Penetration Testing

A cyber security threat is an act or event that could potentially jeopardise the security of an organisation’s computer systems and data. These range from the human-based lone-wolf style individual hackers and rogue nation-states to automated bugs and bots that run rampant across cyberspace looking for vulnerabilities. Networks, applications and human error are common entry points for cyber threats.

The annual cost of global cybercrime is estimated to exceed 6 trillion dollars globally in 2022, with a cyber attack occurring every 11 seconds (SumoLogic). The growing sophistication and variety of cyberattacks continue to evolve and accelerate rapidly. The ever-increasing number of network entry points and our growing reliance on the internet for everyday tasks only increase the level of threats. Even a minimal cyber breach can cripple a business costing time, money, reputation and your invaluable data.

Some common types of cyber threats we see wreak havoc on organisations include:

• Phishing attacks use fraudulent emails, text messages, instant messages and websites to steal personal information from users, such as passwords, bank account details, and credit card numbers.
• Malware is software designed to damage or disable computers and computer systems, often to hold your systems and data for ransom. Attackers install it on a device through covert methods or encourage someone to click on a phishing email link to initiate malware installation inside your organisation.
• Denial of Service (DoS) makes a device or network unavailable to users by flooding the target with so much traffic it crashes.
• Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attacks leverage a middle man to intercept information between two devices to read or modify information sent over the network.
• Brute force attacks gain unauthorised access to a computer or other electronic device. The attacker tries many passwords or passphrases to get the correct answer to force their way into your systems.
• Zero-day exploits leverage unknown vulnerabilities in software or hardware. Attackers discover these vulnerabilities and exploit them before the software developers become aware of them and fix them.

Like most threats, prevention is better (and a lot more affordable) than the cure, and fortunately, there are numerous ways to prevent malicious attacks on your organisation’s systems. 

Encouraging staff awareness of cyber security best practices and following the Essential eight guidelines provided by the AASD and ACSC can prevent an estimated 85% of breaches.

Utilising professional cyber security solutions, including firewalls, anti-virus and malware software, and repeated end-user training can ensure you are protected from all forms of cyber attack.