Exploring the Landscape of Past Computer Network Security Breaches
In 2017, we seemed to experience more cybercrime than ever before. Frequent cyberattacks in the media left us wondering how vulnerable our personal information was at every moment. Behind every technological innovation lies an operating system full of complex circuits and remarkably confusing algorithms. Unfortunately, behind every great operating system, cybercriminals try to hack their way in. Here’s a look at 10 of the most notorious computer network security stories to learn from.
1. WannaCry
In May, the WannaCry ransomware attack exploded into Microsoft Windows operating systems and demanded ransom payments in Bitcoin cryptocurrency. More than 200,000 computers across 150 countries were affected, costing billions of dollars to various industries worldwide. The attack was eventually attributed to North Korean hackers, leading to exploits such as EternalBlue and WannaMine.
2. NotPetya
On June 27th, Ukrainian companies realized that they were being attacked by a new version of 2016’s Petya attacks. That very same day, countries across Europe, Asia, and North America were also affected, wiping data from the computers of government officials, banks, and several other industries. The CIA declared that Russian military hackers were to blame for the devious ransomware.
3. KRACK Attack
In October, researchers published details of “Key Reinstallation Attacks,” better known by its acronym, “KRACK”. It was a technique used by hackers to steal sensitive information via protected WIFI networks, hitting Android and Linux devices the worst while also affecting Microsoft, Apple, and other major software platforms.
4. Bad Rabbit
Also in October, the ransomware attack known as Bad Rabbit took organizations worldwide under siege. The infection disguised itself as an Adobe Flash Installer, using the same code as the Petya virus to freeze computer systems and demand hefty ransoms.
5. Equifax Breach
On September 18, Bloomberg News reported what is now considered one of the worst breaches in history. Equifax, one of the largest credit bureaus, was victimized in March by a “major breach of its computer systems.” Roughly 145 million people were affected by the breach, exposing Social Security numbers, mailing addresses, birth dates, and other personal details to cyber criminals worldwide. The public still doesn’t know who is responsible for the hack.
6. Uber Cover-Up
In November, Uber revealed that they had paid hackers $100,000 to keep a massive breach secret in 2016 that exposed data from 57 million Uber customers’ accounts. Since then, lawmakers have questioned Uber officials and threatened jail time for those involved in the cover-up.
7. Yahoo Bombshell
Yahoo’s parent company, Verizon, announced in October that every Yahoo account was hacked in 2013 – a whopping 3 billion accounts. This was three times as many accounts as former CEO Marissa Mayer initially testified to Congress. A Canadian hacker pleaded guilty to his involvement in November.
8. SEC Breach
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) experienced a breach in 2016 that wasn’t made public until September 2017. It allowed intruders to trade on inside information and exposed extensive company financial filings. Like Uber, the SEC was criticized for lacking appropriate cybersecurity protections and not revealing the attack until a year later.
9. PayPal Problems
PayPal shut down operations in November upon discovering that a company they had recently acquired, known as TIO Networks, was the victim of a major data breach. The breach is believed to have exposed up to 1.6 million customers’ personal information.
10. Voter Records Exposed
In June, security firm UpGuard disclosed that nearly 200 million voter records were exposed online due to improper security settings in Amazon’s cloud storage service. Verizon and the U.S. Department of Defense also revealed that they were victims.
While we want to forget about all of these cyberattacks, it’s important to remember them to learn from our mistakes and strengthen our defenses for the future. At Stability Networks, we keep up with cybercriminal activity to protect our clients.
Ways to Help Improve Your Computer Network Security
In today’s interconnected world, small businesses are highly reliant on their computer networks for daily operations. However, this reliance also exposes them to various cyber threats, such as malware, ransomware, and data breaches. Implementing robust network security measures is essential to safeguarding business continuity and maintaining customer trust. Here are some key steps you can take:
1. Conduct a comprehensive security assessment
Before implementing any computer network security measures, it is crucial to assess the current state of your network security. This assessment will help identify any vulnerabilities or weaknesses that cybercriminals could exploit. Consider hiring a professional IT security firm to evaluate your computer network security infrastructure and recommend appropriate security solutions thoroughly.
2. Develop a strong password policy
One of the simplest yet most effective security measures is to enforce a strong password policy. Encourage your employees to create complex passwords that combine uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Additionally, passwords should be changed regularly to minimize the risk of unauthorized access.
3. Keep software and systems up to date
Outdated software and operating systems are prime targets for cybercriminals. Ensure that all software, including antivirus programs, firewalls, and operating systems, are regularly updated with the latest security patches. Enable automatic updates whenever possible to ensure that your network is always protected against the latest threats.
4. Secure your Wi-Fi network
Hackers often target wireless networks because of their inherent vulnerabilities. To secure your Wi-Fi network, ensure it is encrypted using the latest security protocols, such as WPA3. Additionally, change your Wi-Fi router’s default network name (SSID) and password to prevent unauthorized access. Consider implementing guest network features to separate your internal network from visitors.
5. Implement firewall and intrusion detection systems
Firewalls act as your network’s first line of defense against external threats. A firewall monitors incoming and outgoing network traffic, blocking potentially malicious connections. Intrusion detection systems (IDS) can also help detect and prevent unauthorized access attempts. Implementing both a firewall and IDS can significantly enhance your network security.
6. Regularly back up your data
Data backups are essential for recovering from a cyberattack or other data loss incidents. Create a regular backup schedule for all critical business data and store backups in a secure offsite location. Consider using cloud-based backup solutions that offer data redundancy and encryption for added protection.
7. Educate employees on cybersecurity best practices
Employees are often the weakest link in a company’s network security. Educate your staff about cybersecurity’s importance and how to recognize common phishing emails, suspicious attachments, and other potential threats. Conduct regular training sessions to keep employees up to date with the latest security practices.
Small business cybersecurity solutions
In addition to the steps mentioned above, several cybersecurity solutions are specifically designed for small businesses. These solutions provide comprehensive protection against a wide range of cyber threats. Here are some examples:
1. Endpoint protection
Endpoint protection solutions, such as antivirus software and anti-malware programs, are designed to secure individual devices (endpoints) connected to your network. These solutions can detect and block malicious activities, ensuring that your endpoints remain secure.
2. Web application firewalls
Web application firewalls (WAF) protect your business’s web applications from various attacks, such as SQL injection and cross-site scripting. WAFs analyze incoming traffic and block any requests that could potentially exploit vulnerabilities in your web applications.
3. Two-factor authentication
Implementing two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security when accessing sensitive information or systems. This method requires users to provide two forms of identification, such as a password and a unique verification code sent to their mobile device, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
Protecting small business data
Your small business’s data is one of its most valuable assets. Protecting this data should be a top priority to mitigate the risk of data breaches and potential financial losses. Here are some measures you can take to ensure the security of your business’s data:
1. Encrypt sensitive data
Encryption is a powerful security measure that renders data unreadable to unauthorized individuals. Implement encryption for sensitive data, such as customer records, financial information, and intellectual property. This way, even if a breach occurs, the stolen data remains unusable.
2. Implement access controls
Access controls help restrict access to sensitive data, ensuring that only authorized individuals can view or modify it. Implement role-based access control (RBAC) systems that define specific user permissions based on job roles and responsibilities. Regularly review and update access levels as employees change positions or leave the company.
3. Use secure file transfer protocols
When transferring sensitive data within your network or to external parties, always use secure file transfer protocols, such as SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) or FTPS (FTP over SSL). These protocols encrypt the data in transit, preventing interception by malicious actors.
4. Regularly test your security measures
Periodically test the effectiveness of your network security measures by conducting security audits and penetration testing. These tests simulate real-world cyber attacks to identify any weaknesses or vulnerabilities in your network. Address any findings promptly to ensure the ongoing security of your small business.
Contact us for reliable small business computer network security
At Stability Networks, we understand the challenges small businesses face in protecting their network against cyber threats. Our team of experienced professionals specializes in providing comprehensive network security solutions tailored to meet the specific needs of small businesses. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help strengthen your small business’s network security and protect your valuable data.
Contact us today if your company is seeking protection against future scary cybercrimes!
