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The Many Ways Hackers Can Attack Buffalo Businesses and How You Can Stop Them

Globalquest Solutions

“When hackers attack!” could be an alternative name of this article. And, that would be an accurate title, because it’s not “If” but “when” cyber-criminals invade a network, PC, or smartphone near you. Here, we examine several common ways hackers can attack Buffalo businesses and how to stop them in their tracks.

Can Hackers Attack My Buffalo Business?

The undeniable answer is a firm — yes. Yes, there are many risks posed by Web-connected endeavors, i.e. security vulnerabilities that come with increased internet connectivity. Cyber attacks are merely exploitations of those vulnerabilities.
But, do not fret. All is not lost.
For the most part, they are unavoidable, but individuals and businesses in Western NY have found ways to counter cyber attacks using a variety of security measures and common sense. Regardless of how safe a Buffalo business feels it and its systems are, however, they must still be aware of how hackers attack IT networks and be ever-vigilant regarding cyber-threats.
Let’s examine 8 common ways hackers can attack Buffalo businesses, and the ways to avoid them.

  1. Malware

Malware is an all-encompassing term for a variety of cyber threats including Trojans, viruses, and worms. Malware is simply defined as code with malicious intent that typically steals data or destroys something on the computer.
How does malware work? Malware is most often introduced to a system through email attachments, software downloads, or operating system vulnerabilities.
How can Buffalo businesses prevent malware? The best way for the average business in Buffalo (or anywhere) to prevent malware is to avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown, unverified senders. This is sometimes done by deploying robust and continuously-updated firewalls, which prevent the transfer of large data files over the network in the hope to weed out attachments that may contain malware.
It’s also important to make sure your computer’s operating system (e.g. Windows, Mac OS X, Linux) uses the most up-to-date security updates (or, you will likely need professional computer support of some kind at some point thereafter). Software programmers can update programs frequently to address any holes or weak points. It’s important to install these updates as well to decrease your own system’s weaknesses or get computer services gurus like Buffalo Computer Help to assist you.

  1. Phishing

What is phishing?
Often posing as a request for data from a trusted third party, phishing attacks are sent via email and ask users to click on a link and enter their personal data. Phishing emails have gotten much more sophisticated in recent years, making it difficult for some people to discern a legitimate request for information from a false one. Phishing emails often fall into the same category as spam but are more harmful than just a simple ad.
How does phishing work? Phishing emails include a link that directs the user to a dummy site that will steal a user’s information. In some cases, all a user has to do is click on the link.
How can Buffalo businesses prevent phishing attempts? Verify any requests from institutions that arrive via email over the phone. If the email itself has a phone number, don’t call that number, but rather find one independently online or within documentation, you’ve received from that company.
Most companies are adamant that they will not ask for personal information via email. At the same time, most companies strongly recommend that users not make sensitive information available. While it might seem like a pain to make a phone call to find out if something is legitimate, the hassle of having your Social Security number or EIN stolen is worse.

  1. Password Attacks

What is a password attack? A password attack, a.k.a. password cracking consists of a third party trying to gain access to your systems by cracking a user’s password.
How do such password exploits work? This type of attack does not usually require any type of malicious code or software to run on the system. There is software that attackers use to try and crack your password, but this software is typically run on their own system. Programs use many methods to access accounts, including brute force attacks made to guess passwords, as well as comparing various word combinations against a dictionary file.
How can you as a Buffalo business owner prevent one? Strong passwords are really the only way to safeguard against password attacks. This means using a combination of upper- and lower-case letters, symbols, and numbers, and having at least eight characters or more (truly strong passwords generally have 12-20 characters). As a point of reference, a hacker using a brute force password cracking program can typically unlock a password with all lower-case letters in a matter of minutes. It’s also recommended not to use words found in the dictionary, no matter how long they are; it just makes the password attacker’s job easier.
It’s also good practice to change your passwords at regular intervals (unless you want to face a likely computer repair job due to a hacker locking down your Buffalo business with ransomware or some other malware virus). If a hacker is able to obtain an older password, then it won’t work because it’s been replaced!

  1. Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) Attacks

A DDoS attack focuses on disrupting the service of a network. Attackers send high volumes of data or traffic through the network (i.e. making lots of connection requests), until the network becomes overloaded and can no longer function.
How does a DDoS attack work? There are a few different ways hackers can wield DDoS attacks, but the most common involves the attacker using multiple computers to send the traffic or data that will overload the system. In many instances, a person may not even realize that his or her computer has been hijacked and is contributing to the DDoS attack.
Disrupting service can have serious consequences relating to security and online access. Many instances of large-scale DDoS attacks have been implemented as a sign of protest toward governments or individuals and have led to severe punishment, including jail time.
How can your Buffalo business prevent a Denial-of-Service or DDoS attack? Unless your company is huge, it’s rare that you would be targeted by an outside group or attacker for a DDoS attack. Your site or network could still fall victim to one, however, if another organization on your network is targeted.
The best way to prevent an additional breach is to keep your system as secure as possible with regular software updates, online security monitoring, and monitoring of your data flow to identify any unusual or threatening spikes in traffic before they become a problem. DoS attacks can also be perpetrated by simply cutting a cable or dislodging a plug that connects your website’s server to the internet, so due diligence in physically monitoring your connections is recommended as well.

  1. “Man in the Middle” (MITM) Attacks

By impersonating the endpoints in an online information exchange (i.e. the connection from your smartphone to a website), the MITM can attack your network by obtaining information from the end user and the entity he or she is communicating with.
For example, if you are banking online, the MITM would communicate with you by impersonating your bank, and communicate with the bank by impersonating you. This type of hacker would then receive all of the information transferred between both parties, which could include sensitive data, such as bank accounts and personal information.
Normally, a MITM gains access through a non-encrypted wireless access point (i.e. one that doesn’t use WAP, WPA, WPA2, or other security measures). They would then have access to all of the information being transferred between both parties.
How can you prevent it? The best way to prevent MITM attacks is to only use encrypted wireless access points that use WPA security or greater. If you need to connect to a website, make sure it uses an HTTPS connection or, for better security, consider investing in a virtual private network (VPN). HTTPS uses certificates that verify the identity of the servers you’re connecting to using a third-party company such as VeriSign, while VPNs allow you to connect to websites and enjoy anonymous web browsing and added perimeter security.

  1. Drive-By Downloads

What is a drive-by download? Through malware on a legitimate website, a program is downloaded to a user’s system just by visiting the site. It doesn’t require any type of action by the user to download.
Typically, a small snippet of code is downloaded to the user’s system and that code then reaches out to another computer to get the rest and download the program. It often exploits vulnerabilities in the user’s operating system or in different programs, such as Java and Adobe.
How can drive-by downloads be prevented? The best way is to be sure all of your operating systems and software programs are up to date. This lowers your risk of vulnerability. Additionally, try to minimize the number of browser add-ons you use as these can be easily compromised. For example, if your computers don’t need Flash or the Java plug-in, consider uninstalling them.

  1. Malvertising

Malvertising is a way to compromise your computer with malicious code that is downloaded to your system when you click on an affected ad.
How does malvertising work? Cyber-attackers upload infected display ads to different sites using an ad network. These ads are then distributed to sites that match certain keywords and search criteria. Once a user clicks on one of these ads, some type of malware will be downloaded. Any website or web publisher can be subjected to malvertising, and many don’t even know they’ve been compromised.
How can you prevent malvertising on your business IT network? The best way to prevent falling victim to malvertising is to use common sense. Any ad that seems to be obvious clickbait, promises riches, free computers or cruises to the Bahamas is probably too good to be true and therefore could be hiding malware. As always, up-to-date software and operating systems are your best first line of defense.

  1. Rogue Software

What is rogue software? It’s malware that masquerades as legitimate and necessary security software that will keep your system safe.
It works like this: rogue security software designers make pop-up windows and alerts that look legitimate. These alerts advise the user to download security software, agree to terms, or update their current system in an effort to stay protected. By clicking “yes” to any of these scenarios, the rogue software is downloaded to the user’s computer.
How can you prevent it? The best defense is a good offense—in this case, an updated firewall. Make sure you have a working one in your office that protects you and your employees from these types of attacks. It is also a good idea to install a trusted anti-virus or anti-spyware software program that can detect threats like rogue software (or get trusted computer support services like Buffalo Computer Help/Globalquest Solutions to help you).
As with most types of crime, “eternal vigilance” is one of the keys to prevention. As cyber-criminals become more sophisticated and more transactions migrate online, the number of threats to people and businesses will continue to grow. Prepare yourself and your business by taking the time to secure your systems and make cybersecurity a top priority. [Source credit: Quickbooks.Intuit.com]
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Don’t Let Hackers Attack Your Buffalo Business Without a Fight!

If you need to step up your vigilance against cyberattacks beyond these tips, you can start locally, i.e. right here in Western New York State, with Globalquest Solutions’ Buffalo Computer Help. We can help your business beat hackers and hacking attempts through consistent, reliable computer support and computer repair services that promise to serve you well throughout your company lifecycle!

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