The digital world has always been a dangerous place, but cyber threats are only getting more elaborate and more dangerous. The rise of AI and more employees working remotely online in a post-pandemic landscape makes businesses even more vulnerable to infiltration. Cyberattacks were expected to cost the U.S. $452 billion in 2024 alone. It’s vital to be protected. This article will look at some threats facing a modern business of any size and the various forms of cybersecurity used to combat them. While a cybersecurity expert is your safest bet for staying protected, arming yourself with knowledge is good, too.

Major Threats Facing Your Business

No company is immune to a cyberattack. While large-scale data breaches and infiltrations are more likely to make the news, the truth is that small-to medium-sized enterprises are equally at risk. Your network, employees, and practices can all be areas where criminals can gain access. And a cyberattack on a small to medium-sized company can often mean big financial damage. It’s vital to know what you’re up against. Here are some of the most common dangers out there:

  • Malware – This is a term you’re probably familiar with. Malware refers to any malicious software that affects your networks or systems. How this is installed on your network varies. A trojan will hide itself in seemingly innocuous ways (as an email attachment or an infected USB drive) until it’s opened inside your network. It can release a worm that attacks your systems and can replicate itself.
  • Virus – The computer virus has been around since 1986 and has only evolved and mutated since then. The same goes for the ways they harm your business. They can delete files, corrupt data, wreak havoc with operating systems, download unauthorized applications, and more.
  • Ransomware – This threat seizes control of your computer system and holds your data or systems for ransom. Businesses are threatened with deletion or release unless they make a payment within a certain timeframe. The “Wannacry” ransomware attack of 2017 is an infamous example of this.
  • Phishing – Phishing targets the employees of a business and exploits their trust to extract valuable information and crucial details like passwords and bank accounts. Phishing efforts can look like legitimate emails or text messages from trusted sources.

The Wide World of Cybersecurity

There are a lot of threats out there, but just as many solutions. While you might think that cybersecurity refers to one method or strategy for keeping a business safe, it’s a holistic term that encompasses a variety of practices, solutions, and programs.

What’s more, cybersecurity is more than a “one-and-done” antivirus program. Threats are constantly evolving, and the race to keep ahead of them means modern cybersecurity is more of a service than a one-time solution.

There are multiple types of cybersecurity. It’s important to note that while larger businesses may require most or all of these for adequate protection, smaller businesses often pick and choose. Budgets are a factor, as are the setups. If your business doesn’t utilize remote work, then Application Security may not be as high a priority as Network Security, for instance.

A professional cybersecurity provider should be able to tailor a solution to keep your company protected.

While there are simply too many types of cybersecurity to list in this article, we’ve highlighted the major types that you should be aware of:

Network Security

A business’s network connects all devices to each other and the online world. This is useful but potentially dangerous, as any device connected to the web is vulnerable to attack. Attacks can come from inside or outside the business. Network security keeps tabs on these channels and not only monitors for threats proactively but ensures proper permissions are in place for employees.

Cloud Security

A business with multiple branches or employees regularly working outside the office will often rely on the cloud to keep everything connected. This sector has seen massive growth in recent years. But major weak points of cloud computing are the devices used to connect to the network. Criminals can easily gain access through an unsecured device, especially one owned by an employee.

Besides keeping access and data secure, cloud security also ensures that businesses stay compliant with data protection mandates like GDPR and CCPA.

Mobile Security

Office PCs aren’t the only way we connect. This is why mobile security is the cybersecurity branch that’s dedicated to securing all corporate and personal devices that access a network on the road. Mobile security keeps these devices secure through software and applications and can also control access to certain systems, thus limiting damage in case of infiltration.

Identity Management and Data Security

Online profiles are vulnerable to theft, cloning, or hacking. Proper storage and security measures can make all the difference. Data security protocols like two-factor authentication go a long way to keeping a network secure.

Beyond the biometrics, this form of cybersecurity also focuses on limiting access to certain systems, preventing both intentional and unintentional compromise of data. Many cybersecurity providers adopt a zero-trust approach to access.

Application Security

Applications are constantly connected to the online world and work on a variety of devices. Any exploit, no matter how small, can be ruinous. Application security focuses on securing these apps through code, architecture, input, and authentication. API keys are one popular example of this.

Continuity Planning

Not all areas of cybersecurity involve code. Continuity planning focuses on devising plans for a business in case of disaster, ensuring there’s a concrete roadmap to follow in a variety of scenarios. A natural disaster might put servers at risk, or a cyberattack could shut down crucial systems. When chaos sets in, it helps to have an existing plan to fall back on.

User Education

Employees need education about cybersecurity, including the many ways an attack can occur. Regular education can ensure that your staff is following best practices and exercising more caution around sensitive information and systems.

Cybersecurity Matters

The cybersecurity you choose for your business will ultimately depend on the size, setup, needs, and budget of your business. In all cases, it pays to be aware of the many threats that your business faces and the types of cybersecurity that can help keep you safe from them.

Just as important is the partner you choose. An expert who can be trusted with your information and systems and relied on to keep one step ahead is vital. If you’re in Philadelphia, Eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, or Delaware, then KDI Technology is that expert.

We’ve been bringing business and technology together for years and are ready to keep your business safe. Contact us today.