6 online threats that can affect your business
Businesses are increasingly relying on connectivity and online tools to operate and grow. However, this dependence also brings significant risks: network threats are a real and constant danger that can seriously affect any organization, regardless of its size or sector.
Throughout this article, we'll learn about online threats, their main types, and how they can impact your business. We will also show you how to protect yourself with advanced management tools such as Kartos, a cyber-surveillance solution designed specifically for companies.
What are online threats?
When we talk about threats on the network, we refer to any malicious action, program, or actor that seeks to compromise the security of digital systems. These threats can target your data, systems, employees, or corporate reputation.
Global interconnectedness makes it easier for organizations to manage international operations, but it also opens the door to cyber risks that previously seemed unlikely. From targeted attacks to threats that affect entire industries, threats on the online network are constantly evolving, adapting to new technologies and vulnerabilities.
Featured Types of Network Threats
To protect your business, it's first critical to understand the online threats you might face.
Malware
The types of malware are divided into viruses, worms, Trojans, and ransomware. These threats seek to infiltrate your systems to steal data, damage information, or hijack files for ransom.
For example, in May 2023, a well-known ransomware attack hit a financial services company in Europe, paralyzing its operations for days and causing an estimated loss of millions of euros and significant reputational damage.
This case highlights the need for robust security measures to prevent such incidents. Ransomware, for example, is particularly dangerous because it can paralyze your entire operations in minutes.
Phishing
Phishing is one of the most common and effective online threats. Cybercriminals impersonate trusted entities, such as banks or suppliers, to trick employees and gain access to sensitive information.
DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks
These attacks overload your company's servers, disrupting services and leaving users without access. While they don't always steal information, their impact can devastate the business, reputation, and customer experience.
Social engineering
Through psychological tactics, social engineering attackers manipulate employees into revealing sensitive data or taking harmful actions. This type of threat exploits the weakest link: the human factor.
Credential theft
Attackers use techniques such as credential stuffing to gain access to corporate accounts, putting the company, its customers, and its partners at risk.
Insider threats
Not all threats come from the outside. Disgruntled or careless employees can also put systems at risk by sharing sensitive data or ignoring security policies.
Why are these threats dangerous?
Dangers and threats on the network do not only imply an immediate financial loss. Long-term impacts can be equally or more detrimental:
- Operational interruptions. Attacks can halt production, crash systems, or disrupt services, directly impacting productivity.
- Loss of confidence. Customers expect their data to be secure, and a security breach can irreversibly damage your brand's reputation.
- Legal sanctions. With regulations such as the GDPR, poor data management can lead to significant fines.
- Unexpected costs. From paying ransoms for ransomware to the need to invest in security audits, expenses skyrocket.
In a competitive environment, any vulnerability can be exploited by competitors or cybercriminals to gain an unfair advantage.
How can you protect your company from online threats?
Adopting prevention and preparedness measures against network threats protects your company's data and operations and strengthens the trust of your customers and partners. By being prepared, you can avoid high downtime, protect your reputation, and ensure compliance with legal regulations.
Constant training of staff
Employees are your first line of defense. Ensure they understand how to identify suspicious emails, maintain strong passwords, and follow security policies.
Security Software Implementation
Installing antivirus, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems is critical to protecting your networks and devices.
Regular Backups
Make automatic and frequent backups to ensure your information is safe even during an attack.
Continuous monitoring
A continuous threat exposure management solution, such as Kartos, allows you to identify vulnerabilities and respond quickly to any incident.
Access control
Implement multiple levels of authentication and ensure that only authorized personnel have access to sensitive information.
Kartos: Your ally in the fight against online threats
Faced with an ever-changing cyber threat landscape, businesses need tools that react and anticipate risks. This is where Kartos makes a difference. Unlike other solutions on the market that focus solely on detection and response, Kartos takes a proactive approach by providing continuous threat exposure management (CTEM).
Its ability to analyze threats in real-time, generate customized reports, and scale according to each company's specific needs makes it an indispensable ally for protecting data, corporate reputation, and business continuity.
No company can ignore network threats. From malware to phishing, the dangers are varied and constantly evolving. But your business can be one step ahead with the right strategy and advanced tools like Kartos. Don't let cyber risks compromise your success.
Protect your future today with cutting-edge solutions that help you continuously and effectively manage and mitigate threats.
Find out how Kartos can transform your cybersecurity. Contact us now and give your company the protection it deserves.
Corporate Compliance: Featured Features
Compliance in companies has gone from being a trend to becoming a fundamental need for many organizations. From protecting corporate integrity to ensuring regulatory compliance, compliance is positioned as a key tool for the success and sustainability of any organization.
In this article, we'll discover compliance, its core functions, how it influences cybersecurity and the legal framework, and how solutions like Engec's Kartos can make a difference.
What is compliance, and why is it so important?
Business compliance refers to the procedures, policies, and controls that ensure an organization complies with applicable laws, regulations, and internal rules. In a time of sanctions, fraud, and reputational scandals, having a robust compliance program is necessary and strategic.
An example of a company's compliance could be a program that prevents money laundering by adhering to regulations such as the Law on the Prevention of Money Laundering. These initiatives protect companies from legal sanctions and strengthen customer and partner trust.
Outstanding functions of compliance in the company
The success of compliance lies in the breadth of its functions, which range from legal risk management to protection against digital threats. Here are some of the most relevant:
1. Legal and regulatory compliance
One of the primary responsibilities of compliance is ensuring that the company operates within the legal framework. This includes complying with local, international, and sector-specific laws and regulations.
For example, the company's legal compliance may involve implementing a system to manage the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and ensuring that customers' data is adequately protected and managed.
2. Risk management
Identifying and mitigating risks is a crucial task of compliance. These risks can be financial, operational, or reputational. The aim is to prevent the company from facing financial penalties, loss of customers, or damage to its public image.
3. Promotion of an ethical culture
Compliance also seeks to promote a business culture based on ethics and values. This includes continuous employee training and creating a clear and accessible company compliance policy.
4. Strengthening cybersecurity
Cybersecurity compliance is more relevant than ever in an increasingly complex digital environment Protecting sensitive information, preventing cyberattacks, and ensuring operational continuity are fundamental aspects of any compliance program.
For example, a company can implement cybersecurity measures such as continuous threat monitoring, ensuring that systems are always up to date and protected against vulnerabilities.
5. Audits and internal controls
Compliance establishes auditing processes to ensure that standards are effectively complied with. This includes periodic reviews and mechanisms to detect and correct non-compliance early.
How to implement an effective compliance program?
Creating an effective compliance program requires a comprehensive approach tailored to the specific needs of each organization. Here are some keys:
- Risk analysis. Identify your company's most vulnerable areas, whether legal, financial, or digital.
- Training and awareness Educate your employees on the importance of compliance and provide them with the tools they need to act ethically.
- Clear policies. Establish clear rules and procedures, ensuring they are understandable and accessible to all levels of the organization.
- Technological tools. Rely on technology solutions like Kartos to manage threat exposure and ensure regulatory compliance.
The importance of compliance in cybersecurity
Cybersecurity compliance protects the company's systems and data and reinforces the trust of customers and partners. Some best practices include:
- Continuous threat monitoring.
- Use of advanced cybersecurity tools to detect suspicious activity.
- Creating clear protocols for responding to security incidents.
In this context, having solutions like Kartos is essential. This Enthec tool enables companies to proactively manage their threat exposure, ensuring a continuous threat exposure management (CTEM) approach that protects information and corporate reputation.
You may be interested in→ Proactive security: what is it and why use it to prevent and detect threats and cyberattacks?
Benefits of employing a solution like Kartos
Kartos is a comprehensive solution designed for companies looking to strengthen their compliance strategy. Some of its benefits include:
- Early identification of risks. Detects web vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
- 24/7 monitoring. Ensures constant monitoring of digital threats.
- Compliance. Helps to comply with industry regulations and avoid legal penalties.
- Reputation protection. Minimizes the impact of potential incidents on customer trust.
Compliance in companies is much more than a legal requirement; it invests in sustainability, ethics, and corporate security. From regulatory compliance to cyber threat protection, their roles are essential to ensuring success in an increasingly demanding business environment.
Invest in cyber surveillance solutions like Kartos by Enthec to improve your company's compliance. Its focus on continuous threat management gives you the peace of mind and support to focus on what matters: growing your business safely and responsibly.
Discover everything Kartos can do for you and protect your company today!
8 Tips to Keep Your Email Safe
Email continues to be an essential tool in our daily lives. It allows us to communicate with friends and family and manage important matters related to work or many other aspects of our lives.
However, it is also one of the main targets of cyberattacks. Therefore, understanding the type of email security we need and applying appropriate measures can protect us from problems such as data theft or unauthorized access to our accounts.
In this article, we share practical tips to improve the security of your email and how to know if an email is secure. We'll also introduce you to Qondar as a solution that can help you keep your data safe.
8 Ways to Make Your Email Safe
From Enthec, we explain 8 ways to make your email safe
1. Choose strong, unique passwords
A strong password is your first line of defense. Although it may seem an essential tip, many people still use easy-to-guess passwords, such as "123456" or "password". To create a strong password:
- Use uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Avoid using personal data such as your birth date or pet's name.
- Make sure it's at least 12 characters long.
- Consider using a password manager to generate and store passwords securely.
Remember to change your passwords periodically and never reuse the same one on different accounts.
You may be interested in our publication→, How to Manage Passwords and Business Credentials Easily and Securely to Avoid Online Threats.
2. Turn on two-step verification (2FA)
Two-step verification is an email security measure that provides an extra protection layer. This system requires that you insert a temporary code sent to your phone or generated by an application such as Google Authenticator in addition to your password.
This method dramatically reduces the risk of someone accessing your account, even if they manage to get your password Be sure to enable this option on as many accounts as possible, especially those that contain sensitive information.
3. Beware of suspicious emails
Knowing how to identify a secure email is key to avoiding scams such as phishing, a type of attack in which cybercriminals try to trick you into sharing sensitive information.
If you have any questions about an email that seems suspicious, follow these simple steps:
- Check the sender's address. Attackers often use addresses that mimic well-known companies' addresses but with slight variations. For example, instead of "support@business.com," it could be "support@bus1ness.com."
- Look at the links. Before you click, hover over the link to check where it takes you. If it doesn't match the official site, be suspicious.
- Look for spelling or grammar errors. Phishing emails often contain errors that are not found in an official message.
- Don't share sensitive information. No serious entity will email you to ask for your password or banking information.
Don't respond or click on links if you receive a suspicious email. Instead, contact the sender directly through its official channels.
4. Avoid public Wi-Fi networks to access your email
Connecting to public Wi-Fi networks without security can expose your email to attacks. If you need to use a public connection, consider these options:
- Use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your connection.
- Avoid accessing sensitive information while connected to these networks.
- Turn off the option to automatically connect to Wi-Fi networks.
While convenient, public networks pose a significant risk to your privacy. If you have no alternative, use your mobile data connection to perform essential tasks.
5. Regularly update your devices and apps
Software updates bring new features and fix vulnerabilities that attackers could exploit. Keep up to date:
- The operating system of your computer and phone.
- The email app or client you're using.
- The browsers you use to access your email.
Also, turn on automatic updates whenever possible to make sure you're protected from the latest threats
6. Make regular backups
Even if you take every precaution, there is always a risk of your account being hacked. Make regular backups of your important emails so you don't lose valuable information; you can use cloud services or save files on a secure external device.
Backups can help you recover your information in the event of an attack and are also helpful if you need to access your data offline.
7. Educate your household members about digital security
If you share devices with others, ensure everyone understands the importance of protecting personal information. Talk about the risks associated with opening suspicious emails or using weak passwords. Teaching safe practices to your family members can prevent mistakes that compromise everyone's safety.
8. Use advanced protection tools
Today, solutions such as Qondar can help you manage your email security more effectively. These tools detect potential threats and monitor whether your information appears in compromised databases. In this way, in real-time, you can detect threats such as compromised passwords for your professional or personal email and the breach that has caused the leak so that you can act before cybercriminals use them.
Qondar: Advanced protection for your emails and personal data
Qondar is a cyber surveillance solution designed for individual users who want to keep their information safe. As a Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM) tool, Qondar allows you to:
- Detect potential vulnerabilities before attackers exploit them.
- Receive alerts on potential security compromises in real-time.
- Monitor the presence of your data in suspicious sources or underground networks.
With Qondar, you can have peace of mind knowing that your email and personal information are protected from digital threats.
Protecting your email security isn't complicated, but it requires consistency and the right tools. From choosing strong passwords to identifying suspicious emails, every step you take shields your privacy.
If you're looking for a complete solution to protect your personal information, Qondar is the ideal tool.
Don't leave your security to chance: start managing your threat exposure with Qondar and always keep your data safe.
The Meaning of Shadow IT in Corporate Cybersecurity
When we talk about business cybersecurity, we can find concepts that, although they may seem complex, are essential to understanding today's challenges. One of them is Shadow IT. But what exactly is it, and why should you care as a company manager?
In this article, we'll explain this scenario and show you how to manage it to protect your organization.
What is Shadow IT?
Shadow IT refers to using applications, devices, services, or computer systems within an organization that the Information Technology (IT) department has not approved or monitored. While it may not sound serious, this phenomenon poses significant data security and control risks.
Simply put, Shadow IT appears when employees adopt external tools, whether to increase their productivity, facilitate teamwork, or fix immediate problems. However, because these solutions are not regulated or aligned with company policies, they can become an open door for cyberattacks or data leaks.
Shadow IT: meaning in the business context
When we discuss Shadow IT and its meaning in the business environment, we are not only discussing unauthorized technological tools. Its impact is more profound, as it affects an organization's ability to maintain centralized control over its infrastructure and the sensitive data it handles.
A typical example is a sales team using a free cloud storage application to share documents. While you intend to improve collaboration, you could risk sensitive customer data, as those platforms may lack robust security measures.
Examples of Shadow IT in companies
To better understand the scope of this phenomenon, here are some common examples of Shadow IT:
- Unauthorized messaging apps: Employees who use WhatsApp or Telegram to share corporate information instead of secure tools provided by the company.
- Cloud storage services: Platforms like Google Drive or Dropbox used without IT approval.
- Project management software: Tools like Trello or Asana that some teams adopt without consulting the technology team.
- Unregistered hardware: personal devices (mobiles, laptops or tablets) connected to the corporate network without adequate security.
These examples show how shadow IT arises from employees' need to resolve issues quickly without considering the long-term implications for the company's security.
The risks of Shadow IT in cybersecurity
Shadow IT may seem harmless, but its risks are real and varied:
- Exposure to cyberattacks: Unsupervised applications can contain vulnerabilities that attackers exploit to access the enterprise network.
- Lack of regulatory compliance: Many industries have strict regulations on data management. If an unauthorized tool stores sensitive data, it could result in fines or penalties.
- Data fragmentation: information dispersed across multiple applications makes it difficult to manage and protect.
- Loss of visibility: IT loses control over which tools are used and where critical data is.
- Data leakage risks: Employees could unintentionally share sensitive information through unsecured applications
How to prevent and manage Shadow IT?
The key to reducing the impact of shadow IT is not to ban its use entirely but tomanage it proactively. Here are some effective strategies:
- Encourage team communication: listen to employees' technology needs and offer secure, authoritative solutions that fit their daily work.
- Set clear policies: Define rules about using apps and devices and explain the risks associated with shadow IT.
- Invest in monitoring solutions: Use tools that provide visibility into the applications and devices connected to your network.
- Educate employees: Organize cybersecurity training sessions for the team to understand how their actions affect the company's security.
- Adopt continuous management solutions: Ensure the company has technologies capable of continuously identifying and mitigating risks.
You may be interested in→ Cybersecurity solutions that you should apply in your company.
Kartos: the ultimate solution to manage Shadow IT
At Enthec, we understand that managing shadow IT is a key challenge to protect your organization. We've developed Kartos, a solution designed specifically for companies seeking a comprehensive approach to Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM).
With Kartos, you can:
- Detect and identify data breaches caused by Shadow IT: our solution scours all Web layers to locate any corporate data leaks and detect the causative breach.
- Monitor threats in real-time: Gain complete visibility into vulnerabilities caused by shadow IT in real-time.
- Detect open gaps, including those caused by the use of Shadow IT
- Reduce risk and protect business continuity proactively: Disable vulnerabilities before they are used to design an attack.
If you are looking for a solution that detects threats and allows you to act proactively, Kartos is your best ally.
Shadow IT may seem like a quick fix for everyday problems, but its impact on enterprise cybersecurity is undeniable. The good news is that, with the right tools and strategies, you can transform this challenge into an opportunity to improve your organization's security and efficiency.
At Enthec, we're committed to helping you manage your threat exposure continuously and effectively. Contact us and discover everything Kartos can do for your company and take the next step towards more robust and reliable cybersecurity.