In an interconnected world, where technology has become an inseparable part of our lives, the need for solid protection against digital threats has become paramount.
However, with this progress comes a darker reality: the constant presence of cyberthreats. This is where the concept of cybersecurity emerges as a crucial protection, aimed at fortifying our digital infrastructure against malicious activity.
Cybersecurity: what is it and what does it mean for SMEs?
Cybersecurity encompasses a set of techniques and practices designed to protect computers, servers, mobile devices, electronic systems, networks and data against malicious attacks.
Cybersecurity is of considerable importance to SMEs, as it plays a vital role in protecting sensitive information, mitigating financial risks, protecting against reputational damage and ensuring uninterrupted business operations. Given the heightened vulnerability of this type of business to cyber threats, it's essential to ensure data protection from the outset.
In the field of cybersecurity, it is necessary to pay attention to the following aspects:
- Network security: This involves implementing measures to protect computer networks against a range of threats, including targeted attacks and malware.
- Application security: The aim here is to protect devices against the threats that hackers can embed in programs.
- Information security: This category covers measures taken to guarantee the integrity and confidentiality of data, both during storage and transmission.
- Operational security: This refers to the handling and protection of information assets. It includes activities such as managing network access authorizations and establishing rules for data storage and transmission.
- Disaster recovery and business continuity: This category covers preparation for and response to security incidents and other events that could disrupt systems or result in data loss.
- Awareness: This category aims to mitigate the most unpredictable factor in cybersecurity - human behavior - by educating users, recognizing that it can compromise even the most secure and robust systems.
Main types of cyber attacks targeting SMEs
Cyber attacks pose significant risks to your finances, data and IT infrastructure. In the case of SMEs, these threats not only jeopardize your own business, but also give hackers the opportunity to exploit your network as a gateway to the networks of other companies in your company's supply chain.
How do hackers take control of computer systems? They use a multitude of tools and techniques to exploit vulnerabilities and compromise security.
Malware
Malware, the weapon of choice for cybercriminals, is often disguised as harmless files or e-mail attachments, with the aim of damaging computers and compromising the integrity of stored data.
SQL injection
SQL injection is a cyberattack technique used by malicious actors to steal information from databases. Cybercriminals exploit vulnerabilities in data-driven applications to inject malicious SQL code into the database management language, thereby compromising its security.
Phishing
Phishing is a deceptive attack strategy designed to trick users into divulging sensitive information, such as credit card details or passwords. The perpetrators usually pose as legitimate companies and use e-mail as a means of communication to target their victims.
Man-in-the-middle attacks
In this type of attack, cybercriminals clandestinely intercept data during transmission, acting as an invisible intermediary link, without the victims' knowledge. Unsecured Wi-Fi networks present a potential vulnerability, exposing individuals to such attacks without their knowledge.
DDoS attacks
In Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, cybercriminals deliberately generate an overwhelming amount of network and server traffic targeting the victim, causing the system to malfunction and become unusable. This malicious activity can even damage critical infrastructure components, sabotaging a company's operations.
Cybersecurity: how SMEs should build their firewalls
Let's look at another essential aspect of cybersecurity, which concerns the protection of end users and their devices (those running programs or systems). Often, it is the end-user who unknowingly downloads malware onto his or her computer, laptop or smartphone.
How do cybersecurity tools, especially anti-malware solutions, help protect end users and their devices? These security tools use cryptographic protocols to encrypt e-mails, files and other sensitive data, preventing cybercriminals from stealing, intercepting or gaining unauthorized access to this information.
Here are a few security measures to protect your company and its employees against cyber attacks:
- Keep your software and operating system up to date with the latest security patches.
- Use strong passwords. Avoid using combinations that are easy to guess or susceptible to hacking.
- Avoid clicking on e-mail links from unknown senders or websites, as this is a common method of malware distribution.
- Use antivirus programs.
- Be careful with e-mail attachments from unknown senders, as they can be infected with malware.
You can also install Bravas, which will enable you to carry out all these recommendations automatically, creating a real first line of defence!
In conclusion, cybersecurity is a constant concern in today's interconnected world. It is essential that SMEs are able to recognize cyber-attacks and take proactive measures to protect their assets. By recognizing risks and investing in comprehensive cybersecurity practices, SMEs can strengthen their defenses, protect their operations and prevent potentially devastating consequences for their business and stakeholders.
Are you looking for comprehensive protection for your company at different levels? Do you dream of a solution that guarantees the security of your company's IT infrastructure?
Bravas is your reliable ally in overcoming obstacles and providing unrivalled support. We offer a complete SaaS solution that lets you effortlessly secure, configure and control your entire IT estate via a single interface. Say goodbye to cyberthreats and dispel any worries about protecting your valuable data.
Book a quick demo session here !
