What Is a Cyberattack?

Cyberattacks, or attempts to damage or destroy a computer system or network, are becoming increasingly prevalent and problematic for users and businesses. According to Embroker, 66% of users have experienced a cyberattack in the past 12 months.

Ponemon Institute reports that 66% of small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) have experienced a cyberattack in the past year. Users and organizations should be aware of different types of cyberattacks and common types. Due to the array of damaging cyber threats businesses face today, learning about these risks and how to minimize them is essential in preventing cyberattacks.

Why Are Cyberattacks A Growing Threat to All Organizations?

In this digital age, cyberattacks have become more common and problematic for businesses than ever. This trend is mainly due to the amount of sensitive information organizations have that criminals exploit for personal and financial gain. Not only do cyberattacks cost businesses the loss of their sensitive data, they also cost them money in damages to the security system. Internet-based crime is one of the fastest-growing security threats in the United States, according to Statista. The University of North Georgia reports that 64% of companies have experienced web-based attacks, while 62% have experienced phishing and social engineering attacks. With more and more services being available online, users’ personal information has become more valuable to attackers who can use that information for various crimes. 

Whether your business is small or large, all companies are at risk of suffering a cyberattack. The same potential impacts of a cyberattack include loss of credibility and customers and various costs for the victim organization. One of the most significant repercussions of a cyberattack is the breach of a company’s sensitive data. Over 90% of cyberattacks begin with an email, making robust email security critical in preventing damaging attacks and data breach.

What Are the Common Types of Cyberattacks to Be on the Lookout For?

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Cyberattacks are a serious threat to all organizations, but luckily users and organizations can take measures to prevent them, which we will discuss later in this article. Some common types of cyberattacks to be aware of include: 

• Phishing Attacks
• Spear Phishing Attacks
• Malware Attacks
• Ransomware Attacks
• Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) Attacks 
• Brute-Force Attacks
• Insider Threats 

For tips and best practices to defend against these types of cyberattacks, check out our comprehensive Email Security Best Practices guide.

Cyberattack Protection with Guardian Digital 

Guardian Digital recognizes that protecting against the array of sophisticated cyberattacks that organizations face today requires comprehensive supplementary email security defenses. We provide the caliber of protection needed to secure against targeted spear phishing attacks, ransomware, insider threats, and other types of cyberattacks via our all-in-one EnGarde Cloud Email Security solution. EnGarde’s defense-in-depth protection blocks the most advanced threats in real-time and updates its defenses to provide enhanced protection against future threats. Guardian Digital anticipates the hazards specific to your users and stops them from using a collection of flexible filters that adapt to your environment.

Key benefits of securing your business email with EnGarde include:

• Rapid Return on Investment (ROI): By preventing security breaches, minimizing downtime, increasing productivity, and safeguarding your operations, businesses can expect a positive impact on their bottom line.
• Superior protection through an inherently secure design: By applying the collaborative, transparent, open-source development model to email security, businesses receive enhanced threat protection, increased trust in the information they receive, real-time updates, and more secure, resilient technology.
• Extended IT resources: The ongoing system monitoring, maintenance, and support that Guardian Digital provides reduces the strain on businesses’ overworked IT departments, enabling them to focus more productively on tasks unrelated to email security. These fully-managed services provide the around-the-clock email vigilance required for the early detection and elimination of threats.
• Better Planning & Policy Enforcement: Complete visibility into your email security and the threats targeting your organization via the EnGarde Cloud Email Security Dashboard reduces risk exposure and enables improved cybersecurity business planning and better enforcement of company policies.
• Enhanced Microsoft 365 Email Security: EnGarde’s supplementary defenses bolster inadequate built-in cloud email protection to fortify Microsoft 365 email against credential phishing and account takeovers.

Keep Learning About Awareness & Action for Protecting Against Cyberattacks

Anyone with Internet access or sensitive information on their computer or online is prone to cyberattacks unless they take steps to protect themselves and their organization discussed in this article. Awareness and education are the first steps to protect yourself from cyberattacks. Taking simple measures, such as a password change or watching where you click, to more complex ones, such as firewalls, are different ways to protect you, your company, and your sensitive information. 

• Implementing a comprehensive email security system can help prevent advanced threats, such as targeted spear phishing and ransomware. 
• Learn more about effectively protecting your business from ransomware.
• By following these best practices, you can also Improve your email security posture to protect against attacks.
• Keep the integrity of your email safe by securing the cloud with spam filtering and enterprise-grade anti-spam services.
• Get the latest updates on how to stay safe online.