Is Your Website Prepared for a Cyberattack?

Since the pandemic, cyber-attacks have more than doubled, with smaller organisations, often lacking a robust IT department, becoming prime targets for hackers

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on SME Today

These attacks are typically random, with hackers scouring the web for sites with weak security and easy entry points. Often, they deploy malware to delete website content or redirect URLs to malicious destinations.

The most common vulnerabilities exploited by attackers include basic errors like insecure file permissions, weak passwords, and outdated software running on websites. Here, we look at some of the common scams to be aware of and how to better protect your site.

Bounty scams

Bounty scams target organisations who are likely to have a limited knowledge of website security. Attackers send alarming emails, claiming to have found ‘serious issues’ on the company’s website, and then demand a substantial payment—a so-called ‘bug bounty’—to resolve the problems.

Phishing

Phishing scams are carefully orchestrated and often highly sophisticated. Hackers infiltrate email threads to observe which businesses an organisation is interacting with. They then attempt to deceive the account holder by replicating a company’s logo, email, and invoices, but with altered bank details directing payments to their own accounts. Unfortunately, there’s limited protection against email-based phishing attacks, making it crucial for employees to be trained to identify and report any suspicious activity.

How to protect against scams

There are several steps an organisation can take to enhance their website’s security. Implementing strong password policies, enforcing two-factor authentication, and regularly updating software are key starting points.

It’s important to choose a reliable hosting provider with robust security protocols. They should perform regular security updates and apply the latest patches. Online hackers and scammers are persistent, constantly probing for weaknesses in your cyber defences. Make sure you have strong firewall measures in place. A quality hosting provider can implement additional security features, such as detecting suspicious activities like repeated failed login attempts, and automatically blocking the user.

Staff awareness and vigilance are critical components of a strong cybersecurity strategy. Educating employees on recognising potential threats, such as phishing attempts or suspicious activity, and encouraging them to report anything unusual can be instrumental in preventing attacks.

While no website strategy is completely foolproof, implementing these essential security measures can significantly lower the risk of breaches and help minimise business disruptions.