While most spam is just a nuisance, criminals can use it to unleash malicious attacks. For example, scammers send spam to gain illegal access to devices and compromise your systems by unleashing phishing attacks or spreading malware through the system.

In this article, we will walk through the various types of spam, how to identify them, and the steps you can take to fight them.

Types of spam

Though spam began primarily as an email phenomenon, it is now widespread in many forms, from SEO and social media spam to smishing spam and malware spam.

SEO spam

SEO spam, otherwise known as “spamdexing,” is a form of spam where hackers use SEO spam to inject websites with spammy links and build backlinks to their scam websites. This is a shortcut way for scammers to inflate their organic search engine rankings in a short span of time. 

SEO spam is a common form of website attack, with a Sucuri report noting that SEO spam is one of the fastest-growing infection trends. For instance, in 2018, almost 51% of website attacks were related to SEO spam.

Social media spam

With increased social media usage, spammers have found a golden opportunity to target users on these platforms. The motive behind social media spam for hackers is to amplify traffic or revenue for a spammer’s website. 

In an effort to measure social media spam, content marketing agency FoundationInc teamed up with Question Pro and Orbit Media. Among other findings, the report revealed that:   

• Social media accounts like Facebook and Instagram are the most spammy.
• 60% of users get spam DMs.
• 20% of users get spam DMs every day.
• Users on LinkedIn get fewer spam messages.

Smishing

Smishing (a portmanteau of SMS phishing) is a phishing attack where scammers send phishing messages through SMS to users on their mobile devices. Smishing messages can also be delivered via popular text messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Messenger, Viber, Snapchat, and Skype.

Hackers use social engineering techniques to manipulate users into clicking on malicious URLs. Smishing is a popular method for delivering spam, as users have a higher level of trust in messaging platforms than in emails.

Malware spam (malspam)

Malspam or malicious spam is usually delivered via spam or phishing emails and gets activated when users open infected files and get directed to malicious delivery sites.

Threat actors use spoofing techniques (impersonating a trusted entity to make users open or click an email) and deliver malware like Trojan horses, keyloggers, spyware, and ransomware to a user’s device. 

The deadly Emotet malware that infected more than a million computers and caused billions of dollars of damage worldwide is a case of malspam.

Chain letter spam

Another kind of spam is chain letter spam, which encourages multiple people to forward messages to other email users. Fraudsters capitalize on human greed and entice them into forwarding chain messages.

Money spam is another example of chain letter spam that is sent to multiple people, promising them huge sums of money in return for a small investment. “Nigerian prince” fraud scams are a well-known example of money spam.

How to recognize spam

Today’s email clients are growing more effective at identifying and filtering spam — but as anyone who has had to go searching in their Spam folder for an important personal email knows, they’re not perfect.

No matter how much we try to avoid it, all of us, at some point in time, have fallen victim to spam. After all, spammers are experts at making spam emails look credible. Fortunately, certain indicators can help you detect spam and avoid clicking on it. Here is how you can identify spam.

Generic greeting messages

Spam emails usually begin with generic greetings like “account holder,” “dear sir,” “valued customer,” etc. A legitimate sender will address you by your name instead of a copy/paste generic greeting.

A forced sense of urgency

More often than not, spam emails create a sense of urgency and demand the reader take action immediately. According to a study by KnowBe4, phishing emails with the following subject lines had the most clicks:

• IT Reminder: Your Password Expires in Less Than 24 Hours (12%)
• All Employees: Update your Healthcare Info (10%)
• Change of Password Required Immediately (10%)
• Revised Vacation & Sick Time Policy (8%)
• Quick company survey (8%)
• Email Account Updates (8%)

Poorly writing and grammar

Professional organizations don’t send emails containing poorly worded sentences or with evident spelling mistakes. If you notice any of the above, it could indicate a spam email.

Forged domain name

Threat actors will modify the spelling of the address field to make it difficult to distinguish from a legitimate source at first glance. This technique is called email spoofing, where scammers impersonate a legitimate email address to fool users into clicking on the mail and possibly sharing vital info.

For example, PayPal might be written as Paypal, or Walmart might be spelled as WalMart. A rule of thumb is to check the domain name for spelling mistakes since trusted companies will never go wrong with their spelling.

Unknown attachments

A safe cybersecurity practice is never to download unknown attachments from sources you do not know. Be careful when downloading them, as it may result in malware being downloaded on your device and causing damage.  

Be especially cautious with file attachments like .vbs, .exe, .js, or .scr. Since executable files like .exe can install files on your computer, they can be used to easily infect computers with malware.

Tips for preventing spam

In 2022, approximately 53% of worldwide email traffic was spam, with Google alone blocking around 100 million spam messages every day. If you are fed up with the never-ending stream of junk emails clogging your inbox, here are some quick and easy tips for dealing with them.

Don’t share your email address too widely

We freely share our email addresses without thinking much about it, whether signing up for newsletters or company coupons or sharing it on social media. Each time you do so, however, you’re increasing your chance of exposure to hackers and spammers.

To be on the safe side, it’s better to keep your email address private and share it only when it’s necessary to do so. You can create a “dummy account” only for generic subscriptions and company signups, or better yet, use a temporary email address — there are lots of free hosting options available online.

Obfuscating your email ID or using email aliases will improve email security and prevent your ID from falling prey to email harvesters.

Beware of suspicious emails

Be wary of suspicious emails from unknown people or ones that invoke a sense of urgency. If anything seems off, simply delete the email instead of opening and engaging with them, as doing so increases the chances of you receiving even more spam.

Don’t respond to spam emails

Never reply to emails that you suspect may be spam. When you reply, it confirms that your email account is active, making the spammer target you with more spam. Instead, you can either block the sender, or, if you are unsure, independently email the relevant party from your address book or the company’s contact page to ensure you are dealing with the correct people and not a spoofer.

Use a third-party spam filter

Most likely, your email service provider already uses a spam filter to filter out spam messages. But for additional security, invest in a third-party spam filter. Spam filters use instance-based or rule-based algorithms to parse the contents of an email before sending them forth. With two spam filters working side-by-side, you can rest assured that even if spammers manage to breach one filter, there is still another one to catch it.

Report spam emails

Flagging junk email as spam is another step you can take to prevent excessive spam from landing in your inbox. Reporting spam emails will alert your mailbox provider about the spammer’s activities and prevent them from contacting you further.

Create a new email ID

You may need to create a new email address if you have tried all the methods but still receive excessive spam messages. Once you have created a new account, you can notify all your contacts to let them know you have a new email ID.

Bottom line: Avoiding dangerous spam

While not all forms of spam are dangerous, excessive spam leads to bandwidth expenses, productivity loss, and other unseen costs. And that’s not to mention the cybersecurity challenges that phishing emails pose. Although there is no way you can stop spam entirely, you can still restrict the amount of spam you receive by adopting the steps outlined above.

One of the most important steps to protect your network and your endpoints is installing an effective firewall. Here are the best firewalls for SMBs — and the best firewalls for enterprises.

The post What Is Spam? Tips for Fighting Spam Calls and Emails appeared first on Enterprise Networking Planet.

With a hacker attacking every 39 seconds, organizations must know the ins and outs of hacking and learn how to avoid being hacked.

This guide will describe how hacking works, the types of hacking methods, and how best to prevent them.

How hacking works in 5 steps

Hacking typically proceeds over the course of five stages: reconnaissance, scanning, access, maintenance, and clearing tracks.

1. Reconnaissance

Reconnaissance is the first phase of hacking, where the hacker tries to gather the maximum information possible on the target’s computer system. It is a time-consuming process, as the hacker has to identify weak entry ports and active machines and do network mapping to gain detailed information about the target network.

To aid the process, hackers use social engineering and dumpster diving techniques to obtain sensitive information like passwords, account details, social security numbers, and other credentials.

2. Scanning

After the organization’s surveillance has been satisfactorily completed, hackers scan the network for specific vulnerabilities they can exploit. Weaknesses they look for include open services and ports and the devices used on the network.

There are three types of scanning:

• Port scanning to extract information about live ports and services running on the network.
• Vulnerability scanning to identify vulnerabilities and exploit them. Hackers often use automated vulnerability scanners to speed up the process of detecting vulnerabilities more quickly.
• Network scanning to create maps of networks and locate the organization’s firewalls, routers, and networks.

3. Access

In the access phase, hackers do the actual hacking. They use various techniques like man-in-the-middle (MitM) attacks, brute force attacks, spoofing, session hijacking, and denial-of-service (DoS) attacks to infiltrate the system. The network maps created in the previous process aid them in gaining access to confidential data and systems in the network.

4. Maintaining access

In this phase, hackers strive to maintain the access they gained earlier. They use several options like backdoors, Trojan horse viruses, and rootkits to secure continued access to the network and acquire administrative privileges.

Getting elevated privileges allows them not only to control and modify data within the network but also to use the system to launch attacks on other networks.

5. Clearing tracks

This is the last phase of hacking, where hackers try to remove all signs of the attack to evade detection. They achieve this by deleting log files, closing all open ports, and clearing cookies and caches.

How to prevent network hacking

Organizations can protect their networks against hacking by implementing anti-malware protection and firewalls, keeping software updated, and using strong passwords as part of a robust cybersecurity stack.

Use anti-malware protection

The first thing organizations should do is to download and install a reliable antivirus software solution that can protect their network from hard-to-detect malware. 

A robust antivirus or anti-malware solution will regularly scan your computer for both incoming and existing threats. These solutions even prevent users from accessing suspicious websites. Further, they come with regular updates to counter newer versions of malware.

Use firewalls

A sound network firewall system equipped with robust security features is a cornerstone of any network security stack. Firewalls add multiple layers of protection to your security measures and block illegal access to your data and devices. 

Network firewalls are located on the network’s edge and scan incoming traffic for potential threats. As part of a defense-in-depth approach to security, firewalls don’t just block incoming attacks: they also check for data exfiltration and limit insider threats as well.

Keep your software updated

Outdated software can make hacking your networks and computing devices easier for cybercriminals. A case in point was the 2017 WannaCry ransomware attack that targeted users and organizations who did not update their software on time.

With new vulnerabilities constantly emerging, keeping your software updated is one of the best defenses against cybercriminals.

Use strong passwords

Weak passwords are one of the most common entry points for hackers. Using strong passwords can make it more difficult for cybercriminals to compromise your system.

Some pointers to keep in mind are:

• Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts.
• Use a combination of words, special characters, and symbols.
• Change your passwords often.

You can also use a password manager to keep track of all your company passwords and ensure accounts remain secure and only accessible by authorized users.

Types of hacking

Hacking can come in many different forms, but some of the most common approaches are through social engineering, brute force, backdoors, and distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks.

Social engineering

Social engineering is a manipulation method fraudsters use to trick users into giving away sensitive personal information. Social engineering is a relatively easy way to get into a system, as the user willingly hands over confidential and vital information to the hacker.

Social engineering attacks depend on popup ads, instant messages, and various forms of phishing to achieve their aim.

Brute force attacks

Brute force attacks are trial-and-error methods hackers use to obtain passwords. Hackers use guesswork to decode passwords by generating different combinations for letters or numerical patterns to help them crack password combinations.

Using long, complex passwords with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols can help make your passwords hard to guess.

Backdoor attacks

Backdoor attacks are attacks where hackers gain root access to computer systems and networks without the user or organization noticing it. Once they gain high-level access, they can steal info or inject malware into the system.

According to the IBM Security X-Force Threat Intelligence Index 2023 report, backdoor attacks were the most common attacks by threat actors in 2022, leading to a significant spike in Emotet cases in the months of February and March.

Distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks

A DDoS attack is a hacking method where hackers send unusually large amounts of traffic to a website, preventing users from loading and accessing its pages. DDoS attackers use botnets or zombie computers and spoofed IP addresses to overload a computer system with data packets, eventually leading to a website crash.

DDoS attacks remain one of the biggest cyber challenges, with attacks growing by 150% in 2022 compared to the previous year.

What can happen if a hacker gets into your network?

Depending on the hacker’s motives — e.g., financial gain, hacktivism, or theft (see below) — they might execute all manner of different attacks on your network.

Successful hacking attempts might result in the perpetrator:

• Stealing your bank details and opening bank accounts in your name.
• Selling your personal information for monetary gain.
• Exfiltrating your data for ransom or other purposes.
• Deleting important files on your device.
• Encrypting your essential files and decrypting them only when you pay a ransom.
• Damaging your credit score or your organization’s reputation.

Top reasons people hack into networks

Hackers typically break into networks for personal monetary gain, political or ideological hacktivism, or to steal information for a variety of purposes.

Monetary gain

While there are several reasons why people hack into networks, monetary gains remain one of the primary motivations for hackers. In fact, an overwhelming 95% of breaches are financially driven. 

As ransomware attacks continue to rise year-over-year, they cost businesses huge sums of money. Ransom payments by organizations worldwide amounted to $8.44 trillion in 2022 alone. And these figures are expected to increase further and reach $23.82 trillion by 2027.

Hacktivism

Hacktivism is a form of hacking where hackers or “hacktivists” attack corporate organizations or governments that they deem dangerous or oppressive. These attacks are more likely to be centered around sabotaging organizations by deleting or corrupting data, rather than simply stealing it.

Usually driven by political reasons, the main aim of hacktivists is to promote a particular ideology and draw public attention to issues they feel have been sidelined. Some of the most famous examples of hacktivism include WikiLeaks, LulzSec, and, more recently, the Russia-Ukraine war.

Steal information

Yet another common reason for cybercriminals to hack is to steal information. This could range from financial details to classified information about your clients or business. With this info, hackers can perform identity theft, initiate an account takeover, perform phishing attacks, or demand a ransom.

Bottom line: Protect your organization against network hacking

The ramifications of a cyberattack resulting from hacking can be devastating. Losing organizational data to hacking not only results in monetary losses, but your company’s reputation also takes a hit.

With hackers getting more innovative with time, paying close attention to cybersecurity and safeguarding your data and networks is critical. One of the best methods is educating your staff on cybersecurity best practices, as is downloading a comprehensive anti-malware security solution to protect your networks from the latest cybersecurity threats.

Here are six simple steps you can follow to secure your network. Or, entrust your protection to one of the best enterprise network security companies.

The post What Is Network Hacking? How to Avoid Being Hacked appeared first on Enterprise Networking Planet.

This article will explore various network security threats and the potential consequences they can inflict. It will also address proactive defense strategies and best practices for mitigating them.

To successfully address network threats, organizations must learn how to secure a network properly and adopt a combination of network security practices. These practices are built to prevent and mitigate potential threats, safeguarding the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data and resources.

However, it’s important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all approach, as each threat may require a specific countermeasure. By gaining a comprehensive understanding of network threats and learning how to defend against them, you can strengthen our network security and safeguard data against risks.

1. Malware

Malware is a form of malicious software that poses a major threat to computer systems as it jeopardizes devices and causes extensive damage to data and systems. It spreads through various vectors, including emails, links, and websites.

This threat can manifest in different forms once inside a system, such as ransomware, viruses, worms, Trojan horses, and spyware. Threat actors use malware to steal sensitive data, block file access, disrupt system operations, or render systems inoperable.

Defending against malware

• Install reputable antivirus and anti-malware software and keep them updated to scan malicious software and prevent infections.
• Be vigilant about email attachments, downloads from untrusted websites, and popup ads to reduce risks.
• Enable automatic software updates for operating systems, applications, and security patches.

2. Phishing

Phishing attacks encompass different attempts to deceive individuals into opening suspicious links or downloading malicious programs through emails built for specific targets. Attackers impersonate reputable entities to distribute harmful attachments or links, which can extract confidential data like passwords, credit card information, or login credentials.

Defending against phishing attacks

• Provide employee training on how to identify phishing and understand its risks.
• Exercise caution when clicking on links or opening email attachments from unknown or suspicious sources.
• Check emails and messages for signs of phishing, such as misspellings, grammatical errors, or requests for sensitive information.
• Use email filters and spam detection mechanisms to identify and block phishing attempts.

3. Ransomware

Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts an organization’s data and blocks system access.  Attackers hold data hostage and promise to release it when the victim pays the ransom. Ransomware attacks are often financially motivated, and the criminals aim to extort money from individuals, businesses, or organizations.

Defending against ransomware

• Administer up-to-date antivirus software and regular system updates.
• Regularly back up critical data.
• Enforce strong access controls and user privileges.
• Perform regular network monitoring.
• Develop an incident response plan.

4. Distributed denial of service (DDoS)

DDoS is an advanced technique that disrupts the availability of targeted resources by overwhelming them with a flood of fake traffic. Usually, DDoS attacks are orchestrated through a botnet consisting of numerous compromised machines controlled by the attacker.

The goals of these attacks can be twofold: to distract IT and security teams while conducting a separate, more damaging attack, or simply to overload the targeted systems to make them unresponsive or shut down completely.

By overburdening servers with an excessive volume of information requests, DDoS attacks can effectively deny service to legitimate users.

Defending against DDoS

• Use firewalls and intrusion prevention systems (IPS) to filter and block suspicious traffic.
• Configure network devices to limit incoming requests and traffic.
• Employ load-balancing techniques to distribute traffic across multiple servers.
• Apply a content delivery network (CDN) to handle traffic spikes and absorb attacks.
• Utilize traffic monitoring and detection tools for real-time identification and mitigation.
• Employ a DDoS protection service to monitor and protect your network.

5. Social engineering

Social engineering attacks are a type of network threat that relies on manipulating human emotions, such as curiosity, fear, or trust, to deceive individuals into taking actions that breach network security.

Attackers use several techniques, including phishing, baiting, tailgating, and pretexting, to trick users into divulging sensitive information or unwittingly deploying malware.

Defending against social engineering attacks

• Train employees to be cautious when disclosing sensitive information, even from trusted sources.
• Establish procedures to verify the identity of users requesting sensitive information or access.
• Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) to reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
• Provide regular security awareness training to enhance employees’ understanding and ability to identify and report suspicious activities.

6. Insider threats

Insider threats are a serious concern in the cybersecurity realm since the attack stems from within an organization itself.

Insider threats materialize when individuals with legitimate access privileges to the network misuse them, resulting in detrimental consequences for the organization’s systems and data. They can manifest in both intentional and unintentional actions, resulting in breached confidentiality, availability, and integrity of enterprise resources.

Insider threats pose a distinct challenge because they blend in with regular user behavior, making it difficult for security professionals and systems to distinguish between harmless actions and malicious intent.

Defending against insider threats

• Impose stringent access controls and user privileges.
• Grant users only necessary access and permissions.
• Regularly review and audit user accounts and permissions for unauthorized activities.
• Monitor and log systems to track user activities and identify anomalies.
• Establish clear security policies and procedures, emphasizing employee responsibilities and consequences for protocol violations.
• Adopt a zero-trust security approach to validate all users and activities, regardless of their location or network.

7. Advanced Persistent Threats (APT)

APTs are well-coordinated and highly complex attacks conducted by organized hacker groups. Cybercriminals use different tactics — including social engineering, malware deployment, and exploiting vulnerabilities — to infiltrate targeted networks, evade security measures, and maintain a low profile.

The main objective of APT attacks is generally focused on data theft rather than causing immediate network disruption. APTs can persist for extended periods, ranging from months to even years, allowing the attackers to access valuable assets and exfiltrate data undetected. This network security threat predominantly targets high-value entities, such as large corporations and even sovereign nations.

Defending against APTs

• Implement two-factor authentication (2FA) and strong passwords.
• Regularly patch systems and monitor network activity.
• Encrypt sensitive information, even in the cloud.
• Carry out regular system audits and close vulnerabilities.
• Use network segmentation and strong access controls.
• Deploy robust endpoint protection.
• Educate employees on APT recognition and reporting.

8. Network hacking

Network hacking involves various tactics by hackers to gain unauthorized access to network resources or devices. They typically target weaknesses in operating systems or applications. Password cracking, SQL injection, and cross-site scripting (XSS) are examples of methods hackers use to take advantage of security flaws and control systems.

Defending against network hacking

• Guide users in creating strong and unique passwords for all network devices and accounts.
• Enable 2FA for added security.
• Regularly update and patch network devices, operating systems, and applications to address flaws.
• Employ ethical hacking measures to combat illicit invaders.

9. SQL injection (SQLi) attacks

SQLi attacks specifically target databases, enabling the extraction of private information. By injecting malicious SQL code, attackers illegally access and compromise private data.

The consequences of a successful SQL injection attack can be severe, ranging from identity spoofing, data tampering, complete data disclosure, data destruction, and data unavailability, all the way up to the possibility of assuming total control over the database servers.

Defending against SQLi attacks

• Implement 2FA and strong passwords.
• Regularly patch systems and monitor network activity.
• Encrypt sensitive information, even in the cloud.
• Carry out regular system and network audits and close vulnerabilities.
• Use network segmentation and strong access controls.
• Deploy robust endpoint protection.
• Educate employees on APT recognition and reporting.

10. Man-in-the-middle (MitM) attacks

An MitM attack is a type of network threat where an unauthorized individual intercepts and modifies communication between two parties without their knowledge, positioning themselves covertly between the sender and receiver.

Through techniques like ARP spoofing, DNS spoofing, or Wi-Fi eavesdropping, the attacker aims to access sensitive data, manipulate communication, or impersonate the parties involved.

These attacks mainly target users of financial applications, e-commerce sites, and platforms that require login credentials, aiming to steal personal information. Stolen data can then be used for identity theft, unauthorized fund transfers, or illicit password changes.

Defending against MitM attacks

• Use secure protocols like HTTPS and VPNs to protect against interception.
• Utilize certificates and digital signatures to verify the identity of communicating parties.
• Regularly update and patch network devices and software to address known weaknesses.
• Track network traffic for signs of tampering or unauthorized interception.
• Educate users about the risks associated with public Wi-Fi networks and promote using secure connections to access sensitive information.

What is a network threat?

A network threat is any malicious act designed to corrupt or illegally obtain data or damage an organization’s digital systems. It can endanger networks by gaining unauthorized access to data and stealing sensitive information. Network security threats can negatively impact business operations and lead to productivity, financial, and data loss.

Network threats can be categorized into two types: active network attacks and passive network attacks.

Active network attacks

Active network attacks are deliberate attempts to gain unauthorized access to a network for the purpose of manipulating, encrypting, damaging, or deleting data. They involve direct interaction with the network and its resources, and their effect is often easy to detect due to noticeable unapproved changes and data loss.

The key objective of these attacks is to harm the targeted data and disrupt network operations. Active attacks can cause service interruptions, data corruption, and system crashes, making them a serious cybersecurity concern.

Passive network attacks

Passive network attacks aim to secretly infiltrate an organization’s network and steal or monitor its information. Unlike active attacks, passive attacks do not involve network or data alterations, making them harder to catch.

Instead, passive network attacks try to intercept sensitive data, such as usernames, passwords, and confidential information, without changing the transmitted data. Attackers may maintain access for extended periods, undetected.

Knowing the differences between passive and active attacks enable organizations to select appropriate defense strategies and administer security measures to protect against both types of threats.

What are the challenges of securing a network?

Securing a network presents numerous challenges that organizations must deal with to ensure comprehensive cybersecurity, including the inherent complexity of network structures and the changing nature of the cyberthreat landscape, the rise of remote work, and the ever-present risk of simple human error.

Network complexity

Networks have become increasingly complicated, comprising interconnected devices, systems, and protocols. Effectively managing and securing this complexity is daunting, particularly in large-scale environments. It requires expertise in diverse network technologies and a deep understanding of the infrastructure.

Cyberthreat evolution

As technology advances, attackers employ increasingly sophisticated tactics to breach corporate networks, compelling businesses to implement robust defenses.

Advanced cyberthreats like ransomware and DDoS exploit vulnerabilities within distributed networks, where visibility and control may be limited. Remote and roaming users are particularly susceptible, as the traditional centralized security model fails to offer adequate protection.

Remote work

With the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic, remote work has become the new norm. Consequently, the security scope extends beyond conventional office environments, now including the personal routers and Wi-Fi networks of each remote employee.

Ensuring the security of these individual connections is an immense challenge, as security teams lack control over how employees manage their networks. This presents a substantial risk, as every remote worker could potentially become an entry point for attacks.

Personal devices connecting to corporate networks

When the home network merges with the work network, every connected device, like tablets, gaming consoles, printers, or other IoT devices, becomes a possible gateway for attackers. Through these weak points, cybercriminals can illegally access corporate systems and valuable data.

Insufficient budget

Implementing effective network security measures requires allocating budget toward technology, skilled personnel, and ongoing maintenance. However, businesses sometimes face budget constraints and limited resources, posing challenges to achieving complete security measures.

Insufficient budget prevents cybersecurity teams from conducting regular audits, performing vulnerability assessments, and carrying out penetration testing, leaving impending threats unidentified and unmitigated.

Human error

Plain old human error continues to be perhaps the most significant weakness in network security, highlighting the need for ongoing education and awareness among users. It includes unintentional actions and inaction that can lead to data breaches, such as downloading infected software, using weak passwords, or neglecting software updates.

Bottom line: Protecting against network security threats

In the ever-evolving landscape of network security threats, corporations must prioritize a proactive and holistic defense approach to safeguard their systems and data. By addressing vulnerabilities, strengthening security measures, and fostering a culture of cyber vigilance, organizations can mitigate the risks posed by cyberattacks. Investing in prevention is of utmost importance, as the consequences of failure can be catastrophic.

With extensive network security strategies, ongoing monitoring, and continual adaptation, businesses can protect their networks and sensitive data, maintain the trust of stakeholders, and uphold their reputations. By staying one step ahead of threats, organizations can maneuver through the cyber realm with confidence and resilience.

We narrowed down the top enterprise security companies to help you build a complete overall security stack for your organization, as well as the best managed security service providers if you’re more inclined to outsource those concerns.

The post Top 10 Types of Network Security Threats: List and Defenses appeared first on Enterprise Networking Planet.

According to PurpleSec, 98% of cyberattacks rely to some extent on social engineering. Antivirus tools, while always helpful, are insufficient to protect against these threats. Enterprises need to develop comprehensive security awareness training programs that include components for addressing social engineering threats.

This guide will describe social engineering and how it works and provide recommendations for defending against these attacks.

Social engineering attack life cycle

A social engineering attack is typically carried out in four stages: investigation, hook, play, and exit.

Investigation

Once a malicious actor identifies a target or victim, they start to gather as much information as possible about the individual. This process is also known as the information gathering stage.

The social engineer scouts for information available in the public domain such as names, titles, areas of interests, address, social media, and other personal data that could help them carry out an attack.

Hook or relationship development

After gaining intelligence about their victims, they make contact via social media, email, phone calls, text or other available mediums to establish relationships and ultimately gain their victim’s trust.

Play

Social engineers expand their foothold in this stage and start to exploit the vulnerabilities they find while developing a relationship with the victim.

They may send a link that looks legitimate and encourage the victim to click it, giving the attacker access to confidential data.

They might also attempt to manipulate victims into taking specific actions, such as transferring money, making purchases, canceling orders, or divulging more sensitive information.

Exit

After a successful attack, social engineers usually attempt to cover their tracks to prevent detection and prosecution. They may delete logs, encrypt data, or use stolen credentials to commit additional crimes.

7 types of social engineering attacks

There are several different types of social engineering attacks, including phishing, baiting, tailgating, pretexting, and more — each with a different methodology. These attack methods can be used to access valuable and sensitive information from your organization or its employees.

Phishing 

By far the most common type of socially engineered attack, phishing occurs when an attacker uses deception to trick people into disclosing personal information such as usernames, passwords, or credit card details.

Phishing attacks typically come via email or instant messaging. Some types of phishing include:

• Vishing: Voice-based phishing that uses interactive voice response systems.
• Spear phishing: Phishing attacks targeting specific organizations or individuals.
• Angler phishing: Attacks carried out via spoof customer service accounts on social media.
• Smishing: SMS-based phishing.

Baiting

Baiting is another social engineering attack where an attacker lures their victim by offering something they want. This bait could be a new job offer, free tickets to a music festival, free merchandise, or infected devices.

The key here is that baiting involves enticing victims with something they want or need in order to encourage them to disclose confidential information.

Tailgating

A tailgater is a person who follows closely behind someone else through an open door or gate without permission. For example, in computer security, tailgating occurs when an unauthorized person gains entry to a secure area by following closely behind an authorized person with valid entry credentials.

It is often described as the art of sneaking into places because it relies on misdirection and concealment rather than brute force. It relies on the natural goodwill of people to be helpful to strangers who may have lost or forgotten their credentials.

Whaling

Whaling is a type of social engineering attack aimed at C-level executives. These attacks typically involve impersonation, and they’re meant to exploit greed, carelessness, and even desperation.

When well executed, this type of attack can be particularly effective because C-suite executives usually have higher clearance levels and more resources at their disposal.

Pretexting and quid pro quo

One of the more insidious forms of social engineering attacks is pretexting. A pretext is an excuse to justify a request for information, especially over a phone call or email conversation.

Quid pro quo (literally “something for something” in Latin) is a social engineering attack whereby the attacker makes a seemingly harmless request and offers something of value.

Scareware 

This social engineering attack is used to scare users into purchasing software or services they don’t need. Scareware is a form of malware that creates a sense of urgency by lying to and alarming end users with exaggerated claims of infection, infestation, or imminent danger.

Business email compromise (BEC)

BEC is a type of social engineering attack that targets business email accounts, and it’s quickly becoming one of the most dangerous threats to businesses.

According to the FBI Internet Crime Report 2022, the IC3 received 21,832 BEC complaints with adjusted losses of over $2.7 billion in 2022.

Companies must implement measures to verify and validate payments and purchase requests outside of email to avoid BEC attacks.

7 best practices for preventing social engineering

Social engineering attacks can be deceptively easy to pull off. However, there are several methods, such as staying on top of education and training efforts and implementing strong password and multifactor authentication policies, that savvy information security professionals — and other employees — can use to stay ahead of these schemes.

Here are some social engineering best practices that could help:

Educate employees about social engineering attacks

If your employees don’t know what a social engineering attack is, they won’t recognize it when it happens. Educating them on what an attack looks like, what red flags they should look out for, and who they should report suspicious activity to will help keep your organization safe.

Train employees on proper security behavior

After you educate your employees about potential threats, teach them how to handle those situations appropriately with hands-on training opportunities.

For example, teach them not to open attachments from unknown senders; if something seems fishy, contact IT immediately; and never give personal information over email or phone unless they verify the requestor’s identity.

Simulate a social engineering attack

Simulating a social engineering scenario within the organization is a good test to see how employees respond to an attack. This process can be carried out without giving employees prior notice; the percentage of pass versus fail will give companies an idea of how well the staff are prepared and areas that could use some improvement.

It’s important not to use this test as a means of retaliating against noncompliant employees. Instead, use it as a barometer across the organization to determine the overall effectiveness of your training initiatives, and where you may need to focus on additional remediation.

Implement strong password policies

Strong passwords require special characters, upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. In addition, they must be at least 12 to 16 characters long and changed every three months.

Weak passwords, on the other hand, include birthdays, names of family members or pets, and easily guessed words found in dictionaries.

Changing your password regularly makes it harder for social engineers to guess or crack your password and access your accounts. Use a password manager to help you create and store secure passwords.

Use two-factor or multifactor authentication (2FA or MFA)

MFA adds another layer of protection by requiring users to verify their identity through another method besides just a username and password. This often involves entering a code sent via text message or receiving an automated call before being granted access, but it could be any number of items, including tokens, biometrics, smart cards, or even retina scans.

Limit employee access privileges

Limiting an employee’s access to only what they need for their job reduces opportunities to accidentally or intentionally expose sensitive information. Also, giving employees access to sensitive information only on a need-to-know basis will help prevent them from inadvertently or deliberately sharing that information with others.

Regularly update software with patches

Regularly updating software ensures that all known vulnerabilities have been addressed. Patches are designed to fix security holes in software, but hackers can exploit them if they aren’t installed, so install patches as soon as they become available.

Bottom line: Social engineering attack prevention

Malicious actors constantly upgrade their social engineering techniques and devise new means to gain victims’ trust. Companies must educate their employees regularly to prevent these occurrences, in addition to maintaining strong password health, access controls, and a robust antivirus solution.

A managed security provider (MSP) can help your organization monitor and improve your overall security stack. Here are the best MSPs to help protect your networks and data.

The post What Are Social Engineering Attacks? Types and Prevention Tips appeared first on Enterprise Networking Planet.

How scareware works

Scareware generally presents as popup advertisements featuring wording and graphics meant to shock people and cause concern. The content might say their device has viruses on it or will experience a critical failure unless the reader acts immediately.

Because the warning is so alarming, people are more likely to click on the pop-up content without thinking.

Once they do that, they’ll land on a malicious website and get guided through actions that make it easier for cybercriminals to begin the infection process. Sometimes, people unknowingly download malware to their computers or phones just by clicking on the popup content to try to close it.

In other cases, cybercriminals purchase domains that are very close to the spellings of popular, genuine websites. When someone accidentally mistypes the intended URL, they are driven to the “evil twin” site instead, where they are shown a scareware message. They may be so surprised by the alleged device problems that they don’t even notice they typed in the wrong URL.

Signs of scareware

Some scareware functions as a wholly one-sided exchange. A victim sees a warning of a computer virus or similar problem, then clicks on the content to fix the issue. At that point, they get sent to another website — if malware doesn’t start immediately downloading onto their computer.

Scareware content often features exclamation marks, caution symbols, flashing graphics, and other characteristics to make people take notice and become frightened. Cybercriminals purposefully make the banners intrusive and annoying, hoping that people will hurriedly click on them, either out of fright or simply to get rid of them and continue browsing.

Scareware also frequently contains the names of products that will supposedly fix the problem. A banner might read, “Warning: Your computer has two trojan viruses. Click here to remove them with Security Toolkit XLT.”

Victims are often so caught up in the moment that they don’t take the time to research whether that program exists. (Spoiler: It doesn’t.)

Scareware attacks spanning multiple parties

Sometimes, however, the scareware attack involves people talking to scammers. In one case, a woman named Deborah had worked hard for decades and was preparing to retire. She typed what she thought was her bank’s URL into the browser’s address bar.

Unfortunately, she made a mistake and soon saw a warning message that her computer was infected, and she needed to contact a tech support representative right away.

Deborah called the provided number and began speaking to someone who seemed to be a tech support specialist. That person told her he needed access to her computer to remedy the problem. Plus, she had to download and install specialized software.

Once the representative had access, they searched her computer and confirmed the supposed virus had also compromised her bank account. The scam escalated, and the tech support person connected her to another individual from the bank’s fraud department.

That individual recommended that she transfer all her money into another specific account in order to protect it. Then, the fraud specialist said her retirement account was also affected by the original computer virus but connected her to a government tax agent to help.

That person, too, recommended that Deborah cash in her savings and move them to another account. They assured her that doing so would prevent the criminals from accessing it.

The problem, as you’ve no doubt already guessed, was that the tech support representative, the fraud specialist and the government tax agent were all scammers posing as those authority figures.

How do you prevent a scareware attack?

Being cautious is one of the most effective and simplest ways to prevent a scareware attack. These efforts aim to make people respond without thinking. They emphasize urgency, insisting that the problem will worsen if those affected don’t act immediately. So, the best thing people can do is think before acting.

Scareware is similar to malvertising. The latter involves concealing malware in an internet advertisement. One of the issues is that cybercriminals can purchase ad space on legitimate sites. They can then place infected ads there. That’s why one of the preventive measures associated with malvertising is to use ad-blocking software.

Scareware works a bit differently, but people can install antivirus software to make themselves less vulnerable. Besides getting that software installed, users must ensure they keep it updated. Otherwise, whatever tools they’ve purchased will be less likely to recognize the newest scareware or other threats.

4 steps of scareware removal

Removing scareware can be difficult, and people may need professional help. However, here are some starting points to try.

1. Check the device for unusual programs

Users should begin by going to the Applications folder on their computer or their phone’s app settings and looking for unexpected programs. You may want to research some of the most common names for known scareware, too.

2. Remove strange programs if possible

Many scareware programs become even more invasive once people attempt to remove them. Users may find their screen so filled with popup messages that they can’t close them fast enough.

However, you should at least try removing the programs from your devices before proceeding, either with the OS’s native app removal tool or a dedicated antivirus program.

3. Verify that antivirus software is still working

Many types of scareware disable antivirus tools. Doing that allows them to do more damage undetected and gain permissions that antivirus programs would otherwise prevent.

That’s why people should launch their antivirus programs and ensure all settings are enabled as expected. If not, you should turn them back on again. Now is also a great time to see if the antivirus tool needs updating.

4. Get professional help if needed

The first three steps above are sometimes sufficient for removing scareware from a system. Otherwise, users or their IT teams should contact a cybersecurity expert for further assistance.  In more extreme cases, that person may advise factory resetting the device.

Scareware recovery

The first part of recovering from scareware involves users understanding that their computer has a genuine problem. It’s not the issue the popup message warns about, but the scareware has a virus at its root.

Scareware messages often have a payment aspect. For example, people may get prompted to enter their credit card number before downloading software that’s supposed to fix their computer problem.

Anyone who provided payment details when responding to a scareware message should assume hackers have compromised their bank accounts or credit cards. The first step is to contact the bank or card issuer to explain the problem and prevent unauthorized withdrawals.

You should also report the event to the authorities, both for your own records and to help with any possible law enforcement efforts to curtail future attacks.

After removing scareware yourself, with your IT team, or with further professional help, you should ensure your device’s OS is up to date, and all software is current. Cybercriminals often exploit security vulnerabilities in older systems.

Finally, users should be more aware of how they browse the web and which habits could make them more vulnerable to scareware attacks. For example, the next time you see an intrusive popup ad, the best approach is to close the whole tab or window that contains it rather than clicking anywhere within the advertisement.

Also, when doing something like online banking, you should either access a bookmarked page or dedicated app, or click on a link inside official banking correspondence. That way, there’s no risk of mistyping a web address and landing on a page set up for scareware.

Ransomware vs. scareware

Although ransomware and scareware have similar names, they have different approaches and effects on victims. Ransomware locks down computers or entire systems and demands that the affected parties pay specified amounts to fix the problem.

Statistics show a 1,885% ransomware attack rise over five years. That staggering takeaway emphasizes that this type of cyberattack is extremely prevalent.

However, paying the ransom only sometimes fixes the problem. People might get some or all of the data back, but their payments could be fruitless. Moreover, paying the ransom is only part of the associated costs. A 2023 Sophos report showed the mean recovery cost was $1.82 million, excluding ransom expenses.

Bottom line: Guarding against scareware

Scareware makes people act by capitalizing on fear, overwhelm, and urgency. It affects mobile devices as well as computers, and the theme is typically that the targeted individual has a device issue requiring immediate attention.

People can avoid scareware by keeping their antivirus tools, operating systems, and software updated. Using bookmarked pages when relevant instead of typing in URLs can also prevent them from unwittingly landing on scareware pages.

One of the most effective ways to protect yourself and your network from scareware and other malware is to use reliable antivirus software. To help sort through the options, we reviewed the best antivirus tools available.

You should also make sure you are running effective firewall software.

The post What Is Scareware? Definition, Examples, & Prevention appeared first on Enterprise Networking Planet.

Through phishing attacks, scammers can get their hands on personal info, like financial details and login credentials, or implant malware into the host system.

Year-on-year, phishing attacks are increasing. A report by SlashNext shows that phishing activities have consistently increased during the pandemic, with there being 255 million phishing attacks in 2022 alone. Of these attacks, credential harvesting remains the most common form of attack.

This article will review some recent examples of high-profile phishing attacks and their results. It will then provide a few quick tips and pointers to prevent phishing attacks at your organization.

Twilio and Signal

In August 2022, cloud communications platform Twilio was hit by a social engineering attack where employees were tricked into handing over sensitive customer information through an SMS (text message) phishing attack.

Employees reportedly received messages from Twilio’s IT department suggesting they needed to log in to reset their passwords.

Employers were directed to a fake website resembling Twilio’s site and urged to click on malicious links. Once employers clicked on the embedded links, attackers got hold of their credentials and used them to access Twilio’s internal system and steal vital customer info.

After investigating the incident, Twilio released a statement saying a total of 93 Authy accounts and 209 customers were affected by the incident. Messaging service Signal also revealed that this incident could have compromised the personal data of around 1,900 of its customers.

Allegheny Health Network

On May 31, 2022, Allegheny Health Network (AHN) suffered a phishing attack that resulted in the protected health information (PHI) exposure of approximately 8,000 patients.

An employee at the network was targeted with a malicious email link, resulting in their account being compromised. Once the link was opened, attackers could gain access to the employee’s email account and, through that, access critical sensitive information of patients.

According to AHN, compromised PHI included patients’ names, dates of birth, ID numbers, medical history, diagnosis and treatment, email addresses, phone numbers, and driver’s license numbers.

Upon discovering that their system had been compromised, AHN immediately isolated their IT system and implemented preventive measures. They also enlisted the help of a cybersecurity agency to get to the root of the incident.

AHN even offered two years of identity protection services at no cost to individuals whose social security numbers and financial details had been leaked.

Mailchimp

In March 2022, hackers used social engineering techniques to target Mailchimp employees and compromise their accounts. First, attackers got hold of user credentials illegally to gain access to Mailchimp customer accounts. Then, using the accounts, hackers launched targeted phishing attacks on businesses that used Mailchimp emails.

While the Mailchimp team acted swiftly to control the incident, hackers still compromised 300 Mailchimp customer accounts and exported audience information from 102 accounts. In addition, bad actors also got hold of the API keys of customers, which they used to send spoofed messages.

Again, in August 2022, Mailchimp fell victim to an Okta phishing attack that also targeted Twilio and Klaviyo.

Mailchimp was the target of yet another attack as recently as January 2023. This was the third breach in less than a year. Once again, its employees were fooled by a phishing email as a result of which their account administration tool got hacked. This time, threat actors were able to access the data of 133 customers.

Oktapus

In July 2022, there was an enormous phishing campaign called Oktapus that specifically targeted the customers of the identity and access management (IAM) leader Okta. Over 130 organizations were breached, 10,000 Okta credentials were compromised, and 169 unique domains were identified in the attack.

According to threat researchers at Group-IB, employees received text messages with a link to phishing websites that copied the Okta authentication page of their company. When the user clicked on the link and navigated to the malicious webpage, they were asked for a two-factor authentication (2FA) code. Once the user keyed in the code, hackers gained access to all those resources users had access to.

Targeted organizations were mostly from the U.S. and U.K., with most of them being software companies providing cloud services. Targeted companies include Mailchimp, CloudFlare, Microsoft, AT&T, Verizon Wireless, Twitter, T-Mobile, Coinbase, Binance, and Epic Games.

Despite the size of the attack, Group-IB analysis indicates that subject “X” (the threat actor behind the campaign) was somewhat inexperienced and used low-skill methods to conduct the attack.

Types of phishing attacks

A phishing email—or text or phone call—often uses language that strikes fear in a user and urges them to take quick action.

The most common types of phishing attacks include:

• Email-based attacks: Email phishing is one of the most common forms of phishing, where fraudsters impersonate legitimate organizations and send emails with malicious attachments.
• Vishing: Voice phishing or vishing is when a hacker tries to get hold of personal information by simulating a call from a reputable organization.
• Spear phishing: Spear phishing is a form of targeted attack towards specific victims or an organization.
• Whaling: Whaling is a specialized form of spear phishing attack where high-ranking executives within a company are targeted.
• Clone phishing: In clone phishing, scammers reproduce a legitimate email to spoof users into clicking on it.

Preventing phishing attacks

While there’s no way to fully prevent phishing attacks from happening, the best way to avoid any damage from them is a fully informed and vigilant workforce. You can also implement MFA and use anti-phishing software for further protection.

Only open emails from trusted sources

It’s recommended to only open emails from trusted sources you know, avoid clicking suspicious links, and never download attachments without first confirming their legitimacy.

Emails from unknown sources can contain malware and other threats. Even if you know the sender but the email’s content looks strange, it’s better to delete than open it.

Other ways to determine if it is an untrustworthy mail are:

• It contains embedded macros.
• It uses formats like .reg, .exe, .msi, .cmd, and .js files.
• It’s riddled with grammatical errors.

Train your employees

One of the best ways to prevent phishing attacks in an organization is by training your staff in secure communication practices and educating them on the repercussions of a phishing attack. Organizations should regularly conduct training programs to make employees aware of phishing activities and help them spot suspicious activities.

A robust anti-phishing employee training program should include reporting capabilities, compliance training, up-to-date educational content, simulated phishing materials, and threat intelligence features.

Use multi-factor authentication (MFA)

Making MFA a part of your phishing strategy is an important step for protecting your devices. MFA uses additional authentication methods like a PIN, a physical security token, or a biometric ID to confirm a user’s identity. This means even if hackers manage to get past the first layer, they would still require another authentication method to access a user account.

Use anti-phishing software

With individuals and organizations regularly falling prey to phishing attempts, using a good anti-phishing software is one of the best precautions against phishing attacks.

Anti-phishing software scans incoming emails for impersonation and identifies and isolates malicious messages in real time, thus protecting your privileged systems. Additionally, these solutions block you from accessing malicious websites.

The key features to look for in an anti-phishing software include the following:

• Inbox scanning.
• Quarantining infected devices.
• Mobile device compatibility.
• Malicious link identification.
• Mail server agnostic.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the most common phishing attempt?

Fake emails are one of the most common phishing attempts made by fraudsters. These fraudsters register a phony domain mimicking a genuine organization.

The user will get an urgent email containing the organization’s name and a nearly indistinguishable URL, and they’ll click on it, supposing it is authentic.

They’re then taken to a page that is an almost perfect replica of the actual login page, where they will be prompted to input their credentials so they can be stolen by the fraudsters.

What are the signs of a phishing attempt?

While phishing emails are common, they’re still tricky to spot. Here are some of the common signs of a phishing attack—though it’s important to stress that not all phishing attempts will have all or any of these features.

• Emails with spelling errors.
• Emails with unusual content.
• Emails soliciting personal info.
• Emails sent from unknown email addresses.

Bottom line: Spotting and avoiding phishing scams

Phishing attacks are costly not just in terms of monetary losses but also loss of reputation and trust when companies fall victim to scammers. And with cyber criminals becoming more innovative and successful in targeting individuals and organizations, users and organizations need to be aware of cybersecurity best practices.

Implementing multi-layered security measures, using anti-phishing tools, and educating users and employees to recognize phishing emails are necessary to stay ahead in the game—so your company can avoid becoming featured in the next version of this article.

For more information to stop phishing attempts on your employees, here are eight best practices, and a guide to training your employees on what to watch for.

The post 4 Phishing Examples: Spot and Avoid Fraudulent Attacks appeared first on Enterprise Networking Planet.

Worldwide, phishing attacks are one of the most pervasive and dangerous cyber threats affecting organizations. The rise of remote working has given scammers newer opportunities to lure people into clicking on malicious links and sharing vital personal info.

According to an annual report by Cofense, a leading phishing detection provider, a malicious email bypassed a customer’s email protection solution every 2 minutes in 2022.

In another study by Tessian, it was found that 1 in 4 employees has clicked on a phishing link, and nearly 43% of employees admitted to making a mistake at work that had security implications for their company.

Statistics like these make it all the more necessary for businesses to invest in a successful cybersecurity strategy that prepares employees to detect different forms of phishing attacks and avoid costly data breaches.

How to train employees on phishing prevention

Phishing awareness training is a continual training process given to employees to make them knowledgeable about phishing threats and help them recognize one before it affects their organization.

A successful phishing awareness training involves educating staff on phishing threats and then testing their skills with phishing simulations to strengthen their understanding of phishing, allowing them to spot red flags and take necessary action.

The most common techniques used to train employees are classroom-based training, computer-based training, and simulated phishing exercises.

Classroom-based training

This is a traditional form of training where businesses use in-person training sessions to inform and educate their employees about phishing attacks.

While classroom courses can be customized and incorporate that human touch, they have several disadvantages:

• They’re expensive, as you need a specialized instructor to conduct classes.
• They can be time-consuming, as employees have to be present in person.
• They can lead to information overload, limiting retention of information.

Computer-based training (CBT)

Computer-based training (CBT) is a more popular approach to training employees, in which employees get training on phishing awareness through an eLearning method. The training is delivered over the internet through a learning management system (LMS).

The benefit of this approach is that it’s quick, engaging, and can be completed by the user at their own pace.

Other benefits of computer-based training are:

• It’s flexible, as the course material can be accessed from anywhere.
• Employees can pursue the course at their own convenience.
• It’s ideal for a remote or telecommuting workforce.

Simulated phishing exercises

A simulated phishing exercise provides personnel with a hands-on educational experience with phishing attacks to arm them against real future attacks.

In this method, a well-crafted phishing email is sent to members of an organization, and their responses are noted. Those employees who fail the test are given additional training sessions and provided with meaningful feedback.

The benefits of simulated phishing exercises are:

• They provide valuable insights into user response to cyber threats.
• They help companies identify those who are prone to fall victim to phishing attacks.
• Hands-on learning tends to improve overall retention of learning.

What’s the best way to train employees on phishing attacks?

Overall, the best approach to training your employees about the risks of phishing attacks is a combination of the above methods. In today’s business world, classroom-based training may not be feasible for many employees, but CBT and simulated exercises more than make up for it, and have the added benefit of being available to be done on the employee’s schedule and updated annually.

Top employee phishing awareness training tools

There are a variety of phishing training tools available to add to your organization’s LMS—but they’re not all created equal. Here are some of the best anti-phishing training tools for your employees.

IRONSCALES Phishing Simulation Testing & Training

IRONSCALES is a leading cloud security company that protects over 10,000 organizations worldwide from phishing threats. IRONSCALES harnesses the power of AI and machine learning (ML) to neutralize phishing attacks.

For their Phishing Simulation Testing & Training program, IRONSCALES utilizes current and realistic simulations to train teams in the proper handling of sophisticated phishing, business email compromise (BEC), and ransomware threats.   

Their comprehensive training plan provides employees with a wide range of training videos on cybersecurity categories and allows them to track and score their progress. The videos also provide information on various industry compliance requirements like HIPAA, GDPR, PCI, and PII.

IT teams and admins can measure outcomes and track user engagement through detailed reporting, allowing them to identify those who may need further security education.

Pros

• Large library of real-life security situations.
• One-click-campaigns to launch programs with ease.
• Real-time user feedback.
• Intuitive user interface.
• Easy integration with cloud email solutions.
• Limited free option available.

Cons

• Simulation options require manual configuring.

Pricing

A basic, “Starter” version of IRONSCALES’ anti-phishing training is available for free for any organization, up to 500 mailboxes. It provides up to 12 training campaigns per year with basic training content.

You can also bundle IRONSCALES’ email protection services with the training for a robust email security solution. These packages start at $6.00 per mailbox per month for the Email Protect Pack, and $8.33 per mailbox per month for the Complete Protect Pack.

Finally, larger enterprises with more than 500 mailboxes—or any government or education organization—can reach out to IRONSCALES for special volume discounts and custom licensing.

ESET Cybersecurity Awareness Training

ESET is a leading cybersecurity provider that offers specially designed training to employees to improve their understanding of cybersecurity and help them adhere to compliance requirements.

The training awareness program includes phishing simulators, gamified quizzes, interactive sessions, and real-time reporting capabilities to make the learning process as effective as possible.

Companies can also customize these activities, allowing users to complete them on-demand at their pace.

Pros

• Simulated phishing campaigns can be easily set up by using pre-built templates.
• User-friendly dashboard to track course progress.
• Suitable for companies of all sizes.
• Easy to configure.

Cons

• It is slightly more expensive than other solutions that offer more options.
• Support could be improved.

Pricing

ESET training is available in both Basic and Premium forms.

The basic cybersecurity training module is free of cost and is 60 minutes in duration. It includes basic cybersecurity training and best practices for remote employees.

The Premium version, which we recommend for anti-phishing training, includes gamified content, phishing simulators, reporting dashboard, automatic email reminders, certifications, and LinkedIn badges. Pricing begins at $250 for 10 users.

KnowBe4 Security Awareness Training

KnowBe4 is an extremely popular and well-loved company providing a variety of training tools. The company’s Security Awareness Training program is an all-inclusive security training product comprising baseline testing, interactive modules, games, compliance training, and simulated phishing tests to train employees in detecting phishing attacks and building a more secure organization.

Powered by machine learning, KnowBe4 not only trains your users in the latest cybersecurity threats, it also helps your organization stay compliant with industry standards such as SOX, HIPAA, GLBA PCI, and FFIEC.

KnowBe4 provides:

• Baseline testing to measure the phish-prone percentage of your users through simulated phishing attacks.
• An extensive library of cybersecurity literature like games, videos, and interactive modules to train users.
• Automated simulated phishing attacks with thousands of templates.
• Advanced reporting features to get an accurate view of users’ training progress.

Pros

• Easy-to-use interface.
• Content library with over 5,000 examples in dozens of languages.
• Virtual Risk Officer feature to identify risks to organizations and users.

Cons

• Management console is dated.
• Limited third-party integrations.
• Some modules are too lengthy to hold users’ attention.
• Users have reported overly punitive messaging, which may conflict with some organizations’ gentler approaches to compliance encouragement.

Pricing

KnowBe4 offers a wide range of options so organizations can tailor their solutions directly to their size and needs.

Organizations can choose from Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond levels, each of which are priced by number of seats. You can also purchase add-ons to further bolster your email security and compliance stack.

Is phishing training effective?

Yes—while employee awareness training is not going to prevent all security incidents from happening, it does help users become more aware and teaches them to better avoid clicking on phishing links.

This is evident in the 2022 Phishing by Industry Benchmarking Report by KnowBe4.  KnowBe4 analyzed “Phish-prone Percentage” (PPP) across 9.5 million users pulled from their customer base.

The results show that the average PPP was 37.9%, but after 90 days of phishing testing, the PPP rate was reduced by over 60 percent to 14.1%. And 12 months later, the PPP declined to just 5%.

This research reinforces the knowledge that regular employee phishing training and simulated phishing testing are crucial to protect organizations against evolving cyberattacks.

Phishing facts your employees should know

• Office files like .xlsx, docx, and .doc remain the top file extensions on phishing email attachments.
• Phishing attacks reached an all-time high in 2022, as reported in APWG’s Phishing Activity Trends Report, 3rd Quarter 2022.
• Using a Secure Email Gateway (SEG) doesn’t guarantee protection against phishing attacks.
• Loaders are now the most favored attack method, followed by keyloggers.
• 67.4% of scammers leave the subject line empty, according to Expel’s Quarterly Threat Report for Q1 2022. Other common subject lines include “Re: Request” (2%), “Meeting” (4.07%), and “You have (1*) New Voice Message” (3.46%).
• Nearly 45% of employees open emails they consider suspicious.
• 1 in 8 employees are expected to share information with scammers.

Bottom line: Protecting your organization with phishing awareness training

Altogether, phishers count on the lack of knowledge among people about phishing and use it to advance their nefarious designs. Educating employees on phishing and cybersecurity measures helps them safeguard company assets and prevents them from making mistakes that can turn into significant security breaches.

While no amount of training can prevent 100% of phishing attacks, the research shows that effectively preparing your employees for how to spot phishing scams does make a considerable impact.

Here are eight more tips on how to prevent phishing attacks at your organization.

The post Phishing Awareness Training: Employee Anti-Phishing Training appeared first on Enterprise Networking Planet.

The risks associated with phishing attacks are significant, ranging from financial losses and reputational damage to exposure of sensitive data. In fact, according to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, phishing was the most common type of cybercrime in 2022—and its prevalence continues to rise.

As such, it’s crucial for businesses and individuals alike to be aware of phishing threats and take proactive steps to prevent them. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to prevent phishing attacks, with a focus on enterprise-level strategies but also including some that are applicable to individuals.

8 phishing prevention best practices

The best defense against phishing attacks is staying informed and vigilant, but there are other steps you and your employees can take, too. Here are some top tips to prevent getting phished.

1. Train your employees regularly

One of the most effective defenses against phishing attacks is education. Regularly educating and training employees on the different types of phishing attacks, how to recognize them and what to do when they encounter one can greatly reduce the risk of a successful attack.

Training should be comprehensive and ongoing to stay abreast of the evolving tactics of cyber threats. It should cover the latest phishing tactics, such as email phishing, vishing, smishing, and other deceptive practices. Simulated phishing exercises can also be beneficial to give employees practical experience in recognizing and responding to phishing attempts.

2. Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA)

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) provides an additional layer of security beyond just usernames and passwords. MFA requires additional verification—like a fingerprint, a physical token, or a temporary code sent to a personal device—before users can log into a particular app or account.

With MFA, even if a phishing attempt successfully acquires an employee’s login credentials, the chances of a successful breach are significantly reduced.

3. Update software regularly

Software updates often include patches to fix vulnerabilities that could be targeted by cybercriminals. Regularly updating all software, including operating systems, antivirus software, and applications, can therefore help to protect against phishing attacks. Automating these updates can ensure that they are not overlooked.

4. Use anti-phishing tools

There are a variety of anti-phishing tools available that can help to prevent phishing attacks. For example, email filters can help to identify and block phishing emails, and web browser extensions can warn users when they are about to visit a potentially fraudulent website. Many cybersecurity software solutions also include anti-phishing features.

5. Use secure and encrypted connections

Encryption helps to protect sensitive information by making it unintelligible to anyone who does not have the decryption key. By only using secure, encrypted connections (such as websites that use HTTPS), businesses can help to ensure that any data transmitted is protected from eavesdropping or interception by cyber criminals.

6. Regularly backup important data

In the event of a successful phishing attack, having regularly backed-up data can help to minimize the damage. Regular backups ensure that an up-to-date copy of all important information is available, reducing the potential loss of data. Backup data should be stored in a secure, off-site location.

7. Establish a strong security policy

A strong security policy sets the standard for cybersecurity practices within an organization. This policy should cover a range of areas including password management, use of company devices, internet usage, and handling of sensitive data. Clear policies help employees understand their responsibilities and expectations regarding cybersecurity.

8. Have an incident response plan

Despite the best prevention efforts, phishing attacks can still occur. It’s key to have an incident response plan in place to manage the situation effectively when it arises. It should outline the steps to be taken in the event of an attack, including how to suppress the breach, eradicate the threat, recover any lost data and prevent future attacks. Regular testing and updating of this plan is also important.

How to identify phishing attacks

Phishing attacks can take many forms, but they all share the common goal of tricking the target into divulging sensitive information or taking an action that compromises security. Here are some key indicators that can help you identify potential phishing attempts:

Suspicious email addresses

The email address of the sender is often the first red flag. Phishing emails may appear to come from a legitimate source, but the actual email address may be off by a letter or may use a domain that is very similar to, but not exactly the same as, a trusted domain. Always verify the email address of the sender.

Generic greetings

Many phishing emails start with generic greetings like “Dear Customer” rather than your name. This is often because phishing scams are sent out in large batches and the scammers do not know your name.

Poor grammar and spelling

While not always the case, phishing emails often contain questionable grammar and spelling errors. Professional organizations usually have teams dedicated to communication and such errors are rare in official correspondence.

Request for personal information

A legitimate organization will never ask for sensitive information through email or text message. If you receive a request for information like your password, credit card number, or social security number, it’s likely a phishing attempt.

Dubious links or attachments

Phishing attacks often use embedded links that lead to fake websites designed to steal your information. Always hover over a link to see the actual URL before clicking. Be wary of unexpected attachments, as they can contain malware.

Urgent or threatening language

Phishing attempts often use threatening or urgent language to pressure you into responding hastily without thinking. Be skeptical of messages that claim you must act immediately to prevent your account from being closed, to update your information, or to claim a prize.

Too good to be true

If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Phishing scams often lure victims with the promise of large sums of money, unbelievable discounts, or other enticing offers.

Remember, phishing attacks prey on hasty reactions. When in doubt, take the time to verify the legitimacy of the message through other means, such as directly contacting the organization through an official phone number or website.

Where phishing attacks can occur

Phishing attacks can occur in various ways, including via email, phone call, text messages, and fraudulent websites. Here are some of the common types and media associated with phishing attacks:

• Phishing email: This is the most common type, where attackers send fraudulent emails that seem to be from reputable sources to trick recipients into revealing sensitive data.
• Domain spoofing: Domain spoofing involves creating websites that look very similar to legitimate ones to trick users into entering their credentials or personal information.
• Voice phishing (vishing): This type of phishing is carried out over the phone. The attacker pretends to be from a trusted organization or authority and tricks the victim into sharing personal information.
• SMS phishing (smishing): In this type, the attacker sends text messages to the victim, which appear to come from reputable sources. These messages usually contain a link leading to a phishing website or a phone number that connects to the attacker.
• Social media phishing: Attackers use social media platforms to trick users into revealing their personal information. This can be done through direct messages or posts that lead to phishing websites.
• Clone phishing: This involves replicating a legitimate email from a trusted source with a malicious replacement. Clone phishing emails usually claim there was an issue with the original message and the user must click a link or download an attachment.
• Search engine phishing: In this type of attack, cybercriminals create fraudulent websites that appear in search engine results. When users click on these sites and enter their information, it falls into the hands of the attackers.
• Whale phishing: Also known as whaling, these attacks specifically target high-profile individuals like CEOs or CFOs. Attackers often spend a significant amount of time creating highly personalized emails to trick these individuals into revealing sensitive company information.
• Spear phishing: This is a more targeted form of phishing where the attacker has done their homework on their victims. The phishing attempt is highly personalized, making it harder to recognize.
• Pharming: This type of phishing attack involves cybercriminals redirecting a website’s traffic to a fake site they control. Even if a user types the correct web address, they’re taken to the fraudulent site where their information can be stolen.

Remember, the first step in preventing phishing attacks is awareness. By knowing the many ways these attacks can occur, individuals and organizations can be better prepared to recognize and respond effectively.

Tools that help prevent phishing attacks

The best tools to prevent phishing attacks are your own eyes and brain. Reading articles like this one will help you develop the sharp eye and healthy skepticism needed to navigate phishy waters.

Still, there are software tools you can put in place that can help filter out some of the worst offenders. These include email security solutions, web browser extensions and toolbars, and of course antivirus software.

Email security solutions

Email security solutions are designed to identify and block phishing emails before they reach the recipient. These solutions often use advanced algorithms and machine learning to analyze and filter incoming messages for signs of phishing attempts.

Some popular email security solutions include Mimecast, Proofpoint, and Barracuda.

Web browser extensions

Browser extensions can be installed to help identify and block malicious websites. They often use regularly updated databases of known phishing sites and display warnings when a user attempts to visit a potentially dangerous website.

Examples of such extensions include Netcraft, Google Safe Browsing, and Avast Online Security.

Anti-phishing toolbars

Anti-phishing toolbars are another type of browser extension specifically designed to detect phishing websites. They compare the URLs of websites you visit with known phishing sites and alert you if there’s a match.

Some well-known anti-phishing toolbars include Norton Safe Web and McAfee WebAdvisor.

Antivirus and anti-malware software

Many antivirus and anti-malware programs include phishing protection features that can help safeguard against phishing attacks. These programs scan emails and attachments, as well as monitor web browsing to detect and block potentially harmful content.

Popular antivirus software with phishing protection includes Norton, Bitdefender, and Kaspersky.

DNS filtering

Domain Name System (DNS) filtering can be used to block access to known phishing websites. By intercepting DNS requests for malicious domains, DNS filtering solutions prevent users from accidentally visiting phishing sites.

Some DNS filtering services include Cisco Umbrella, WebTitan, and DNSFilter.

Security awareness training platforms

As employee education is key to preventing phishing attacks, there are several platforms available that focus on security awareness training. These platforms provide interactive and engaging training modules, including simulated phishing exercises, to help employees recognize and respond to phishing attempts.

Some examples of security awareness training platforms are KnowBe4, Infosec IQ, and Mimecast Awareness Training.

Password managers

Password managers help users create strong, distinct passwords for each of their accounts, making it more difficult for attackers to gain access using stolen credentials. Many password managers also include features that warn users when they attempt to enter their credentials on a suspicious website.

Examples of password managers include LastPass, Dashlane, and 1Password.

MFA solutions

MFA solutions provide an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide additional forms of verification in addition to their password. There are various MFA solutions available, including hardware tokens, authenticator apps, and biometric authentication.

Some well-known MFA providers are Duo Security, Google Authenticator, and RSA SecurID.

By using a combination of these tools and implementing robust security measures, organizations and individuals can significantly lower the risk of falling victim to phishing.

Responding to a phishing attack

If you think—or know—that you’ve been the victim of a phishing attack, don’t panic. In most cases, there’s still plenty of time to mitigate any potential damage, if you keep your head and act quickly.

Follow these steps to respond effectively to a phishing attack:

1. Identify the attack: The first step is to recognize that a phishing attack has occurred. The signs of an attack can vary, but common indicators include suspicious emails, unexpected password change requests, or unauthorized activity on an account.
2. Contain the attack: Once identified, the next step is to contain the phishing attack. This might involve disconnecting the affected device from the network to prevent the spread of malware, changing compromised passwords, or disabling compromised accounts.
3. Report the attack: Report the phishing attack to your IT or cybersecurity team immediately. They can take further steps to secure the network and investigate the attack. If the phishing attack is received via email, report it to your email provider, as many have a “report phishing” option. In a business setting, you should also inform your supervisor or the relevant department.
4. Remove malicious software: If the phishing attack involved malware, you’ll need to remove it. This generally involves running a scan with a trusted antivirus or anti-malware program, which can find and remove the malicious software.
5. Assess the damage: Determine what information was compromised in the attack. This could be login credentials, financial information, or other sensitive data. Depending on what information was exposed, you may need to take additional steps, such as notifying financial institutions or setting up credit monitoring.
6. Strengthen security measures: After responding to a phishing attack, it’s crucial to strengthen security measures to prevent future attacks. This could involve setting up MFA, providing additional cybersecurity training, or implementing more robust cybersecurity software.
7. Review and learn: Finally, conduct a post-incident review to understand how the attack happened and identify areas for improvement. This can provide valuable insights and help to further strengthen your cybersecurity defenses.

Remember, swift and decisive action is key when responding to a phishing attack. The faster you can identify and contain the attack, the better you can minimize its impact.

Bottom line: Preventing phishing attacks

In a world that’s increasingly digital, phishing attacks represent a significant threat to both individuals and organizations. By understanding how these attacks occur, implementing strong prevention measures, utilizing the right tools, and having a plan in place to respond effectively, the risks can be significantly mitigated.

Regular education and vigilance are key; remember, cybersecurity is not a one-time effort, but a continuous process. As technology evolves, so too will the tactics employed by cybercriminals. Therefore, staying informed and updated on the latest cybersecurity best practices is crucial in this ongoing battle against phishing attacks.

We reviewed the best antivirus software to help protect your company against phishing, malware, and other cyber threats.

The post How to Prevent Phishing Attacks: 8 Best Practices appeared first on Enterprise Networking Planet.

Phishing is one of the most pervasive cyberattacks in a threat actor’s roster. Learning foundational info about phishing attacks is critical for tech users, especially for people who have been victims of phishing before.

How phishing works

Phishing attacks typically start with an email or message from someone posing as a familiar or authoritative figure such as a boss, family member, financial institution, or online shopping site.

The message usually includes a link with a note of urgency or fear that will drive victims to click and follow prompts without considering the potential consequences.

The way this works can vary depending on the mode of execution and the end goal.

For example, a phishing email may have a subject header that convinces the victim they need to log into their account to fix a compromised password, leading them to input that very information in an online form from a fake storefront with familiar-looking logos.

On the other hand, a phishing text could have victims click a link that downloads malware to their phones.

To be effective, threat actors must research companies or personas to create convincing templates that the receiver can’t ignore. Sometimes, it’s even more targeted and personal.

How to identify and avoid phishing attacks

Identifying phishing scams varies by method, but the most common are emails. Look for these traits when scoping an email:

• Unpersonalized greetings, such as “to whom it may concern” or “sir or ma’am”
• Unofficial email addresses with numbers or random letter strings
• Excessive emojis
• Suspicious attachments
• Typos or grammar mistakes
• Unusual fonts in subject headers
• Any request for personal information
• Links or buttons for you to act

A great rule of thumb is to always log into your accounts through your smartphone apps or by typing the URL into your browser, rather than clicking on links in emails or text messages. And call the person or institution from the number stored in your phone or on their website, rather than the one that appears in the message.

Companies and regulatory bodies like the IRS, banks, or legitimate online marketplaces will not request information through email. Before clicking or responding to prompts, contact the business and talk to service representatives to confirm the communication is legitimate. Even if it’s not, you’re helping them by reporting that threat actors are targeting their customers.

What happens if you fall for phishing?

If you are a victim of phishing, the situation is fixable if you act quickly. While stressful, there are ways to be proactive with your data and documents to retrieve as much as possible. Here are the best practices to navigate the system with as much calmness as possible.

First, do not attempt to back up any data on external hard drives or flash drives. Do not plug external devices into the affected device, especially if you suspect malware. Documents may already be tainted, and connecting and transferring them to other devices could cause a spread.

It may feel like the right thing to do to get precious information off an infected computer, but it could actually worsen the situation. With this in mind, the first step is to immediately disconnect from the network to prevent the further spread of any malware.

You should then start running scans with anti-malware or antivirus programs. Not all programs can deal with novel phishing attacks, but it never hurts to begin a cursory scan. Meanwhile, you can attempt to change your credentials for the affected website from another device.

If they gave a password to a site or similar data, they could try to get the phisher out by using recovery methods to reclaim the account.

In the United States, immediately file a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC has a form that asks users to follow prompts to begin an investigation into suspected identity theft. You can also file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

Here are some other actions you may want to take to keep data secure if you suspect a breach:

• Submit freezes to all card companies and credit bureaus.
• Set up fraud alerts or additional authentication measures on sensitive accounts.
• Remove pre-saved passwords, addresses or card information from browsers.
• Report phishing messages as spam and increase spam filters in inboxes.
• Notify workplace management and IT teams.
• Set up a password manager to store passwords in an encrypted service.
• Contact relevant companies so they can alert customers of an active phishing scam.

Businesses may also have to recover from phishing from a media perspective. The loss of customer loyalty and brand trust are some of the most notable adverse effects of a public phishing epidemic.

What are the different phishing attack types?

The success of phishing attacks led them to quickly expand into a variety of different types, including spear phishing, clone phishing, angler phishing, whaling, smishing, and vishing. As amusing as many of these names may be, their results are anything but.

Spear phishing

Spear phishing is when hackers target particular individuals using more sophisticated, personalized deception methods. For example, they could masquerade as someone in the workplace that the target frequently communicates with.

These are sometimes called business email compromises (BECs) because they take advantage of a worker’s relationship to their management hierarchy.

Clone phishing

Phishers can take copies of legitimate content and make the tiniest adjustments to include malicious links and attachments. Clone phishers make it challenging for even the most skeptical eyes to see if the email is a scam. This is another reason why it’s always best to type URLs manually rather than clicking email or SMS links.

Angler phishing

Angler phishing is a bot or fake accounts resembling real people or companies that extort information from victims through DMs or other means on social media.

Whaling

Whaling targets “big fish” people who have a lot of money to spare and little to lose. These high-profile targets could respond with ferocity if they know they’re a victim of phishing, or the amount lost might be inconsequential to them, putting hackers in a unique circumstance regarding their risk commitment.

Smishing and vishing

These portmanteaus represent SMS phishing and voice phishing, respectively. These tactics rely on text messages or phone calls. The calls may be voicemails or robotic conversations, guiding victims through prompts until they enter valuable data like their credit cards or Social Security numbers.

For example, it could be a fake representative from a bank calling about protecting your account from fraud and asking the user for their credit card number for “verification.”

Evil twins and pharming

Evil twin phishing is a specific attack looking to jeopardize hotspots, and pharming is when hackers sneak their way into domain name servers (DNSs) to manipulate IP addresses.

3 real-life phishing examples

Phishing can happen on large or small scales, pinpointing individuals, companies. or governments. Here are a few recent examples of notable phishing attacks.

1. Decentralized finance targets

A devious manipulation of Google Ads has recently targeted cryptocurrency traders, resulting in a loss of millions of dollars in digital assets. Companies like Lido and Radiant have had to scramble to protect users by clicking crypto ads with slightly edited links that make them enter their wallet information to scammers.

2. Legitimate emails from YouTube

A “no-reply[at]youtube[dot]com” sender is convincing many YouTube registrants to enter their information, which risks whole channels. Investigations reveal the email is legitimate, but the phishers have found loopholes in the video platform’s sharing system to spoof from an authentic account.

3. Ukrainian infrastructure attack

In 2015, Ukrainian power outfits experienced outages that impacted hundreds of thousands of citizens because of suspected spear phishing. A targeted individual opened attachments containing the debilitating BlackEnergy malware, which started the interruptions.

Bottom line: Avoiding phishing attacks in the enterprise

Phishing will never go away—it will only get more creative. Most internet users must remain vigilant and approach any communications with an ounce of caution.

Before clicking anything, you should call the person or company to verify or report situations or log into their website through their app or by typing the URL into your browser.

Meanwhile, companies should do all they can to train their employees on the dangers of phishing in all its different forms, and encourage users to report suspicious emails to their IT team immediately.

Combating identity theft and breaches online is a group effort. People must communicate strategies to keep everyone in the loop on the newest and most innovative phishing variants.

Learn how to fend off social engineering attacks to protect yourself and your company.

The post What Are Phishing Attacks? Ultimate Guide to Phishing appeared first on Enterprise Networking Planet.

Criminals then use this information, such as bank details, login credentials, social security numbers, or credit card numbers, to commit identity theft or fraud.

Examples of malware attacks include ransomware, Trojan horses, adware, and spyware, and while each of these malware types infects and causes damage to systems differently, their core objective remains the same: stealing sensitive data and providing remote unauthorized access to hackers to control an infected device.

What’s the purpose of malware?

The primary aim behind this huge surge in malware attacks is to extract information illegally and earn money.

Cybercrime is big business. The estimated global average cost of a data breach is $4.35M per year, with the worldwide number of malware incidents reaching 5.5 billion in 2022.

Hackers use a mix of brute passwords, ransomware, spyware, etc., to exfiltrate data from users’ computers, destroy computer systems, hold PCs hostage, and sell personal and financial data on the dark web for a substantial profit.

How do malware attacks work?

Malware typically follows a similar pattern: a user unintentionally clicks on an infected file, which results in their machine getting infected. The majority of malware infections result when a user downloads a malicious program or clicks an infected email link.

Users are pressured into clicking by urgent messages, often suggesting a breach has already happened. For example, “Your account is compromised. Log in to check on recent changes,” or “Scan your computer now.”

They are often set up so that even if the user doesn’t choose the “Yes” option and instead clicks “No,” the result is the same. The malware payload is triggered.

Once activated, the malware performs its intended function. This may include:

• Replicating and spreading to other devices on the network.
• Installing programs that record keystrokes.
• Populating your desktop with pop-up ads.
• Restricting access to programs and files.
• Destroying computer systems and making them inaccessible.

Types of malware

Malware comes in many different shapes and sizes, which infiltrate your system in various ways and perform different functions on it. Some of the most prominent types of malware include ransomware, spyware, cryptojacking, rootkits, keyloggers, Trojan horses, botnets, polymorphic malware, and malvertising.

Ransomware

Ransomware is an extreme form of malware that takes over a victim’s device completely and locks it until the ransom money is paid. It has grown rapidly in prevalence due to its success at targeting businesses to extort a large sum of money. Types of ransomware include crypto ransomware, ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS), scareware, and doxware.

Spyware

Spyware is any type of malware that installs itself on a user’s computer in order to gather confidential information and transmit it to third parties in exchange for money. As such, many of the kinds of malware listed here also qualify as spyware.

Cryptojacking

Cryptojacking, also called malicious crypto mining, is the process of using a victim’s computing resources to mine cryptocurrencies illegally. Through cryptojacking, hackers earn free money without investing in the overhead costs of hardware and energy expenses.

Rootkits

Rootkits attempt to secretly gain control of a computer system and maintain control over it for an extended period of time without its user knowing it’s there. This allows the rootkit’s controller to continue gathering data for purposes of sabotage, espionage, or commerce.

Keyloggers

Keystroke loggers or keyloggers record every keystroke input on a computer in order to steal sensitive data like passwords and other authentication, as well as financial, personal, and other confidential information.

Trojan horses

Trojan horse malware disguises itself as legitimate software. Once inside the network or installed, Trojan horses infect the device, note keystrokes, and send information about the machine to hackers. Although often referred to as “Trojan viruses,” they are not technically viruses. Unlike viruses that self-replicate, Trojan horses do not multiply.

Botnets

Not technically malware themselves, botnets are “robot networks” of devices that have been infected with malware and are collectively under the control of a remote attacker, or “botmaster.” The botmaster uses these devices to execute attacks against other devices on the network. These attacks can be very difficult to trace, since they appear to come from another user’s computer.

Polymorphic malware

Polymorphic malware is a type of malicious software that’s able to change its code structure on a regular basis. The alteration of code features changes the malware’s signature, which helps it to avoid detection by malware prevention tools.

Malvertising

Malvertising uses ads to spread malware. It is a form of malware attack where malware code is injected into legitimate websites to trick users into clicking on them.

Common malware attack targets

Cybercriminals use malware to target industries and organizations that are more likely to pay up. Malware attackers evaluate a potential target based on how much they can pay, the kind of data they hold, and how weak their cyber defenses are.

Key industries that are more likely to be targeted are education, banking and financial services, healthcare and government sectors, and manufacturing units.

Hackers typically look for companies that have the ability to pay large sums of money. The financial sector is a prime example. The healthcare and government sectors are similarly prone to malware attacks as they hold a lot of extremely sensitive and classified personal information.

The energy and utilities sector are also an attractive target for criminals as these provide critical services, which, if disrupted, can cause devastating consequences.

Although large companies can make lucrative victims, individuals and small businesses are typically much easier targets, as they often lack the security and defense systems in place at larger and wealthier organizations.

Ultimately, no one is safe from malware attacks. The best approach is to assume you are vulnerable and act accordingly.

How to protect yourself from malware

Investing in a tried-and-tested superior anti-malware solution remains the best way to prevent malware from attacking your systems. The best malware detection packages use advanced AI and machine learning (ML) techniques to identify and thwart malware dangers and protect you from dangerous malware.

Another way to protect yourself from malware is by not clicking or downloading suspicious files from unknown addresses. Other measures you can take to prevent malware from entering your network include:

• Patching and regularly updating all software and hardware.
• Enforcing multifactor authentication (MFA).
• Performing regular backups of data and storing them somewhere safe (i.e., disconnected from the network).
• Keeping yourself and your staff aware of social engineering techniques and phishing risks.

How to detect and remove Malware

Although malware is by nature difficult to detect, it does often come with some warning signs if you know what you’re looking for. Your computer could be malware infested if:

• It takes longer to start, commonly crashes, or freezes.
• Frequent pop-up ads appear on your screen.
• Your contacts receive unusual email or text messages from you.
• You notice a new icon or toolbar that you didn’t install.
• Your battery gets discharged faster than it should.

Malware removal steps

If you notice any of the above symptoms or otherwise suspect foul play, you should quickly take measures to remove any malware from your device. While malware removal can seem daunting, it’s usually not that difficult.

Here are some essential steps you should follow for malware removal:

1. If you suspect a malware infection, quickly isolate your system. First, disable your internet connection to prevent the malware from establishing contact with the malware server.
2. Log in to your computer using safe mode. This starts the computer in “diagnostic mode” instead of “operating mode.” It helps in troubleshooting better.
3. Now turn on your activity monitor to check for malicious files that might have been uploaded to your device.
4. Also, delete any temporary files. They might have been installed by malware.
5. Run a malware scan to remove malicious programs. Delete all programs or apps that it identifies as malware.
6. Restart your device again for the changes to take place.
7. Since your personal data could have been compromised, make sure you change all your account passwords.

Malware Prevention Tools

While compliance with best practices can go a long way toward fostering a secure environment and keeping out unwanted intrusions, the most important thing you can do to protect your systems from malware is to install effective antivirus/anti-malware software.

The most important element to consider when choosing one is to ensure it is from an established, reputable organization—and download it directly from their website or your device’s app store. Never download unfamiliar software from a third party or a cursory Google search.

There are many powerful antivirus tools on the market, but here are some of our top picks.

Trend Micro Antivirus

Trend Micro antivirus solution uses advanced AI and ML technology to protect your devices against a multitude of malware and ransomware attacks. It includes a Folder Shield module that effectively stops 100% of ransomware threats.

Trend Micro has an easy interface and is available for both Mac and Windows, as well as Android and iOS. 

Features

• Real-time malware detection.
• Protects against a broad range of malware.
• Few false positives.
• Affordable pricing.
• Easy interface.
• Endpoint protection.

Pricing

The basic, home solution is available in three tiers, priced at $19.95 for the first year for one device; $39.95 for three devices; and $49.95 for five devices, with additional services at the higher tiers.

There are also Worry-Free Services for small businesses starting at $79.28 for one year, and a plethora of advanced network security solutions for large enterprises.

McAfee

McAfee Antivirus Software is a one-in-all solution that is equipped with ad blockers, network monitors, deep web search, and intrusion trackers to provide protection from various types of malwares. It has a user-friendly interface, ensuring people with even minimal knowledge of computers can use it.

McAfee antivirus is available for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and ChromeOS devices.

Features

• Automated VPN turn-on for suspicious sites.
• Protection score to improve your online security.
• User-friendly interface.
• Advanced monitoring properties.
• Multi-platform compatibility.
• Parental controls.

Pricing

Pricing starts at $39.99 per year for a single user with up to five devices, and scales up to a family plan for $119.99 per year with unlimited devices for two adults and four children.

Norton 360

Norton 360 is a powerful antivirus solution that uses ML and advanced heuristic virus detection techniques to flag suspicious files and provide you with the best protection possible.

Norton 360 is perfect for families since it includes in-built parental controls for a safe browsing experience, and for small businesses looking for affordable, comprehensive protection for all endpoints. It’s available for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.

Features

• 50-100 GB cloud backup.
• Password manager.
• Secure VPN.
• Smart firewall.
• Dark web monitoring.
• Parental controls.

Pricing

Norton 360 starts at $49.99 for the first year for five devices and 50GB cloud backup, and scales up to $299.98 for the first year for unlimited devices and 500GB cloud backup, as well as a variety of additional features and services, such as LifeLock identity theft protection and account monitoring.

Norton Small Business starts at $99.99 per year for five devices, $149.99 per year for 10 devices, or $249.99 per year for 20 devices.

Bottom line: Protecting against malware threats

Despite the increased awareness about malware and the great danger it poses, malware cases are on the rise. In fact, 2022 saw an increase of 2% in malware cases, with a greater concentration in the APAC and Latin American regions. 

While it’s not possible to completely stop malware, using the right security plan and following safe web practices can help individuals and companies protect themselves from malicious software.

Read our complete guide to the best antivirus solutions for personal and enterprise security.

The post What Is a Malware Attack? Definition, Types, and Prevention appeared first on Enterprise Networking Planet.