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Cyber threats are evolving at an alarming pace, and it has become crucial for small and big organizations to defend themselves against them. According to a recent study, businesses, on average, take 197 days to identify a security breach. This long duration of identifying the cyber threat leaves the organization vulnerable to numerous problems, such as operational and financial loss, low productivity, and unplanned downtime. Therefore, before mitigating cybersecurity threats, it is essential to identify them first, which enables a firm to contain the threat. Here is how organizations can identify cyber threats.
How To Identify Cybersecurity Threats?
One of the most common cybersecurity threats is mysterious emails to carry out phishing attacks. Most of these emails pretend to be from a trusted organization, and it urges the receiver to click on a link. If you receive such an email, understand it is a cyber threat. For example, if you receive an email asking you to click on a link to check your IP address, it is best to avoid the email. Instead, open “What Is My IP” on your browser to check the IP address manually.
Secondly, unusual password activity also indicates that someone is trying to access an account by guessing the password of it. Most of the platforms now notify the user of unusual password activity. Switching to a strong password is recommended whenever one receives such a notification.
Also, if you notice suspicious pop-ups, you may become prey to a cyber attack. Most often, users who receive such pop-ups close them. However, one should avoid even clicking on the link to close the pop-up, as it can also be infected with spyware or malware that can compromise the device or network.
A slower network than the usual regular network indicates a cyber menace. You should inform the IP security department if you are suddenly experiencing slow internet speed.
Even though there are numerous other types of cyber threats, there are the most common ones. So now that we know how to identify a cyber security threat, let us look at the ways to mitigate them.
How To Mitigate Cyber Threats?
Most of the cyber threats are a result of a few basic causes. The cyber threat risk is high when an organization does not have a cyber security strategy. Other common causes include the usage of old operating systems, no backup of the data, usage of public Wi-Fi, and manual ways. Here is how you can mitigate these common causes.
1. Encrypt Your Data
Organizations should encrypt all sensitive data. Keeping the data in an unencrypted form gives the malicious actor easy access. Likewise, data encryption gives a protective layer to the data. Also, if someone lays hands on the data, they cannot read it because of the encryption. In addition to data encryption, one should go for regular backups.
2. Update and Upgrade Software
As soon as a new software, operating system, or app update is available, one should go for it. It is because as soon as a new patch is available, the cybercriminal learns about the security lapses in the previous patch, which they exploit. Organizations can prevent this vulnerability by automating the update procedure.
3. Use Firewalls and Antivirus Software
One of the simplest ways to fight cybersecurity threats is by using firewalls and good antivirus software. Both firewall and antivirus software offer an additional barrier to the device and network. For instance, a firewall is like a buffer between the network and the outside world. Subsequently, it makes it easier for the organization to monitor incoming and outgoing traffic.
4. Regular Employee Training
As stated above, phishing emails are among the most common cyber attacks. Statistics indicate that globally, 3.4 billion phishing emails are sent to access users’ different data. Phishing emails are one of the most successful ways to carry out a cyberattack because it appears legitimate. Therefore, it becomes essential to train the employees regularly to help them know how to identify cyber threats and further mitigate them.
5. Monitor Network Traffic
Monitoring the network traffic is a proactive step to mitigate cybersecurity threats. In fact, it is one sure-shot way to stay ahead of cybercriminals. Monitoring the network traffic in real-threat enables one to identify the threat before it can cause actual harm.
Lastly, the firms must create an incident response play to minimize the aftermath of a cyberattack. It is one of the vital components of mitigating cyber risk.
