What Are the Biggest Threats to the Data of Companies Today?

There are a lot of companies that have already discovered how helpful it is to collect data on just about everything. In the past, it was difficult for companies to figure out how to use this data because they did not have the tools or the manpower to analyze it appropriately to look for trends. Now, thanks to tools that are provided by those who specialize in Data as a Service, such as David Geithner, it is possible for companies to get more out of their data.

Even though this data can be helpful, there are also a lot of threats facing the world today when it comes to big data. As a result, companies need to take the right set of steps to protect themselves accordingly. What are a few of these threats? What can companies to do protect themselves and their information?

Phishing Attacks Remain a Persistent Threat

One of the biggest threats to big data today has to do with phishing attacks. These have been around since the dawn of the internet and are only going to remain present as big data continues to grow and evolve.

In a phishing attack, a criminal tricks someone into surrendering their login credentials. Then, they can use those credentials to log in to the server and steal the data. Even though this might sound like something easy to fix, there are still a lot of people who are not literate when it comes to threats such as these. That is why companies need to take the right steps to stop these attacks from happening.

There are a few steps companies can take to combat this threat. First, they need to train their employees appropriately to identify these attacks. That way, they reduce the chances of someone falling for these tricks. In addition, companies also need to use something called two-factor authentication. The goal is that in addition to a password and username combo, people need to use a second method to log in. That way, if the username and password get stolen, the criminal cannot get in without the other factor.

Ransomware Is a Major Threat in the Modern Era

Another major threat that all businesses need to be aware of is called ransomware. This is a serious issue that even took down a major pipeline in the recent past.

Ransomware is an attack that is designed to completely lock up a company’s server and its data. When the virus is uploaded to the server, it immediately encrypts everything it can possibly find. This makes the data, network, and server unusable. If the backup copies were on the server, then they are encrypted as well. Then, the criminals do not decrypt the files until a major ransom is paid.

One major risk of paying the ransom is that there is no guarantee the files will be released. In addition, this could embolden future attacks on the same target. Therefore, the best way to deal with these attacks is to prevent them from happening. Always have a backup copy of the data somewhere and make sure it is not connected to the same server. Then, work with professionals who know how to combat these attacks and prevent them from happening in the first place. Once the attack happens, it is nearly impossible to reverse.

SQL Injection Attacks

Another major threat that businesses have to know about is called an SQL injection attack, pronounced as “sequel injection attack.” In this attack, someone uploads a malicious string of code to the server. Then, the attack lies in wait until the next time that code is read. Then, when the code is read by the computer, the code is carried out. Usually, this code is written to completely remove, delete, or wipe out all data, completely killing the project. This type of attack has the power to take out an entire server’s worth of data in an instant, which is why it is important for all companies to protect against it using the right defense mechanisms, preventing people from accessing this layer of the server unless completely necessary.

Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Attacks

Finally, another major threat that exists to company data today is called a distributed denial of service, or DDoS, attack. This is a common type of attack that is seen in the video game world; however, it can certainly happen in the business world as well. In this attack, someone targets a server and overwhelms it with so many fake or bogus commands that the server cannot respond to any of them. This blocks out any real commands from reaching the server. As a result, the company simply grinds to a halt and the server is taken offline, threatening any data on the server in the process. This is another devastating attack that has to be prevented as well.

Many Businesses Are Outsourcing the Data Protection

Ultimately, these are just a few of the many attacks that are taking place on company data. As defense mechanisms get better, hackers will get better as well. This is why all companies need to work hard to stay up to date on everything that is happening in the world of big data. Many business owners and managers do not have time to think about big data protection, which is why it is better to work with professionals instead.