What are the most common network security threats?
According to IBM, the average cost of a data breach is $3.92M. However, a proper network security threat analysis will help you stay ahead of attackers and in compliance with data security regulations.
So, what are the most common network security threats that you should look out for? In this article, we are going to look at the most common network security threats that malicious hackers seek to exploit to break into your network.
Let’s get started.
1. Unpatched Software
One of the most common network security threats is unpatched software. When software companies release new versions of their programs, they usually include security patches for vulnerabilities that have been discovered. However, if users don’t install these patches, their computers and networks will remain vulnerable. Attackers can exploit these vulnerabilities to gain access to sensitive data or take control of systems.
To protect against this threat, organizations should have a process for promptly installing updates and security patches. All computers in the network should be running the same operating system, and updates should be applied as soon as they’re released.
2. Malware
Malware is a type of malicious software that can infect computers and networks. It can be spread through email attachments, downloads from the internet, or by exploiting unpatched software vulnerabilities. Once malware is on a system, it can steal sensitive data, damage files, or even take control of the entire system.
To protect against malware, organizations should install antivirus and anti-malware software on all computers and devices. These programs should be regularly updated with the latest virus definitions. In addition, users should be trained not to open email attachments or click links from unknown sources.
3. Phishing
Phishing is a type of email scam where attackers send fake emails that appear to be from legitimate organizations. These emails often contain links that lead to websites that collect sensitive information, such as login credentials. Phishing attacks can be very difficult to detect, and they can have serious consequences if users fall for them.
To protect against phishing attacks, organizations should have a process for verifying the legitimacy of emails. Users should also be trained to recognize phishing emails and know not to click on any links or provide any information.
4. Denial of Service
Denial of service (DoS) attacks are a type of attack where attackers flood a server with more requests than it can handle. This can cause the server to crash or become unusable, preventing legitimate users from accessing it. DoS attacks can be difficult to defend against, and they can have a serious impact on businesses.
To protect against DoS attacks, organizations should have a good understanding of their network traffic and capacity. They should also have a plan for dealing with sudden increases in traffic. In addition, they should consider implementing a firewall to filter traffic and block malicious requests.
5. Social Engineering
Social engineering is a type of attack where attackers use psychological tricks to deceive people into revealing sensitive information. This information can be used to gain access to systems or data. Social engineering attacks can be very difficult to detect, and they can be very successful if users are not properly trained.
To protect against social engineering attacks, organizations should provide training to users on how to recognize and deal with these attacks. They should also have policies and procedures in place for verifying the legitimacy of requests for information.
Conclusion
As a network security professional, it is your responsibility to keep your organization’s network secure from common network security threats. The best way to stay on top of your game is to keep acquiring new skills and networking threat remediation techniques.
One way to learn new network security skills is to take a part-time network security course. By taking one of these courses, you can learn from other experienced security professionals how to secure your company from common network security threats. Even though you might not be able to secure your network 100% from these threats, fixing the most common ones is the first step in the right direction.
The reason you are never done is because the hackers don’t sleep, and are always developing new attack vectors and tools to circumvent your security measures. I hope this list of the common network security threats has helped you identify the most vulnerable areas in your network to fix.
Even though there are many other network security threats, I only mentioned the most common ones. Which are some of the common network security threats that are missing from this list?
