Hacking and other attacks
A cyberattack is any deliberate attempt to disrupt, damage, or access a computer system without authorization. Hacking is a type of cyberattack that attempts to gain unauthorized access or control of a system.
Cyberattacks can have a number of consequences:
- Lost business opportunities
- Damage to a business' reputation
- Property damage or loss
- Theft of money or personal information
Cyberattacks generally work by exploiting features or vulnerabilities in a system. Additionally, attackers may use malware or try exploiting the people who use a system through social engineering.
A common type of cyberattack is a Distributed Denial of Service attack. (DDoS) A DDoS is an attempt to overwhelm a networked system with requests to see a web page or use a service. Too much online traffic, like a real traffic jam, will cause a system to slow down to the point of being unusable.
Here are some ways you can protect your business against cyberattacks:
- Keep your software and operating system up-to-date
- Observe basic security practices
- Comply with privacy regulations
- Fix common vulnerabilities
Sometimes it can be difficult to tell if your business has been attacked.
- What to do if your business is attacked
Learn what you can do if you believe your business is the victim of a cyber-crime.
