Headlines now and again features stories about major corporations getting hacked. According to new surveys, not only large corporations but SMBs or small and medium businesses run a substantial risk for hacking. It is estimated that 50% of all SMBs suffer from malware attacks. Perhaps more upsetting is that of these companies that experience data breaches, 50% go out of business within 6 months after the attack occurred.
This demonstrates the destructive effect hacking has on companies and customers who have their data compromised. Individuals who in their own lives take extensive precautions to avoid cyber threats may be the target of identity theft simply for doing business with a company that was hacked. The effect of this is that a company may lose loyal customers and suffer from a PR disaster.
Whether it is hacking, a malware attack or a crypto scam, or forex trading scam, it is important to file a complaint and notify authorities of the problem immediately so they can track down the people behind the hacking. Additionally, using the services of a fund recovery company can help you recoup the losses following a security breach and help you and your clients retrieve your funds.
CryptoComplaint experts provide consumers with information about financial services and can assist people who have been affected by the hacking, identity theft, CFD scams, crypto scams, forex trading scams, and other forms of financial fraud. Our team has the resources to assist with crypto complaints and can provide guidance to consumers and get them started on the fund recovery process.
Methods Hackers Use to Attack SMBs
There are many ways cybercriminals attack companies. The following include:
- Mass spam emails
- Spear Phishing
- Social engineering and impersonation
- Calls and low tech methods
Many hackers work on a massive scale. They send out messages to as many recipients as possible and hope that someone will click on a link or download a document laced with malware or spyware. Hackers have become more sophisticated through the year in their hacking methods. The Nigerian prince fraud is a famous example of an obvious fraud that unfortunately many people fell for.
Now, hackers will be more likely to create convincing decoys of emails from established companies such as Microsft or Google. The logo may look exact and the tone is professional and believable. They will tell the recipient that they need to verify account details or for some information about something.
The email will feature a link or something to download. Once the recipient takes this action, malware or a virus will find its way into the computer or device. Through malware or spyware, the hackers can gain access to accounts and the network.
Even if the emails appear to be convincing, many people do not click on the links because they can sense that this is a mass mailing campaign and not targeted to them directly. When attempting to sabotage and steal data or money from a company, hackers may be more likely to try spear-phishing tactics, or targeting certain employees directly, particularly those who have more access to data or accounts.
In a spear-phishing attack, the hacker will use social engineering to impersonate someone from the IT department or a manager with a special request for detailed customer data or to gain access to the employee’s device. When this is granted, the device is vulnerable as is the network and the data is compromised.
Since so many people are worried about cybercrime, some hackers have realized one easy way to throw people off track is to call them. Cold calls from someone pretending to be a technician are common and even savvy employees are easily fooled because they expected scammers to try to trick them online rather than on the phone.
Don’t think that criminals are above going through the trash to find account information. If they know where the company is located, they may go through the recycling bin. Shred all sensitive paper documents before disposing of them. In our digital world, we often overlook how much information about ourselves is still on paper that is casually discarded.
5 Ways to Keep Your Company Safe From Hacking
- Install and upgrade anti-virus software
- Verify all requests for sensitive information
- Look at details such as the domain name of emails
- Require two-step verification
- Ensure Best security practices are enforced throughout the company
Installing and upgrading anti-virus software and ensuring that all other employees of the company do the same, is the best way to avoid malware and spyware. Even if hackers manage to get past the network, advanced cybersecurity software will detect and prevent a malware attack immediately. Software is a safety net for when best practices are not used properly or if there is some mistake.
Do not automatically comply with requests for sensitive information, even if the communication seems to be from within the company. Always call, ask for an email or communicate with a manager to determine the authenticity of requests for client data or access to networks and devices.
Be aware that hackers can make communication look as if it was sent by someone you know. In that case, look for subtle differences, such as a fishy domain name on an email or unusual phrasing, if you have received communication from that department in the past. A two-step identification requirement is always a good idea to protect against stolen passwords.
Creating best practices for your company to avoid cybercrime is an excellent way of protecting your funds and your customers’ data. Ensure everyone in the company adopts these best practices and incorporates them in their daily tasks.
Prevention may not be foolproof, but it can improve your company’s security. If in spite of everything, your company’s data is breached, it is essential to report the incident immediately. Time is of the essence also with regard to fund recovery. Working with a fund recovery company can greatly improve your company’s ability to bounce back from a data breach.
Has Your Company Been Affected by Hacking? Talk to CryptoComplaint Experts
Consult with CryptoComplaint experts immediately if your company has been hacked or if you have been the victim of identity theft, crypto scams, or forex scams. Our team can provide solutions and advice on how to seek restitution and recover from fraud.
