Myths About Cyber Attacks

Though the IT attacks have become increasingly common in the recent years the current year has seen the rise of some of the most lethal attacks. Another noticeable thing is that the present attacks are not just “a few more attacks”. A clear shift in paradigm is also realized. Ransomware WannaCry prove that the attackers now need quick and substantial gain and they want to achieve that by exerting more pressure and affecting crucial root services. However, the notion of an average net user is majorly based on what he reads over the net. Hence in this scenario the salt, sugar and sand all gets mixed up and along with some realities, the myths are also being believed by the users. Here are a few of them, busted:

 

364 The Myth: Most of the attacks are executed by the most sophisticated attackers

The Reality

Thanks to the (undue?) media attention given to DDoS attacks, WannCry and a dozen of other such attacks, it has been a common notion that there should be tens of most refined brains behind each successful attack. The reality is however is very different.

While there can be diverse reasons for attacks- right from a quirky hacking attempt to sinister intentions- It is the lack of proper measures by the corporate that makes an attack successful.

 

Your Takeaway

Ensure proper coordination between IT team and managerial staff of the company.

Don’t use old outdated software as they are not patched against the present security threats

Don’t employing pirated versions of enterprise-garde software to reduce costs.

Monitor the proper implementation of IT security and turn it into a streamlined exercise rather than a formality

Don’t hire “cheap manpower” for the IT department

 

262 Myth: There exists a professional community of attackers thriving solely on cyberattacks

Reality

Though there are handful of expert attackers and hackers who take their “profession” seriously with well defined goals and objectives, in many cases it is a hit-and-try exercise by inexperienced or novice apprentices. Such teenage attackers either want to have some “serious fun” or need a couple of months’ worth of pocket money. The attackers may also include the mediocre IT executives who are looking for supporting income or clear their debts.

 

Your Takeaway

They would generally scan your company for common vulnerabilities or try to inject common malwares to see if your security (or lack of it) plan allows an easy entry.

They would not bother trying much if your IT security is well fortified. Needless to say, having a decent security will keep you clear of such attackers.

 

196 Myth: Spend more to get more security

Many companies have a notion that the more you spend over your security the better secured you actually is. They would employ a separate division for security experts, keep on adding the latest technologies and spend a fat amount of resources on acquiring most refined spick-and-span security plans.

Reality

Ironically, in its quest of achieving the most sophisticated security standards, the companies overlook the basics. To use an analogy- while the imported engine is perfectly alright, it is the punctured tube that can stop the vehicle in its tracks.

The hackers and attackers generally don’t like to disturb their gray fluid unnecessarily. They generally look for the quick basic vulnerabilities.

 

Your Takeaway

In many cases you can be insured against the cyber attack if you have got your basics right. Securing your main gate should be the first priority as it is the first point of entry into your house.

For more assurance opt for layered security that is focused at stopping the attacker at each level.

Spending hefty amounts to secure your PCI or SOX turn into a cheap joke if you fail to protect your development server.

 

232 Myth: Having the best security policies and resources will save me from attacks

Reality

If your security policies fail to the patch the most vulnerable loopholes then your security investment fails miserably. Hence instead of looking at security in a general way you should be more specific about your ongoing security requirements.

 

Your Takeaway

The need of security standards may vary greatly depending upon the Relevance. Most of the security breaches happen during critical points of daily operations, like carrying out transactions with your clients.

Hence you need to have a streamlined route map to identify the risks during daily operations. It will help you to employ the security patches at the most vulnerable portions.