Think your business is safe from cyber threats? Think again!
You might believe that cybercriminals only have their sights set on large corporations or those with hefty financial assets. After all, that’s where the big money is, isn’t it?
But recent findings indicate that cybercriminals are widening their scope, targeting businesses of all sizes, from local stores to multinational enterprises. And they’re leveraging something known as “botnets” to do so.
So, what exactly is a botnet, and why should you be concerned? Botnets are the covert tools of cybercriminals. They consist of networks of compromised devices, all controlled by a single malicious operator. These devices can range from your computer to even your smart refrigerator. Yes, even appliances can be weaponised in cyberspace.
A recent report highlighted “massive spikes” in botnet activity, with over a million devices engaged in malicious activities at one point. To put this into perspective, that’s a hundredfold increase from usual levels of botnet activity.
Typically, there are around 10,000 devices engaged in illicit activities daily, with 20,000 being the peak number observed by researchers. However, in December 2023, the figures skyrocketed. The count surged to 35,144, and within two weeks, it escalated further to 43,194. That’s an alarming number of compromised devices.
But it didn’t stop there; researchers witnessed the most significant spike yet, with a staggering 143,957 distinct devices being utilized simultaneously. In fact, on January 5th and 6th, there were instances of spikes involving over a million devices!
Why are cybercriminals resorting to this? These botnets are deployed to scour the internet for vulnerabilities in websites, servers, and even email systems.
Picture the internet as a fortress with numerous entry points. Cybercriminals seek out unlocked doors and open windows to infiltrate. They zero in on specific “ports” that serve as gateways.
So, what can you do to shield your business from these cyber threats?
It boils down to protecting those entry points. Here are a few straightforward steps:
- Keep your software, operating systems, and applications up-to-date. Regular updates often patch vulnerabilities.
- Install a robust firewall and dependable antivirus software to safeguard your devices.
- Educate your employees on cybersecurity best practices, such as avoiding suspicious links and emails.
- Implement strong, unique passwords for all your accounts and devices.
- Routinely back up your data to mitigate losses in the event of a cyber attack.
- Stay vigilant for any unusual activity on your network.
- Consider engaging a cybersecurity expert to evaluate and bolster your security measures.
If you need assistance protecting your business, reach out to us.
