Cyber attacks happen when weaknesses in technology or human behaviour are exploited by malicious actors. These attacks, often low in sophistication but highly effective, are usually successful due to poor cybersecurity practices.
In fact, 99.9% of cyber attacks are preventable, as they rely on vulnerabilities such as weak passwords, unpatched software, or human error. At Northstar Services Ltd, we specialise in IT support and cybersecurity, helping businesses defend against these threats. Here’s how cyber attacks happen and, more importantly, how you can protect your business.
Exploiting Vulnerabilities: The Core of Cyber Attacks
Hackers frequently exploit vulnerabilities in systems or take advantage of human errors to initiate cyber attacks. In fact, 43% of cyber attacks target small businesses, largely due to easily exploitable gaps in security such as outdated software or weak password policies. These attacks often occur without the victim realising it because the attacker remains hidden.
At Northstar Services Ltd, we help businesses identify these vulnerabilities and implement strategies to strengthen their defences, thereby reducing the risk of cyber attacks.
Social Engineering: A Leading Cause of Cyber Attacks
Social engineering is responsible for many cyber attacks. Hackers use psychological manipulation to trick people into giving away sensitive information or granting access to systems. Phishing, one of the most common social engineering techniques, accounts for over 90% of cyber attacks. Victims are tricked into clicking malicious links or providing personal details.
Example: In 2020, Twitter fell victim to a phishing attack where hackers targeted employees, gaining access to high-profile accounts and using them for a Bitcoin scam.
Prevention Tips:
- Employee Training: Train staff to recognise phishing attempts. At Northstar Services Ltd, we offer comprehensive cybersecurity training that helps employees identify phishing emails and suspicious links.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Adding MFA ensures that even if credentials are compromised, attackers won’t easily access your systems.
Learn more about recovering from phishing-based cyber attacks by visiting our Ransomware Recovery Process: 3-Step Guide.
Hackers often rely on social engineering techniques to manipulate individuals into revealing sensitive information or granting system access, leading to cyber attacks. For instance, phishing accounts for over 90% of cyber attacks, as victims are tricked into clicking on malicious links or providing personal details.
In 2020, Twitter fell victim to a phishing attack when hackers manipulated employees into providing access to high-profile accounts, which were then used for a Bitcoin scam.
Brute Force Attacks: A Frequent Entry Point for Cyber Attacks
Brute force attacks are another way cyber attacks happen. Hackers use automated tools to guess passwords repeatedly until they find the correct one. This method works particularly well when companies use weak or reused passwords. Research shows that 80% of data breaches involve weak or stolen credentials, making password strength a crucial factor in preventing brute force attacks.
Example: In 2017, a brute force attack led to the hacking of nearly 200,000 websites by guessing weak admin passwords.
Prevention Tips:
- Strong Password Policies: Implement complex, unique passwords for every account.
- Multi-Factor Authentication: MFA reduces the likelihood of brute force attacks being successful, as it adds an extra layer of security.
At Northstar Services Ltd, we can help implement password management tools and MFA across your systems to reduce the risk of brute force attacks. Contact us for more information.
Unpatched Software: The Silent Vulnerability
Unpatched software is one of the easiest ways cyber attacks happen. Hackers exploit known vulnerabilities in outdated software, and if systems aren’t regularly updated, the risk of a breach increases significantly. According to studies, 60% of data breaches are linked to vulnerabilities that have not been patched.
Example: In 2017, the Equifax data breach, one of the most infamous breaches in recent history, occurred due to an unpatched vulnerability in the Apache Struts framework. Despite a patch being available, it was not applied promptly, resulting in the exposure of sensitive data from 147 million customers. This breach underscores the importance of timely patch management.
Prevention Tips:
- Regular Updates: Keep your software up-to-date by installing security patches as soon as they’re available.
- Automated Patch Management: At Northstar Services Ltd, we manage software updates to ensure your systems are always secure.
Exposure of Credentials: A Common Factor in Cyber Attacks
Stolen or exposed login credentials are another major way cyber attacks happen. Hackers use leaked credentials to access systems, often without the user’s knowledge. A study found that over 15 billion credentials are circulating on the dark web, with many businesses unaware that their data is exposed.
Example: In 2021, the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack began when hackers gained access through a single compromised password found on the dark web.
Prevention Tips:
- Monitor for Breaches: Regularly check if your credentials have been compromised using services like “Have I Been Pwned.”
- Use Unique Passwords: Avoid using the same password across multiple platforms to minimise the impact of credential-based attacks.
If your credentials have been exposed, it’s essential to act fast. Northstar Services Ltd can help you secure your accounts and reduce the risk of future cyber attacks.
Cyber Hygiene: Key to Preventing
Poor cyber hygiene is a leading cause of cyber attacks. Just as poor personal hygiene increases the risk of illness, poor cyber hygiene practices, such as weak passwords, outdated software, or unsecured devices, increase the risk of a cyber attack. 99.9% of cyber attacks are successful due to poor cyber hygiene, making it one of the most preventable issues.
Prevention Tips:
- Install Antivirus and Anti-Malware Software: Ensure all devices are protected with up-to-date antivirus software to guard against malware.
- Regular Backups: Regularly back up your data to reduce the impact of ransomware and other attacks.
- Monitor Systems: Regularly monitor systems for suspicious activity to catch potential breaches early.
At Northstar Services Ltd, we offer a range of services to improve your cyber hygiene, from antivirus installation to proactive monitoring. Get in touch today to ensure your business is protected from cyber attacks.
Act Now to Prevent Cyber Attacks
Cyber attacks are a growing threat to businesses of all sizes. Whether it’s brute force attacks, phishing, or vulnerabilities in unpatched software, knowing how cyber attacks happen is the first step to preventing them. With over 43% of cyber attacks targeting small businesses, it’s essential to take action now.
At Northstar Services Ltd, we specialise in IT support and cybersecurity solutions designed to protect your business. Whether it’s implementing stronger password policies, training your employees, or ensuring your software is up-to-date, we’re here to help.
Don’t wait for a cyber attack to strike. Contact us today to secure your systems against cyber threats, and be sure to check out our Ransomware Recovery Process: 3-Step Guide for steps to take after an attack.
