The COVID-19 pandemic brought unique challenges to the business world in 2020 and beyond. Most organizations have had to rethink how they do business, thanks to innovative IT solutions. Going into 2021, your business may have moved most of its services online. Unfortunately, upscaling your online presence may have increased data security threats. Here are some of the biggest data security threats to your business in 2021 and how you can use managed IT services to mitigate the risks.
Why You Need to Understand Data Security in 2021
As you continue to reap the benefits of innovative IT solutions, the security of data becomes one of your core competencies. Data security is also a compliance issue in the health sector according to HIPAA security policies. You, therefore, need to understand the threats around you and invest in the current safeguards to protect your data.
One of the best investments in cybersecurity is managed IT services. Managed services allow you to hire an expert to manage and protect your data. Whether you are a fully online business or have business interests in Arkansas, you can easily get IT solutions in Little Rock. IT services in Little Rock help protect your data from various data security threats that are becoming far too common.
6 Biggest Data Security Threats to your Business in 2021
Cloud Computing Threats
Advancement in information technology allows you to choose between storing data at your business premise or using cloud computing technologies. As you recover from the losses of 2020, you need an efficient but cost-saving computing technology. Cloud computing offers your business a competitive edge thanks to its cost-saving aspects and high-speed automatic software addition. However, cloud computing comes with its fair share of challenges including:
Data theft
A malicious actor or cloud computing service provider may aid in the theft of your data. To protect your data from theft, you need to be cautious when seeking IT services in Little Rock. Your managed IT service provider should be reliable to ensure sensitive data is not compromised.
Inability to monitor data movement
The complexity of cloud computing technologies may make it hard for you to manage the movement of your data. Your data may therefore be moved and misused by your competitors without your knowledge.
Unauthorized access
Unauthorized users can access even the most sensitive data such as patient information. If you are in the health sector, banking, or any business that holds sensitive data, confirm the regulatory compliance of your service provider before using their services.
AI-Powered Malware
Artificial intelligence (AI) And Machine Learning are must-haves for businesses in 2021. The application of artificial intelligence and machine learning has simplified business operations in almost every sector. AI devices are now used in security services, the banking sector, and even as diagnostic tools in hospitals. Artificial intelligence is also applied in cybersecurity to protect sensitive data.
Regrettably, cybercriminals are also advancing their malware to become more invasive and less detected by antimalware. AI-powered malware is, therefore, among the biggest data security threats to your business in 2021. Other than using AI to write undetectable malware, malware writers can also trick your AI security feature to flag genuine files as malicious or corrupted. The trick can lead to loss of data as you try to clean your system.
Endpoint Threats
Remote access to data is another big threat to your data. Endpoints are the access points to your information technology system. While all endpoint accesses are authorized, hackers may gain access to your system through one of the authorized users. Access is gained through mobile devices like smartphones and laptops but can also be done through any internet-enabled device.
Hackers in 2021 can use several methods to gain access to your endpoints and eventually into your business data. One of the most common ways of accessing the endpoints is through public Wi-Fi. As your employees work from home, some may use public Wi-Fi and expose themselves to hackers. Cybercriminals can also use shoulder surfing to record the keyboard movements of your workers and capture their login credentials.
Luckily, IT solutions in Little Rock can help you protect your endpoints. At the very least, ask your IT service provider to install a two-factor authentication feature. This alerts users every time their credentials are being used to log into the system. This permits users to prevent any unauthorized access in case their credentials are stolen.
Insider Threats
Data security threats from insiders have existed for years. Insider threats will increase in 2021 as competition stiffens and competitors seek to gain undue advantage. This means your staff could be among the greatest threats to your data in 2021.
Insiders can copy data and save it on their devices as they work remotely. To mitigate this threat, you can ask your managed IT service supplier to install specialized security features that capture the location and activities of a user. IT services in Little Rock have also advanced to allow you to manage restricted networks and devices.
Phishing Attacks
Phishing uses malware disguised as attractive links or images to launch attacks on your data. Phishing results in Account Take Over (ATO), ransomware, Business Email Compromise (BEC), and other threats to your data. The attacks are expected to increase in 2021 as the world continues to battle the pandemic. The technological advancement that allows internet access through mobile devices also increases the risk of phishing. Innovative IT solutions and staff training can protect your system from phishing.
New Threats
As innovative IT solutions and advancement continue to be a priority for many businesses, malware writers and phishers continue to advance their skills. Hackers and malware writers are likely to create new threats to your data in 2021. Stay proactive by employing current IT solutions in Little Rock.
Keep Your Information Safe
Using managed IT services can mitigate some of the most dangerous data security threats to your Business in 2021. Safeguard your data by contacting Scale Technology today or by giving us a call at 501-213-3298.
