Methods to evade the authentication of computer systems are causing the number of cyberattacks on companies to skyrocket.
Advanced methods to evade authentication or encryption of computer systems and devices are driving up the number of cyberattacks on businesses.
Backdoor intrusions are already the most common threats today.
This is a cyberattack method that invades companies through non-strategic systems or devices to then improperly enter critical systems.
It is often not easily identified and exposes the company to numerous vulnerabilities that can put the business at risk.
Entry occurs from open ports, which can even be those of communication systems that are routinely used by authorized technicians and developers to fix network or configuration problems of companies.
In practice, the attack via backdoors is successful when it manages to deceive protection devices, becoming a real threat to business security.
Attacks with these characteristics are often even more worrisome than other intrusions, as they occur through a gateway that is little known.
They are designed to allow access for system administrators, maintenance technicians, and developers. Generally, backdoors are not documented in the digital governance structure of companies and, therefore, the detection of problems through these inputs becomes even more complex.
When accessed by hackers, these ports leave companies fully exposed, with the attacker being able to traffic through all of their systems.
With the authority of administrator, cybercriminals change systems, change passwords, and are able to do whatever they want within the digital environment of companies.
According to the IBM Security X-Force Threat Intelligence Index, deployment of backdoors in corporate networks accounted for nearly a quarter of all cyber incidents recorded last year.
The hacker enters the companies’ network silently and, after passing through the blocking systems and analyzing the internal possibilities, the attack and even the hijacking of data begins.
Most of the motivations are of a financial nature, since ransoms are requested for the return of information and reestablishment of systems.
To mitigate the risks, it is recommended that companies adopt some guardrails:
Use protection technologies – It is critical to adopt EndPoint protection solutions to increase companies’ electronic barriers and improve digital security. EndPoint protection systems can detect, analyze, and protect equipment and workloads from viruses, spyware, phishing attempts, and malware using combined capabilities. In addition, they can detect an intrusion by measuring the movement of the network, an application, or even the excessive and unusual use of a peripheral, for example.
Implement a password manager – Implementing a management system is important to ensure double verification in the case of a new user and to ensure stronger passwords with encrypted data. As a result, it is more difficult for cybercriminals to gain access.
Take care of and keep track of downloads – Employees and vendors should be trained to identify threats, carefully check senders, and not click on websites or executable programs (.exe) and links that put their businesses at risk. Downloads should be avoided or even restricted by technical staff with the help of security programs.
Control who accesses your network and how – It is possible to implement solutions that, through pre-stipulated rules, control access to the company’s network based on the IP and geolocation of the devices. This way, there is more visibility into who is accessing the information, mitigating risks. In addition, it is important to adopt DNS (Domain Name System) filtering, blocking malicious websites and filtering out dangerous or inappropriate content to keep company data safe.
Use sandbox – A sandbox is an execution environment isolated from the company’s network, which allows you to run suspicious software or code in a secure way. This is an important trick for companies to protect themselves, since suspicious content is now made separately from the operating system. The sandbox also supports monitoring and control by helping to detect malicious behavior or suspicious activity, such as attempts to communicate with remote servers.
Install a powerful next-generation firewall – Next Generation Firewall solutions are able to monitor incoming and outgoing network traffic, measure system performance, block specific traffic, and automatically restrict access based on a predefined set of rules. Firewalls put a barrier between external environments and company structures, making their internal networks and systems even more protected.
Continuously prevent intruders – Invest in an Intrusion Prevention System to monitor network activity and even movements that may be malicious. These systems offer additional protection against cybercriminals.
Install Antimalware Systems – Antimalware systems are programs designed to protect computers and systems end-to-end, allowing the environment to remain secure. They are capable of detecting malicious code distributed through emails, URLs, FTP file sharing, and other means.
Keep versions and updates up to date – Keeping operating systems and applications up-to-date at all times reduces risk, as new versions always bring additional features. There are a plethora of vulnerabilities that a hacker can exploit by joining backdoors through non-up-to-date systems and applications.
Maintain a Disaster & Recovery Plan – In cases of cyberattacks, it is necessary to put in place the plan that involves a series of integrated procedures and policies to recover the invaded environment. This allows you to minimize the data caused, restore the affected systems, and resume operations quickly.
It is always worth taking a strategic look at the digital security of companies. If good practices are neglected, cybercriminals can take control and put the company’s digital security at risk.
The protection journey is long and involves several fronts, but certainly no one doubts that prevention is still the best alternative to mitigate cyberattacks.
With more than 5,000 clients, Blockbit is one of the leading manufacturers of cybersecurity solutions, empowering businesses to protect themselves against a wide range of threats, vulnerabilities, and cyberattacks, whether internal or external, generic or specific.