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.