Experts urge businesses to take measures to curb cyber-attacks

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 13/07/2024 (831 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Companies must ensure their stored information is encrypted and their networks are protected with firewalls to control data flow, cybersecurity experts are telling businesses.

Due to the recent cyber-attacks on businesses, the experts say proactive measures are needed to prevent future breaches and protect sensitive data.

Recently, the Heritage Co-op store on Richmond Avenue in Brandon faced supply disruptions due to a cyber-attack on Federated Co-operatives Ltd. Multiple notices at the store confirmed the impact, which included some regularly stocked items being temporarily unavailable.

Ticketmaster owner Live Nation also confirmed “unauthorized activity” on its database after a group of hackers claimed to have stolen personal details from some customers between April 2 and May 18.

According to Ticketmaster, the breach may include email, phone number, encrypted credit card information as well as some other personal information from some North American customers. “We are providing a free 12-month identity monitoring service in collaboration with authorities and credit card companies,” Ticketmaster announced.

Cybersecurity expert Gautam Srivastava said businesses should reassess their cybersecurity strategies to curb the recent cyber-attacks.

“Companies should ensure that all sensitive information is encrypted and their networks are fortified with strong firewalls,” Srivastava told the Sun on Friday. “Most cyber-attacks happen through network activity and once attackers are in, they target data. Thus, companies need two types of security: network access control and data protection through encryption.”

Srivastava, a computer science professor at Brandon University, said these steps are crucial to ‘thwarting cyber criminals who increasingly target vulnerabilities in digital infrastructure.’

Brandon Computers owner Dan Tayler told the Sun businesses must invest in regular cybersecurity assessments as a preventive measure.

“Regular assessments help identify and mitigate potential vulnerabilities ahead of potential attack,” Tayler said. “This proactive approach is essential in today’s digital landscape where cyber threats continue to evolve.”

By investing in cybersecurity resilience, he said, businesses can better protect their data, maintain customer trust and mitigate the impact of cyber incidents on their operations.

Tayler added that continuous employee training is a key preventive measure, noting employees are often the weakest link.

“Regular training can help them recognize phishing attempts and other common attack vectors.”

Technology Solve chief tech whisperer Oeloff De Meyer said businesses should understand the importance of multi-factor authentication as a frontline defence against unauthorized access.

“MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to verify their identity through multiple methods,” De Meyer told the Sun. “This not only bolsters security but also reduces the risk of unauthorized access, even if login credentials are compromised.”

Srivastava has seen a significant shift in the focus of cyber attackers.

“While traditionally attacks were aimed at established companies with point-of-sale systems storing sensitive information like credit card details, there is now a noticeable trend towards targeting industries previously considered less vulnerable, such as agriculture,” he said.

The primary reason for this change is the enhanced security in sectors that were frequent targets. With improved defences, “attackers are looking for new, softer targets, leading to a rise in attacks on various other industries,” Srivastava said.

“They still find value in disrupting services, as they can demand ransom once they infiltrate a system. The agricultural sector, for instance, now shares a lot of digital information, making it a target.”

De Meyer said no sector is immune.

“Every industry that relies on digital infrastructure is a potential target,” he said. “The attackers are becoming more sophisticated, and their methods are constantly evolving.”

Since customers’ data are potentially at risk during attacks, Srivastava recommends sharing only the bare minimum amount of data with companies.

“Customers should use multi-factor authentication for email and other systems and only share necessary information,” he said. “If you hear of a breach, cancel your credit card and get a new one. The impact of a breach can be severe, but taking steps like getting a new card or changing passwords can help protect personal data.”

Tayler encourages customers to use strong, unique passwords for different accounts.

“A strong password is your first line of defence. Don’t reuse passwords across multiple sites.”

Srivastava noted that cyber-attacks are more common than most people realize.

“You only hear about them when they’re successful and cause major disruptions,” he said. “Many attacks do not make the news unless they result in significant potential data breaches. Protect yourself.”

» aodutola@brandonsun.com

» X: @AbiolaOdutola