Every 39 seconds a hacker is attacking a network. One of the constants in today’s business world is that someone is going to try to steal your data, breach your network, or otherwise wreak havoc on your IT infrastructure.
Threats have only become more sophisticated over the years, employing the use of AI and social engineering. Companies also find themselves needing to defend an ever-growing corporate network, which includes mobile devices, Cloud services, traditional desktop workstations, and IoT devices
Some of the biggest threats that companies face when it comes to attacks on their network include:
- Ransomware attacks
- Phishing emails
- Bot attacks
- Stolen mobile devices
- Credential stuffing attacks
- Form jacking
- Zero-day viruses and malware
In October 2019, the FBI put out an alert titled “High-Impact Ransomware Attacks Threaten U.S. Businesses and Organizations.”
In an environment where the FBI is warning U.S. businesses about high-impact cyber threats, companies need to employ every tool they can to prevent breaches from any number of end points. Cloud services give them a number of ways to thwart attacks and keep their infrastructure protected.
How Cloud Services Can Improve Your IT Security
Many business applications take advantage of the versatility of Cloud solutions. From team chat tools like Slack to the anywhere availability of Office 365, Cloud services keep us connected to the data we need when we need it.
They also have some robust security benefits that businesses can take advantage of to help safeguard their networks, while also benefiting from the Cloud infrastructure.
Protect Against Malware
Cloud-based antivirus and DNS filtering provide constant updates and protection against zero-day threats. They offer companies advanced features designed to stay a step ahead of sophisticated forms of malware.
In the past, anti-virus programs relied on a known threat database that was regularly updated to add newly found viruses and malware. But today, threats are coming so fast, most of them haven’t been seen before, hence, they’re called “zero-day.”
76% of successful cyberattacks last year were the result of zero-day exploits.
Cloud solutions for antivirus and anti-malware protection are designed to recognize patterns and behaviors that malicious programs exhibit, which allows them to identify even zero-day threats.
Their ability to constantly update also ensures your network is better protected and able to fend off all types of ransomware, and other malicious malware.
Protect Against Password Breach
Password breaches and cybercrime known as credential stuffing run rampant as lists of login credentials to company applications continue to be a popular commodity on the Dark Web.
Credential stuffing is the act of automating login attempts based upon a stolen list of credentials. Basically, the program keeps trying different usernames and passwords until something hits.
Cloud based services can detect and block suspicious sign in attempts automatically, putting the brakes on credential stuffing and unauthorized logins.
You also have more control over how your users sign in and where those sign ins can come from. For example, countries outside of US can be automatically blocked.
Cloud authentication applications can allow you to set up challenge questions for additional identity verification and set different login paths for different departments, for example adding an additional level of security for your accounting department.
Secure Stolen Devices
A laptop is stolen an average of every 53 seconds, and smartphones are also a favorite target of technology thieves. When these devices go missing, they can contain sensitive company data that’s now in the hands of a criminal.
Mobile device security is a challenge for many businesses due to the portability of the devices and the fact that many of them are employee-owned and companies are using a BYOD (bring you own device) policy.
Cloud-based mobile device management (MDM) applications help companies get control of laptops, smartphones, and tablets that have access to their business data. They can also be installed on employee-owned phones, in essence dividing the private from the corporate to make BYOD management more secure.
Stolen devices can be remotely locked or wiped using MDM software, ensuring your data remains secure in the event the device is lost or stolen.
Protect Against Data Loss
If you’re using a local backup, should anything happen to your physical office, like a fire or flood, your backup is gone along with everything else. Data loss can devastate a business and it can take them years to recover, if they’re able to at all.
Backing up to the Cloud protects against data loss and keeps backups safely offsite. So, in the event of a disaster or even a prolonged power outage, you can restore your data to another location and keep your business running.
Managed Cloud backups also allow you to back up your data no matter where it is. So, you can ensure all your data is safely stored whether it’s located on a:
- Desktop
- Mobile device
- Cloud service (like Office 365)
Explore Cloud Security Benefits with Cloudavize
Could your security strategy use a boost from the Cloud? Cloudavize can help you review where you are now and make cost efficient recommendations to improve security and more with Cloud solutions.
Learn more today, call 214-736-2144.