Security vulnerabilities can bring down even the largest of businesses. Many companies that have experienced security breaches have undergone scrutiny and noticeable drops in client and customer trust. Regrettably, any industry, large or small, can become a target.
However, knowledge is power, and knowing what you’re up against can enable you to take the appropriate steps to protect your company. This has become especially crucial in a time where eCommerce and digital marketing have become a staple in doing business of all kinds.
This post will talk about the most common security vulnerabilities, so you’ll recognize red flags to avoid or spot them before they cause any damage.
1. Phishing
Phishing scams are the most dangerous and widespread threat to small company websites. 90 percent of all security breaches that organizations face are caused by phishing. Not to mention, it affects even vulnerable individuals that have no huge businesses.
Phishing attacks have existed since the internet’s inception. They occur when a hacker poses as a trustworthy contact and entices victims to provide personal information. Remember when someone sent emails about an inheritance they wanted to share with you?
However, these days phishing is becoming harder to spot. Some scammers will try to replicate official emails and layouts from banks, social media, and Amazon accounts.
The best approach to prevent these attacks is to train your personnel to be on the lookout for them. Some of these emails might try to pretend they’re your company’s bank, a member of the board, or a hosting site where you run your website.
2. Malware
Malware is a harmful program that is designed to harm and infect a computer system. The malware carries a wide range of website security hazards, from adware to infections.
A web server infected with malware might be exposed to information theft, privacy attacks, and website hijacking. Make sure you avoid shady emails, suspicious ads, and malware-flagged websites.
3. Ransomware
Cyberattacks, including ransomware, are also common security vulnerabilities. In a ransomware attack, the software prevents you from accessing sensitive data unless you pay the hackers money. These hacks happen on a daily basis to a wide range of businesses.
You may, however, prevent attacks by keeping your systems up to date and employing high-quality site security software. Also, backup your company data and use caution while opening new files on a computer. Before you may open a file, your anti-virus software must validate its contents.
4. Vulnerabilities in Passwords
Many hackers can crack passwords or use programs to attempt different combinations until they gain access to your devices and websites. They also employ keylogging to gain access to user accounts in other circumstances.
A computer user’s keystrokes are logged using keylogging software. It then sends a message to the cybercriminals who installed the dangerous program. To protect your website against this, take the following steps:
- Creating a strong and unique password
- Require users to reset their passwords on a regular basis
- Verifying user access with two-factor authentication
- Never use your login or personal information as a password
Hackers might swiftly gain access to your system if your website does not have sufficient password protection.
If your website allows customers to sign in, make sure to apply these steps and constantly impose these reminders. For example, some websites will require their users to create strong passwords with capitalization variety, special symbols, and numbers upon sign up. You can also regularly remind them to change their passwords every now and again.
5. Vulnerabilities in Cross-Site Scripting
Cross-site scripting (XSS) is a different type of security vulnerability in website design. When JavaScript codes are added to a website, they can target and tamper with client scripts, resulting in XSS.
Users’ sessions are hijacked by these scripts when they utilize a website’s search function or leave comments. As a result, it has the potential to smear the website and redirect users to a website that may steal their personal information. Utilize HTTP, use suitable headers, filter your input on arrival, and use Content Security Policy to avoid this.
Bottom-line
Business has migrated and evolved to adjust to the changes brought by the internet. This means new problems and vulnerabilities, which you should already be looking out for.
So, as your business grows, make sure your data, websites, and your customer’s data are safe from malicious entities.
