Understanding network threats: Ten network security tips every business needs to consider

In today's digital landscape, network security is paramount. An unprotected network is a gateway to numerous threats that can jeopardise sensitive data, disrupt operations, and damage reputations. And despite these threats being widely known about, many businesses still fall foul of attacks that can often be hugely impactful, and at times, catastrophic. And with so much advice out there, it can be hard for even the most seasoned IT professional to keep up.

To help you keep your business safe, we sat down with cyber security expert Víctor Arroyo, CTO at Cefiros to ask what he thinks are the 10 biggest security risks facing businesses today and what advice he would give to businesses to mitigate them in today’s ever changing climate in this rundown of 10 key takeaways every IT Decision Maker should take note of.

1. Data Breaches

2. Ransomware Attacks

3. Unauthorised Access

4. Denial of Service (DoS) Attacks

5. Insider Threats

6. Security Vulnerabilities in IoT Devices

7. Printer Security

8. Phishing Attacks

9. Risks Associated with USB Drives

10. Inadequate Cybersecurity Awareness Among Employees

1. Data Breaches

Data breaches happen when unauthorized access to sensitive information is given, or obtained by hackers, giving access to potentially sensitive information. One of the most common cyber issues facing businesses today, this can often lead to financial losses, legal consequences, and reputational damage.

Example: Major breaches like those experienced by Equifax and Marriott exposed millions of personal records, resulting in substantial financial and reputational damage.

Mitigation: Employing robust encryption methods, multi-factor authentication, and conducting regular security audits can significantly reduce the risk of data breaches.

Victor’s Advice: "Don’t just rely on encryption - make sure you are constantly auditing and revising access controls to prevent weak points. A breach is often the result of too much trust in outdated permissions.”

Keep your business safe and resilient using our 5 Step Resilience Plan.

2. Ransomware Attacks

Ransomware is a type of malware which prevents you from accessing your device and the data stored on it, usually by encrypting your files. A criminal group will then demand a ransom in exchange for decryption. These attacks can cripple operations and result in significant financial loss.

Example: The WannaCry ransomware attack in 2017 affected numerous organizations worldwide, causing billions in damages and highlighting the devastating potential of such attacks.

Mitigation: Regular software updates, comprehensive data backups, and employee education on phishing prevention are crucial steps.

Victor’s Advice: "Establish off-site backups that are unconnected to your primary network. A well-prepared backup is often the best defence against ransomware, as it renders the ransom demand powerless."

3. Unauthorised Access

Businesses go through a lot of trouble to keep information safe, giving access only to those who should have it. That is why protection is key. But unprotected networks are susceptible to unauthorized access, allowing malicious actors to infiltrate systems, steal data, and cause disruptions.

Example: Cybercriminals often exploit weak passwords and outdated software to gain unauthorized access.

Mitigation: Strong password policies, network segmentation, and intrusion detection systems are effective measures.

Victor’s Advice: "Implement Zero Trust policies - no user or device should be trusted by default, even those inside the network."

4. Denial of Service (DoS) Attacks

We all know that increased traffic to websites can cause them to slow down, and at times, making them unusable. Well hackers have started to use this as a way to disrupt organisations too. DoS attacks overwhelm a network or website with excessive traffic, rendering it unavailable to users and causing significant operational disruptions. There is also the risk of DoS attacks - which simply put is a DoS attack that uses multiple computers or machines to flood a targeted resource.

Example: High-profile websites, such as Amazon and Twitter, have been targets of DoS attacks in recent years.

Mitigation: Firewalls, anti-DoS services, and scalable infrastructure are key to mitigating DoS attacks.

Victor’s Advice: "To avoid cascading failures during DoS attacks, ensure that you regularly stress-test your network infrastructure. Simulation is the key to preparedness."

Brother regularly carries out such simulations to keep our own business safe. Learn more from our CTO Basil Fuchs and other business leaders.

5. Insider Threats

Even with a secure network, there is always risk that those that have access may not keep sensitive information secure. Insider threats involve employees or trusted individuals misusing network access, either intentionally (theft, sabotage) or unintentionally (accidental leaks).

Example: Edward Snowden’s leaks from the NSA illustrate how damaging insider threats can be.

Mitigation: Strict access controls, regular employee training, and monitoring user activity can help prevent insider threats.

Victor’s Advice: "Implement role-based access controls (RBAC). No single employee should have access to more than they need to do their job."

6. Security Vulnerabilities in IoT Devices

Physical objects, or IoT devices, can also pose a threat to any business as they often lack robust security features, making them easy targets for cyberattacks.

Example: The Mirai botnet attack exploited unsecured IoT devices, executing one of the largest DDoS attacks in history.

Mitigation: Secure IoT devices by changing default passwords, regularly updating firmware, and isolating them on a separate network.

Victor’s Advice: "For every IoT device, enable logging and monitoring. Many organizations forget to include IoT devices in their security logging, leaving blind spots in their network."

7. Printer Security

As a print vendor, we know that printers are often overlooked in security plans but can serve as entry points to the broader network.

Example: In 2019, two NCC researchers demonstrated vulnerabilities in printers that could be exploited to gain control over corporate networks saying that "Because printers have been around for so long, they're not seen as enterprise IoT devices - but they're embedded in corporate networks and therefore pose a significant risk."¹

Mitigation: Regularly updating printer firmware, changing default passwords, and enabling security features like secure print and network segmentation are essential.

Victor’s Advice: "Treat printers like any other endpoint. Monitor their traffic and ensure they are behind firewalls, just like computers or servers."

Learn more about Triple Layer Security

8. Phishing Attacks

Phishing attacks are becoming common place within organisations of all sizes. Most commonly via email, hackers aim to deceive users into revealing sensitive information or downloading malware via a carefully constructed ‘friendly’ email that contains hidden links or code that give potential hackers access to employee or potentially company data. 

Example: Phishing emails impersonating trusted entities are common tactics used by cybercriminals, with LinkedIn being one of the most impersonated brands for phishing attacks.²

Mitigation: Regular security awareness training for employees and robust email filtering solutions can significantly reduce phishing risks.

Victor’s Advice: "Phishing tests should be conducted regularly. Employees need ongoing exposure to realistic phishing attempts to build strong awareness."

We asked 5 IT and business experts what they are doing to combat phishing attacks. Read what they had to say here.

9. Risks Associated with USB Drives 

10. Inadequate Cybersecurity Awareness Among Employees 

Conclusion 

An unprotected network poses numerous risks, from data breaches and ransomware to vulnerabilities in IoT devices and phishing attacks. By implementing robust security measures, regularly updating systems, and fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness, organisations can protect their networks and ensure the safety of their digital assets. 

And you can go one stop further by implementing secure print solutions across your network to help mitigate risks. At Brother, we are experts in helping businesses build robust, and secure printer and document management security solutions, and one of our team would be happy to discuss your individual needs.