04/18/2017

Understanding the Threat of Cyber Security Attacks

Key insights to consider when analyzing how to safeguard your organization

by William Streetman, VysionTech

Why is it that so many of us ignore or bypass our computer safety and security features, making our business vulnerable to a cyber-attack? We might think, “Who would want this information?” or assume that will never happen to us. Thus, we forgo the effort of purchasing, installing or keeping current appropriate security tools and software required to keep our systems safe – creating risks we will only regret down the road. We simply skip or circumvent various security features for our own convenience.

But, then it happens. We get hacked, hit or hijacked. Adding insult to injury, it frequently happens because of our own self-initiated actions. With our help, we give strangers full access to our computer and our private documents, numbers and information all become vulnerable.

Recently, a client of ours called us in a panic. He received a pop-up ad that stated his computer was infected with a virus. The pop-up instructed him to call an unknown number to have a “technician” stop the virus. The “friendly” person on the other end of the line seemed helpful and asked for remote access to the computer. After our client allowed remote access, he suddenly realized he had just entrusted his computer to a stranger who appeared to be planting a virus. He called us while this was happening, and our technical assistant remotely accessed his computer and stopped the cyber attack from being completed.  

Unfortunately, many cyber-attacks come from these types of user-initiated action. In our client’s case, he called an unknown number. In other instances, we are directed to go to an unknown website, click on an ad or open a link included in an email. There are multiple ways a cyber security attack can occur, and the techniques these cyber thieves undertake are getting more and more sophisticated. How do we stay safe?  

Well, the good news is that with a little bit of information, some employee training and the help of an IT Managed Services Provider, you can prevent this from happening to your business.

Here are a few steps you can take in case you find yourself in the middle of a cyber security attack and don’t have a tech team to help you out right away:

1. Close all windows and applications
2. Shut down the computer
3. If you are locked out of controlling your computer or the computer is frozen, turn the power to the computer off
4. Call your IT Managed Services Provider.

Join VysionTech and OSAE for a workshop to learn more about protecting your business against cyber security attacks. We’ll be at the Ohio Union at The Ohio State University from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on April 26 for this informative workshop. We look forward to seeing you there.