subject: Know How To Tackle Serious Information Security Threats [print this page] Information security threats are faced by all companies whether big or small. Even if we install the latest anti-virus and keep it updated, network systems still stay vulnerable to computer hacking. Everyday we are encountering new information security threats. Everyday we are dealing with cyber security issues in offices, in homes. Here are some of the threats which we need to be aware of and careful about. These are:
Malware: Malware has increasingly become a common threat affecting end number of companies nowadays. Especially over the past two years, there has been a drastic increase in the network systems affected by Malware. Hackers generally use third party applications to install malware such as Flash, Adobe Acrobat, Quicktime and more. Once installed, Malware acts like Trojan horse and can steal confidential information, and can perform end number of malicious acts such as fast flux botnets, relays, keyloggers and more. To avoid this, it is best to hire professionals who undergo information security training. They look for weak points and take necessary measures to protect your network system from malware and save tons of money from going waste.
Mobile Devices: Generally IT professionals on the move carry mobile devices which gives them complete access to all the important business information for their work. However such mobile devices such as iphone, USB thumb drives and even laptops are extremely prone to worms, Trojans and malware. Malicious hackers always look for mobile devices to steal sensitive information. So it is advisable for executives to use strong passwords which can't be guessed easily.
Malicious Insiders: Most of the companies don't take this threat very seriously. But the threat of malicious insiders is bigger than what most people think. Generally organizations are very careful and stay alert about the threats from outsiders. But on the other hand, the same organizations turn a blind eye to malicious insiders within the organization. There are numerous cases in which disgruntled employees have exploited the company they previously worked for by selling the company's crucial information to the competitors or deleting important files.
These employees aim to exploit the company but apart from these there are other types of employees too who can cause havoc. Careless, ignorant employees who unintentionally and accidentally disclose vital information to others are as big a nuisance as those with malicious intent. However strict policies and proper training of employees can prevent such accidental cases of disclosing information.
Social Networking Sites: Social networking sites such as Orkut, Facebook or Twitter can be a serious threat to organizations. Users using these sites are extremely prone to Trojans, worms and other viruses. For hackers, these sites are a perfect ground to target unlimited users and steal the personal information.
These are some of the informations security threats plaguing organizations today. To prevent these threats companies must enforce strict policies and use all the preventive measures. It is advisable to hire professional ethical hackers and information security experts. These professional ethical hackers undergo cuber security course training and help organizations by preventing and protecting the company's confidential information from both outsiders as well as internal threats.