Any computer user, whether it be a business or consumer, would want to protect their most important data from loss and theft. There are many potential dangers that threaten to compromise the security of your data, from hackers to viruses to hardware breakages. In fact, financial companies have been increasingly barraged by the most skilled hackers over the past year alone. Attacks extend from computers and servers to smartphones and tablets.
While cyber criminals and scam artists continue to become trickier and more elusive, there have been data security upgrades launched to counteract such unlawful activities. Making yourself updated to both the positives and negatives of the data security market will give you an edge against combating hackers and malicious software.
Mobile Data Security
While most documented data security attacks pummeled desktop and laptop computers, smartphones and handheld devices have been a neglected part of data security. Today, mobile phones are also becoming a target of security breaches and intrusions. This is perhaps due to the fact that more and more financial firms enable their workforce to bring their personal mobile phones and use them for work-related purposes. At present, mobile security is a chief concern, at least for IT sectors.
Only a few phone users recognize their smart phones are actual computers, and comprise tons of confidential information ranging from bank account passwords to corporate documents to data found in email accounts. Another new strategy that is now seeing a drastic increase is “smishing,” which involves the intruders sending an SMS with an attached link. The message encourages the recipient to view an image or a game. Once the recipient clicks the link, malicious software is automatically downloaded on the mobile device and hackers are free to steal any data that is saved on their mobile phone.
Another latest update involves mobile applications. Nowadays, you can find thousands of mobile apps on the market, and it seems batches of these programs are being released every week or so. Phone users hardly look at the app developer’s information prior downloading the application. If not assessed appropriately, the application can covertly download malicious software. Studies show that android phones are more prone to these attacks than Apple phones since the OS is more open to developers.
Cyber Spy Attacks
Malicious software continue to advance at a fast pace. A category that is now gaining recognition in the market is the malicious software specifically designed for commercial espionage. These attacks are typically hidden to present security protocols and undetected by even the latest anti-malware program. This, however, does not necessarily mean you should deactivate your anti-malware solution as it can still continue to defend your data by detecting and eliminating threats.
In addition, anti-malware programs are getting more and more superior as better versions are introduced to the market. Modern versions are now able to identify potential dangers solely based on behavior. But if it fails to detect the risks and you suddenly find that your networks have been compromised and information is leaking, you can immediately commence the appropriate damage assessment and start implementing remediation practices.
Protecting Yourself from Espionage Attacks
Most likely, these attacks have been designed with data sourced from the inside. This enables hackers to smooth out the point of entry into your interface. To appropriately safeguard your firm and its properties in the best means possible against these possible spy intrusions, it is crucial to have extra precautionary measures integrated. This includes assessing who is authorized to access vital business data, bringing and using your own devices for work, safeguarding crucial infrastructures, and detecting unforeseen behavioral patterns. For more information on staying safe with data security, click here.
Author Bio:
Brian Jensen works with Dell. In his spare time he enjoys traveling, cooking and spending time with his family. He has a passion for learning and writing about all things technology.
