It comes as no surprise that cyberattacks have become a major concern for every business worldwide. Hackers try relentlessly to disrupt work, steal information, and seize digital assets. In an instant, all your hard work can feel like it was for nothing.
It doesn’t matter what size of business you are, either. Hackers do not discriminate between small enterprises or global brands. Instead, they will launch a cyberattack against anyone they think is complacent.
A cybersecurity report in 2024 found that 83% of businesses had already experienced a data breach in the last two years. This figure highlights the dire need for companies to invest in their cybersecurity.
But the world of cybersecurity is vast. While you might think you need to focus on big players like malware, spare a thought for lesser-known threats. The reality is they can cause as much damage to your business as any other attack. With that in mind, let’s look at some threats that could catch you by surprise.
Cross-site scripting (XSS)
XSS is a type of session hijacking where hackers seize control of your browser activity. They can achieve this by injecting malicious scripts into legitimate websites. When you visit the website, your browser will trust it and execute all its commands.
Unfortunately, the malicious code will then seize control of your session token. As you’re already logged into your account, the hacker no longer needs your login details. Instead, the hacker can go straight to compromising your accounts.
Because you’re visiting trusted websites, detecting these attacks can be challenging. A simple way to protect websites from an XSS attack is to prohibit user-generated inputs. This stops hackers from easily uploading their scripts through user forms.
There are also cybersecurity tools that can help prevent session hijacking from taking place. A threat exposure management platform can offer 24-hour protection against stolen session cookies. It can revoke unauthorised access and alert you about compromised devices in real time.
Internet of Things (IoT) device cyberattacks
IoT devices are now a core part of daily work. From voice assistants to smart watches, drones to trackers and more, they help simplify everyday tasks. Despite their size, IoT devices make a big difference in business.
However, they can also be a massive liability. In 2022, over 112 million IoT cyberattacks were reported, a 32 million increase from the previous four years. And as more people embrace these devices, this number will rise.
Hackers target IoT devices because they are an easy entry point into a business. These devices typically have limited processing power and lack user interfaces, making it challenging to install protective software like antivirus programs.
That said, there are some preventative things you can do to protect yourself:
- Install updates:Ensure you update devices with the latest firmware.
- Segment your network:Isolate IoT devices on separate networks to prevent cross-contamination during attacks.
- Monitor your network:Analyse network activity to pinpoint unusual device behaviour.
- Disconnect:Don’t have idle IoT devices sitting around the business. These devices increase your attack surface area. Disable any that are obsolete.
Drive-by downloads
Drive-by downloads happen when software or code is downloaded and installed without consent. It can occur accidentally or when bundled with legitimate software. Two examples of this software include spyware and adware.
Spyware gathers data about you and sends it to third parties. It can lead to a data breach if sensitive information is captured. Adware can be just as frustrating. This software displays unwanted advertisements and pop-ups on devices. Ads are often intrusive and difficult to close. If clicked, they may install viruses, exposing you to further cyberattacks.
Businesses should only download software from official websites and marketplaces that have quality control measures to protect against harmful downloads.
Zero-day attacks
Zero-day attacks occur when a hacker exploits an unknown or unaddressed security flaw. Especially if the product is brand new, the flaw will not be widely known to the public or the vendor. By catching developers off-guard, hackers hope to delay the release of a security patch.
There are many examples of zero-day attacks on popular devices. In November 2024, Apple issued a critical security alert after discovering two vulnerabilities. The company found hackers were planting malicious code into dynamic web content. Apple advised users to update their operating systems and Safari browsers immediately.
Protecting yourself from all cyber threats
The simple truth is that businesses must take a proactive approach to their cybersecurity. They must realise that an attack can come in many shapes and sizes. And that sometimes, the smallest threat could cause the most damage.
After all, a hacker needs only one thing to launch a successful attack – complacency. As such, businesses must keep an open mind to all the latest trends and tools in cybersecurity. Only then can you implement the best practices, understand rising threats, and become fully cyber-aware.
