trusted developer and vendor.

4. Not hiring Cyber Security Specialist

The complicacy of cyber crime has matched shoulders with technological innovation. Consequently, only a professional has the key and knowledge to identify bottlenecks and curb a threat before they start to work to the advantage of the hacker(s). A cyber security professional doesn’t just ensure that you have a secure website but also gives you precisely tailored advice and tools to make your platform invulnerable. Consequently, most big businesses and brands have started investing in cyber security that ever before.

5. Missing device protection

Mobile devices can be easily stolen. Without necessary access protection installed into the device itself, it can be a wealth of information for a cyber criminal. Again, more than 86% of users use free Wi-Fi without checking for a secure connection. Any transaction made while using this connection makes your information vulnerable. Expert’s advice to always logout after a session has ended; using secure connections and always password protect access devices.

6. Clicking every advertisement randomly

Most pop up ads and redirected web search are for malicious purposes. Use internet wisely and never click of anything without knowing where it will lead to just because it made you curious. In recent article on ComputerWorld says that malicious ads on major sites helping attackers to compromise many computers.

7. Missing backups

Syncing information is vital as it serves a way to retrieve lost information after a cyber attack and wipe-up. You never know when there could be a breach and you land up in emergency.

Cyber crime is always well organized and done by some of the smartest minds. They are aware of every bottleneck and loopholes and it is your job to ensure complete protection.

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