Why Is IT Security More Important in 2019?
Australian business owners without clear IT security policies will become more vulnerable to attacks in 2019 than in previous years. Malicious software, or malware, continues to evolve with the discovery of new threats that no longer require the use of executable files. As early as July 2018, IT experts have included TrickBot malware in types of cyber-attacks. It emerged as one of the latest threats that year when even large companies, which have robust IT support systems, had trouble reducing their risk exposure.
New Types of Malware
An efficient IT security system should be able to detect TrickBot, Emotet, SamSam and Sorebrect. These four comprised the new types of ‘fileless’ malware that caused significant damage during the previous year, according to Malwarebytes’ Under the Radar: The Future of Undetected Malware report.
TrickBot stood out with its new variant, which can be used to steal data from a remote management software. This Trojan virus is so dangerous that upon detection, there is a high chance of your computer being infected with Emotet as well.
Cybercriminals often conceal TrickBot malware in the form of an invoice request. The attack’s design appears to be convincing enough as if a legitimate company sent the document. As of February 2019, the latest version had three new features that target the Virtual Network Computing (VNC), PuTTY, and Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) platforms.
Be Alert! More Potent Attack is Coming
A Ponemon Institute study showed that fileless malware has a success rate of nearly 10 times that of a file-based attack. While malware has been a constant threat to businesses, their IT security must be particularly capable of addressing fileless attacks. These new threats represented around 35% of all cyber-attacks in 2018. Some viruses are more common in a certain country. For instance, Emotet attacks have been more active in the U.S. than elsewhere in the world. This doesn’t mean that businesses in Australia can relax, as more cases continue to be reported in Canada, the Philippines and the U.K.
You Must Consult an IT Expert
Most companies remain unaware of the importance of an IT security audit, but this is especially necessary for businesses that have transferred their IT systems to the cloud. Since new malware attacks target remote applications, you should consult an IT expert and ask how to reduce your risk exposure. A reputable consulting firm must clearly explain the differences between physical servers and cloud software systems. You can also ask them about the right data protection service for your business, as not all companies require the same solution.
The Final Word
Australian companies can prepare for the latest cyber-attacks by updating their IT security policies. This is possible even without an in-house team. An IT consulting service provider can draft policies, perform an audit and recommend timely solutions for your security loopholes.
