Cyber-attacks: 3 simple steps to stop the ongoing threat

Cyber-attacks have existed for many years, with hackers constantly looking for new ways to exploit vulnerable systems and steal sensitive information through malware, ransomware and denial-of-service attacks. Despite increased awareness and regular security updates, these attacks haven’t become any less common over time, as we continue to see new businesses affected every day.

Earlier this year, JD Sports (a UK-based sports fashion retailer) was hit by a cyber-attack that left customers’ personal data exposed. According to the BBC, the attack affected millions of people who ordered from them between November 2018 and October 2020. 

The attack occurred due to a security gap in the company’s online payment system, allowing attackers to access customer names, addresses, email addresses, phone numbers and card information. As a result, JD Sports had to suspend its online operations for several days while they worked to fix their systems. 

JD Sports is just one example of an organisation that has been hit by a cyber-attack recently, with many others experiencing similar issues; Royal Mail, The Guardian and American Airlines, to name a few. 

How to reduce cyber vulnerability:

Cyber-attacks can result in significant financial loss, reputational damage and even the potential for legal repercussions. It is clearly important for companies (of all sizes) to take precautions in order to protect themselves and their customers from cyber threats. 

In order to reduce the likelihood of an attack, organisations need to mitigate the number of entry points for attacks by implementing protective measures. Here are three simple steps that must all be followed to create a safer technological environment: 

1. Auditing – Ensure all software and processes are running as they should and that they are being used in the most efficient and secure way. 

2. Keep software up-to-date – Outdated software is one of the most common causes of cyber-attacks, so companies should ensure that all of their systems are up-to-date with the latest security patches and updates.

3. Continually monitor for updates and potential flaws in your systems – In addition to keeping your estate up-to-date, it is also important to monitor for upcoming changes in software or compliances. This way the organisation can plan ahead, leaving little room for gaps in technology. 

Taking action  

As technology evolves, staying ahead of the curve is essential to protecting valuable data and information. Planning ahead with your technology and keeping it updated is key to avoiding security breaches. Understanding what kind of technology you need, as well as its potential vulnerabilities, can help you stay one step ahead of hackers. Additionally, regularly updating your software can help ensure that any new security threats are addressed quickly and efficiently. 

Cloudhouse Guardian protects businesses against systems threats by providing visibility to their technological infrastructure and identifying potential vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. It allows organisations to respond quickly to any incidents and mitigate potential damage from cyber-attacks. 

Guardian has helped organisations around the world with their monitoring needs, to find out how we can help you, send us a message today.