What are the cybersecurity threats and how to defend yourself
In our previous article on cybersecurity , we explored the landscape of threats that businesses face, such as phishing, malware, and DDoS attacks. However, knowing the dangers is only the first step. The real challenge is knowing how to effectively defend against these risks.
Today, we’re going to dive deeper into the most effective protection strategies, while keeping a focus on the practical actions businesses can take to protect their data and infrastructure.
The risks of a cyber attack
Why are cyberattacks a growing threat?
Cyberattacks are becoming more sophisticated thanks to the advanced technologies used by cybercriminals, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning. In addition, the widespread use of remote working and the integration of business systems with IoT (Internet of Things) devices have increased the attack surface.
Impacts of cyberattacks
- Direct economic losses: according to a study by IBM, the average cost of a data breach is $4.45 million (as of 2023).
- Reputational damage: customers may lose trust, leading to a decrease in revenue.
- Operational disruptions: compromised business systems can take days, if not weeks, to get back up and running.
- Legal penalties: a violation of data protection regulations, such as GDPR and NIS 2, can lead to significant fines.
Most common types of attacks
Here are some of the top threats a business needs to consider:
Phishing. A technique that is based on deception to steal sensitive data. Cybercriminals send emails or messages that appear to come from trusted sources.
Real-world example:
In 2020, Twitter was hit by a targeted phishing attack that compromised high-profile accounts, including those of Barack Obama and Elon Musk.
Ransomware. This type of malware encrypts the company’s files, rendering them inaccessible until a ransom is paid. Ransomware attacks have increased by 93% in recent years.
Real-world example:
The 2017 Wannacry ransomware attack infected over 200,000 systems in 150 countries, causing billions of dollars in losses.
Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. These attacks aim to overload corporate servers, rendering online services unusable.
Real-world example:
In 2022, a DDoS attack against a large streaming platform caused disruptions for millions of users worldwide.
What companies can do
To protect themselves, companies must implement a holistic approach that integrates technology, training, and strategic planning.
The actions to be taken in the event of a cyberattack must be quick and organized. Here are the main operational steps:
1. Detect and contain the attack.
- Monitor systems: check for anomalies using security tools that are already in place, such as firewalls and antiviruses.
- Isolate affected devices: immediately disconnect compromised systems from the corporate network.
- Block risky accounts: revoke access for potentially compromised users to prevent escalation.
2. Activate the incident response plan.
Every company should have a contingency plan for handling attacks that includes the following steps:
- identify the responsible team;
- follow a clear roadmap of intervention;
- document each step for later analysis.
3. Involve security experts.
If the attack exceeds internal expertise, you need to:
- contact your Managed Security Services provider;
- engage an Incident Response Team (IRT) to resolve and investigate the incident.
4. Report the incident.
- Internally: employees need to know how to behave and what resources not to use temporarily.
- Externally: inform customers, partners and competent authorities (e.g., the Data Protection Authority) in the event of a data breach.
5. Restore systems.
- Use recent and verified backups to recover your data.
- Scan all devices before re-entering the network.
6. Assess damage and prevent new attacks.
- Determine the source of the attack and its impact.
- Modify company protocols to prevent the incident from happening again.
What solutions are there in the event of a cyber attack?
Despite the best prevention strategies, cyberattacks can still happen. The key to minimizing damage and restoring operations quickly is to have a robust and detailed response plan. Here, we’ll explore in depth the solutions to be taken in the event of a cyberattack, with a focus on isolation, recovery, and future prevention.
1. Detection and containment solutions.
- Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): automatically identifies and isolates compromised devices.
- Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems: analyze security data in real time to identify anomalous behavior.
- Next-generation firewalls: block malicious traffic, limiting the spread of the attack.
2. Data Recovery Solutions.
- Cloud backups: provide secure and easily accessible copies of your data.
- Examples: AWS Backup, Microsoft Azure Backup.
- Disaster Recovery Software: tools such as Veeam or Acronis allow you to recover data and systems in a short time.
3. Tools for post-attack analysis.
- Forensic Tools: software such as EnCase or FTK analyzes compromised systems to identify the source of the attack.
- Log Management: use solutions to review system logs and identify actions taken by attackers.
4. Security Managed Services (MSSP).
An MSSP provides 24/7 monitoring and management of enterprise security. In the event of an attack, it intervenes quickly with dedicated solutions.
5. Communication and regulatory compliance solutions.
- Notification platforms: tools such as OneTrust help manage communication to regulatory authorities in the event of a personal data breach.
- Specialized PR services: to manage external communication and mitigate reputational damage.
6. Incident response automation.
- Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR): automates responses to specific types of attacks, reducing response times.
Key Difference
In the event of a cyberattack, it is important to distinguish between:
- the practical actions that companies must take immediately to contain and manage the attack;
- the technical solutions available on the market, which support the detection, mitigation and recovery of affected systems.
The table below highlights the main differences between these two categories, offering a clear overview of how to deal with a cyberattack and what tools to adopt for effective management.
| What companies can do | What solutions exist |
|---|---|
| Practical actions during the attack (e.g. isolating systems, involving experts). | Tools and technologies available (e.g. EDR, cloud backup, Disaster Recovery). |
| Involve immediate human decisions. | Involve automated systems and specialized tools. |
| Objective: to contain the damage and restore operations | .Objective: to facilitate detection, response and prevention | .
Cybersecurity is no longer just a technical issue – it’s a crucial element for business continuity and customer trust. Businesses operate in an increasingly complex digital landscape, where threats evolve rapidly, and the consequences of an attack can be devastating.
Addressing these challenges requires a strategic approach that combines immediate practical actions, such as isolating affected systems and engaging experts, with the implementation of advanced technology solutions, such as cloud backups and auto-detection systems.
The most important step, however, is to learn from each incident and build resilience that can prevent future attacks. Investing in training, security tools and careful planning is not just a way to defend yourself: it is a strategy to grow in an increasingly competitive and digitized market.
Are you ready to improve your company’s cybersecurity? Contact us today for a tailored consultation and find out how we can help protect your business.
