Rule #1: If there's a vulnerability, it will be exploited. Rule #2: There's always a vulnerability.
So let’s talk about a few of those methods of exploitation and how to defend against them!
Ransomware: Just as the name might suggested, this is ransom software—it’s used to extort money from a user by encrypting or blocking access to apps or files on a computer until a demanded sum of money is paid.
Threat repellant: Frequent backups, patching, and rapid response!
Malware:
Threat repellant: Patch management, modernization, regular updates
Hijacked accounts: Zero-trust architecture and strict access controls
Botnet swarm: Vigilant monitoring and automated detection
Having advanced systems in place can provide an even stronger virtual force field around your network. While bad actors can and do use AI to become more sophisticated—faster, sneakier, harder to detect—AI is also making threat detection more advanced.
Advanced threat detection: AI identifies patterns, revealing phishing attacks and insider threats before they strike.
24/7 monitoring: AI doesn’t sleep or look away, so you get round the clock protection.
Instantaneous response times: AI automates containment and mitigation, slamming the door on swarms of botnets before their webs can spread.
Machine learning: The more threats AI encounters, the smarter it becomes, learning from each attack to fortify the defenses for the next one.
Follow these principles to protect crucial data from the bad actors that never stop lurking
“Let’s split up.” NO! Centralize your IT so no one wanders off alone and becomes the next victim to an attack.
Always lock the doors, twice. There are many ways credentials can be intercepted. Multi-factor authentication is the deadbolt that keeps hackers from casually slipping inside.
Stay out of the basement. The old server room might look harmless, but it’s where the threats lurk. Outdated tech is no different. Retire it before it drags the whole house down and find ways to automate systems like use of secure AI.
Keep the flashlight on. The villain hides in the dark, but you have the power to shine a light. Continuous monitoring reveals the threats in the shadows before they can do any crippling damage.
Have an escape plan. Backups and disaster recovery aren’t optional—they’re absolute survival necessities.
Get in touch with us if you’d like to arm yourself with the tools to protect and defend (or prevent in the first place) these and other cyber threats.